5 Game-Changing Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping (Plus a Bonus Reminder You NEED to Hear)
Hey, gorgeous! Wedding dress shopping is basically the Super Bowl of wedding planning—and no pressure, but it’s your moment to shine. Whether you’re going for classic glam, boho vibes, or a jaw-dropping modern look, we’ve got your back with tips that will make this once-in-a-lifetime shopping trip stress-free and fun AF. Let’s dive in!
1. What You End Up Picking Isn’t Usually What You Had in Mind
Picture this: you’ve been Pinterest-boarding mermaid silhouettes for months. You’re convinced it’s THE look for you. But when you step into a ballgown? Game over. Turns out, what looks stunning in your head or online might not vibe. So, keep an open mind and trust the process—sometimes the dress chooses you, not the other way around.
Pro Tip: Try on a few wildcard styles! You might surprise yourself.
2. Don’t Stress About the Sizing
Real talk: wedding dress sizing is the opposite of everything you know. A size 8 in streetwear? It might be a 12 or 14 in bridal. And guess what? That’s totally normal. Sizing labels don’t define your beauty or your worth, babe. What matters is how you feel in the dress. Period.
Pro Tip: Focus on the fit, not the number. Your dream dress should make you feel like the main character you are.
3. Bring All Undergarments and Shoes to Give You the Full Picture
Your dress fitting won’t hit right if you’re rocking mismatched bras or barefooting it in the salon. Bring everything you plan to wear on your big day—from shapewear to those killer heels—so you can see the full effect. We know, it seems out of order but if you can at least grab a variety of shapewear to work with, you will thank yourself later. Especially if you really want to get the full picture of how it looks on!
Pro Tip: If you don’t have your exact shoes yet, bring a pair with the same heel height.
4. Be Selective About Who You Bring With You
This one’s crucial. A lot of us can relate to fitting room crying sessions. Protect your peace, manage your anxiety, and bring your hype squad who will truly support you. This does not need to be a spectator sport. Too many opinions = major overwhelm.
5. Your Wedding Dress WILL Need Alterations
Spoiler alert: Even if your dress fits like a glove off the rack, alterations are still part of the journey. Hemlines, straps, and waistlines usually need tweaking to give you that perfect, custom fit. Budget for this upfront so you’re not caught off guard later.
Pro Tip: Schedule your final fitting 4-6 weeks before your wedding for any last-minute tweaks.
Bonus Tip: Be Kind to Yourself
Shopping for your wedding dress should be a joyful experience, not a stress-fest. Go easy on yourself. Celebrate your body, your unique style, and this incredible milestone. You’re going to be a vision on your big day—trust us.
Final Thoughts
Wedding dress shopping is as much about the journey as it is about the dress. Remember to soak in the experience, trust your instincts, and stay true to your vibe. And hey, if you’re a DIY queen tackling other parts of your wedding, check out our Insta for all the tips, tricks, and inspiration you’ll need to plan your dream day like a pro.
Dress: Tamia from Studio Levana, purchased at LoveCurvy Bridal
Venue: The Steam Plant
Flowers: The Flowerman
Photographer: Chelsea Hall Photography
Dress: Spanx, Oyemwen
Venue: Dayton Arcade
Decor: Balloon Dog Events
Photographer: Sarah Babcock Photography
Dress: Vow'd
Venue: The Brightside
Floral: DIY
Photographer: Brit Jaye Photography
Dress: David's Bridal
Venue: Bel-Wood Country Club
Floral: DIY
Photographer: Kat Simons Photography