Picking a wedding dress can be exciting yet challenging. There are so many things to consider before making the final choice, such as the fit, fabric, and price. But the effort is worth the while. After all, the wedding is the most special event of one’s life. Those who have no experience shopping for a wedding dress can try a few tips to make the experience a little less stressful and more fun.

1. Remember the theme
An important thing to consider when choosing a wedding dress is the theme and venue of the wedding. One may decide to exchange vows in a ballroom, a beachside resort, a rustic barn, or another place of their liking. Regardless, the wedding dress must align with the location and theme. For instance, those marrying in a ballroom may choose a ball gown-style dress for a more traditional, classic look. The formality level of the ceremony and the traditions that would be followed are a few other factors that should influence one’s choice when checking fabrics, embellishments, and dress styles.

2. Consider the weather
The weather is a key factor that should influence one’s decision when picking a dress for the grand day. So, once the location and the date have been finalized, one must try to find out what the weather will be like. While this step may seem unnecessary, it helps the bride pick the right outfit. It’s important to determine the chances of rain or snow. If the wedding is scheduled to be held outdoors and the chances of a downpour are high, one should pick a dress that will not be completely ruined. Similarly, if the weather around that time is going to be cold, it’s best to pick a warmer fabric to stay comfortable. One does not have to precisely predict the weather; a rough estimate is enough to make a better choice.

3. Don’t forget to research
Before heading to a boutique, it’s important to research the wedding dress types and styles. One can browse magazines, look at pictures online, or simply check out adverts. Going into the bridal boutique appointment well-prepared can help one narrow their options quickly. If required, one can even carry a picture of their desired dress. Doing so will help the boutique staff display the right options and discuss the complete look with the bride. If the boutique does not have what a customer wants, a picture can also help them know the kind of dress they need to source for the client’s next appointment.

Besides ready-made dresses, one can check if the boutique has custom-made gowns. If so, one can request that the gown be customized to align with the theme. If nothing catches the eye, one can check out the collection elsewhere.

4. Consider comfort
Since the bride would be spending several hours in the dress, it’s important not to sacrifice comfort for style. Choosing an uncomfortable dress can cause the bride to be restless and ruin their special day. An effective way to ensure the dress is comfortable is to spend time trying it on . One should check how the dress feels and opt for soft over stiff fabrics. The length and weight of the dress should also be considered, as it can impact one’s ability to use the restroom. Remember, a dress that looks elegant can still be comfortable.

5. Check movement
Wedding dresses should look petty, but they also need to allow movement. The dress should be flexible enough for the bride to dance and even eat, talk, sit, and laugh comfortably. It should also be comfortable enough to walk around and climb stairs. Simply put, the dress shouldn’t feel restricting. One shouldn’t just check how the dress looks when standing. Instead, one should sit down, crouch, move around, and check how much freedom it provides. Twirling around and trying some dance floor shapes can help determine for sure if a particular dress is a winner.

6. Bring along the right companion
Getting someone along to shop for a dress can be useful. The person one picks should have good judgment and be able to speak their mind. It’s best to avoid bringing someone who will be overly critical of the wearer’s choices. The people being brought along for the wedding dress hunt should also have an eye for fashion. A little support can go a long way in picking the perfect dress.

7. Set a budget
Setting a budget is a critical step in the wedding dress shopping process. The budget should account for the dress itself and required alterations, if any. One should set a fair limit that’s sufficient to get a nice dress without burning a hole in the pocket. After all, one would also need to set aside money for other expenses, such as the cake, decoration, and catering. One would also need to account for accessories and shoes. A wedding dress from a known label can cost anywhere upward of R$ 3.500, including alterations. One should always remember the dress budget and not be carried away with the options available.