The thought of buying your wedding dress – it will either excite you with visions of bubbly, beautiful gowns and all your best girls, or it will fill you with dread, because there’s just so much pressure to get it right. That’s where this checklist comes in.
Make buying your wedding dress a breeze by considering these 16 things.
Have you…
Given yourself plenty of time?
Most dresses require a minimum of six months to be made to measure for you.
Let the boutique know what your budget is?
There’s no point falling for a £5,000 dress when you’ve got £2,000 to spend.
RELATED: 5 wedding dress shopping fails every bride should avoid.
Done your research about designers and brands?
This will help you to visit boutiques that stock the kind of dresses you love. Why not start with the stunning wedding dress collections we’ve rounded up for you?
Looked up sample sales and trunk shows?
If you’re dress shopping on a budget, these opportunities for discounts on bona fide bridal gowns are well worth your attention.
Asked whether alterations are included in the price and are available at the boutique?
This hidden cost catches a lot of brides out.
Considered all the colourways available?
White weddings may be traditional, but try ivory, blush or champagne for a softer look.
RELATED: A-Z of buying your wedding dress.
Tried on the boutique owner’s recommendation?
It might be a million miles from what you think you want, but just try it… you never know!
Worn a range of silhouettes to see what suits you best?
We’ve heard from enough brides who wanted fit and flare but fell in love with ballgowns to know that an open mind is essential!
Tried your dress on with a veil?
This accessory can really elevate your look and help you feel like a real bride.
Thought about the temperature on your wedding day?
Sleeves will keep the chill off at a winter wedding, while layer upon layer of tulle could see you sweltering on a hot summer’s day.
RELATED: 13 autumn wedding dresses you’ll want right now.
Received a second opinion from someone you trust?
Invite your mum, future mother-in-law, family or friends to each appointment to gauge their reactions too.
Taken the time to think it over and avoid an impulse buy?
Unless you’re at a sample sale or trunk show, there really is no pressure to make the purchase right then. Sleep on it – this will probably be the most expensive outfit you ever buy!
RELATED: How to choose the perfect wedding dress.
Tried on just the right number of dresses?
Too few might leave you wondering what if, but try too many and you’ll end up in a muddle.
Tried to walk and sit down in your dress?
What’s comfortable posing in front of a mirror might not feel so brilliant doing other things – check!
Asked how to adjust the dress during the day?
You might like to bustle up your train or remove a detachable over-skirt…
Checked whether payment plans are available?
Often, you’ll pay a deposit to secure your dress order and then pay the final balance later on.
Once you’ve checked off every element of the list, you’re in a good position to make a decision about buying your wedding dress. Want a little more advice? Take this list of 30 questions to ask your bridal boutique with you and leave no stone unturned.
