Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping

In-person wedding dress shopping is an experience filled with anticipation and joy. Whether you envision a whimsical bohemian gown or a classic silhouette, finding the perfect dress is a momentous occasion. With expert guidance and thoughtful preparation, Anthropologie Weddings offers invaluable tips to ensure that every bride-to-be embarks on this adventure with confidence.
Wedding dresses

What to Wear Wedding Dress Shopping

When choosing an outfit for wedding dress shopping, comfort and confidence are paramount. Opting for attire that reflects personal style while allowing freedom of movement is essential. For those leaning toward traditional bridal aesthetics, a classic little white dress exudes bridal charm and sets a celebratory tone for the occasion. Alternatively, white denim paired with a blouse offers a chic and versatile option, allowing for easy mix-and-match styling while maintaining a sense of elegance. It's important to remember that the bride doesn't have to wear white; some brides may prefer to wear colors or styles that resonate with their individual tastes and personalities. Ultimately, the key is to wear something that makes you feel beautiful, empowered, and ready to say "yes" to the dress of your dreams.
White outfits

What Undergarments to Wear Wedding Dress Shopping

Choosing the right undergarments is crucial for a successful wedding dress shopping experience, ensuring that the bride feels comfortable and confident while trying on different styles. Consider wearing shapewear to smooth and sculpt the silhouette, providing a flattering foundation for the dress. For dresses with plunging necklines or intricate back details, opt for backless and strapless bras to maintain support without visible straps. Additionally, seamless panties can help achieve a smooth look under the dress. However, the most important aspect is for you to wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable and confident.

Accessories

What to Bring Wedding Dress Shopping

When preparing for wedding dress shopping, it's essential to bring along a few key items to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. First and foremost, bring any wedding jewelry pieces you plan to wear, allowing you to see how they complement different dress styles. Additionally, consider bringing bridal shoes with a similar heel height to what you envision wearing, as this can affect the overall look and feel of the dress. Bringing along inspiration photos of dresses you like can provide valuable guidance to the stylist and help narrow down the selection. It’s also helpful to have a wedding dress fabric guide on hand to familiarize yourself with the various fabric options available and make informed decisions during the selection process.

When to Go Wedding Dress Shopping

Embarking on the wedding dress shopping journey requires careful planning and consideration, especially regarding timing. It's advisable to start shopping for your wedding dress approximately 9 to 12 months before your wedding date. This timeframe allows ample opportunity to explore different styles, visit multiple boutiques, and ensure that the chosen dress arrives in time for alterations. Book an appointment at the boutique to guarantee personalized attention from experienced stylists and ensure you have access to a wide selection of dresses to try on.

Who to Bring Wedding Dress Shopping

Choosing who accompanies the bride for wedding dress shopping is a deeply personal decision, as it involves selecting individuals who will provide support, encouragement, and honest feedback throughout the process. Typically, this includes close family members such as your mother, grandmothers, and sisters, as well as members of the bridal party who hold a special place in your heart. These trusted individuals play a vital role in creating a supportive and uplifting atmosphere, ensuring you feel confident and cherished while trying on dresses. However, it's important to be mindful of the capacity of the bridal boutiques, as some may have limitations on the number of guests allowed during appointments. Prior to scheduling appointments, it's advisable to inquire about any restrictions to ensure that everyone you wish to include can attend.

Does the Mother-in-Law Go Wedding Dress Shopping?

If you share a close bond with your future mother-in-law, inviting her to join wedding dress shopping can be a wonderful way to strengthen your relationship and create cherished memories together. Remember that this decision is entirely up to you, and you should feel comfortable with your choice. If you wish to include your future mother-in-law, you can also consider inviting her to shop for mother of the bride and groom dresses, making her feel special and valued in the wedding planning process.
Potential Mother-in-law dresses

Does the Father of the Bride Go Wedding Dress Shopping?

If you desire your father's presence for emotional support during wedding dress shopping, you can certainly invite him along to share in the experience. While some brides choose to keep their wedding dress a secret from their fathers until the big day, others opt to involve them in the process by showing them the dress beforehand if they wish. Ultimately, the decision rests with you, and you should do what feels most meaningful and comfortable for you and your father.

What to Expect While Wedding Dress Shopping

When wedding dress shopping, brides can anticipate a personalized and memorable day guided by experienced bridal consultants. Typically, you will have the opportunity to try on several dresses during your appointment, with boutiques pulling options based on your preferences, style, and vision for your big day. Bridal consultants will assist in selecting dresses that match your desired silhouette, fabric, and embellishments, ensuring that each gown aligns with your unique tastes and flatters your figure. Throughout the process, consultants provide valuable insights and support, helping you navigate the selection and offering expert advice to help you find the ideal dress.

Shop for your dream wedding dress at Anthropologie Weddings and begin your journey to bridal bliss today.