Happy 2023 Everyone!  As we move into a new year filled with possibilities we are going to share some tips and tricks along the way.  This week we are talking about wedding dress shopping....And NO, it's not like on Say Yes to the Dress.

Now that the time has finally come to start shopping for your dress, you want to make sure you find the perfect one. But with so many different styles, fabrics, and silhouette options out there, where do you even begin? Not to worry—we're here to help. Below is a rundown of what you can expect when shopping for your wedding dress, from finding the right salon to saying yes to the dress of your dreams.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment:

When it comes to finding a salon, it's important to do your research. Start by reading reviews online and asking friends or family members for recommendations. Most bridal salons require appointments for wedding dress shopping, so call ahead and schedule a time that works for you. When you arrive at the salon, you'll be greeted by a consultant who will ask you about your vision for your wedding day. Be as specific as possible in your answers; the more information the consultant has, the better they'll be able to help you find a dress that suits your style. 

Next, the consultant will likely ask about your budget. Don't be afraid to be upfront about how much you're willing to spend on your gown; most salons have a wide range of options to suit any budget. Once the consultant has a good understanding of what you're looking for, they'll pull a selection of dresses for you to try on. 

Here are some things to consider:

1. You'll Try on A Lot of Dresses

This is the fun part! The average bride tries on between 15-20 dresses before finding the one. With so many different styles, designers, and silhouettes available, it's important to try on a variety of dresses to ensure you find the perfect one for you. Don't get discouraged if you don't find the one right away; it takes most brides a little bit of time (and lots of dress fittings!) to find their dream gown.

2. Who will accompany you?

For most brides, wedding dress shopping is a group event. But remember that there are no rules when it comes to wedding dress shopping. If you want to bring your mom, sister, or best friend with you, go for it. But if you prefer to shop alone or with just your bridal consultant, that's OK too. The most important thing is that you find a dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful. 

3. You May Feel a Bit Overwhelmed

As we mentioned before, with so many choices available it's normal to feel overwhelmed when wedding dress shopping. The best way to combat this is by doing your research ahead of time and having an idea of the style of dress you're looking for. This will help you narrow down your search and make the process less daunting. Trust us, once you find the perfect dress you'll know it!  

Choosing the Right Dress 

As you start trying on dresses, it's important to keep an open mind. You may think you want a certain style of gown only to find that something completely different looks best on you. Trust your consultant's opinion and take their suggestions into consideration; after all, they know what looks good on different body types. With so many gorgeous gowns to choose from, it can be tough to pick just one. But don't worry—you'll know when you've found THE ONE. Pay attention to how you feel when trying on different dresses. Do you feel like a princess in one particular dress? Do you love the way it looks but not necessarily how it feels? Or do you feel completely comfortable and confident in a certain style? You want to feel beautiful on your wedding day, but also comfortable enough to dance the night away. Once you've found a dress that ticks all three boxes, chances are it's THE ONE. 

You'll need to allow ample time for alterations. Once you've found THE dress, it's not quite time to relax just yet. Most brides need to schedule several fittings in order for their gown to fit perfectly. Alterations usually take 4-6 weeks, so be sure to factor that into your timeline.  

Shopping for your wedding dress should be an enjoyable experience—after all, it's not every day that you get to wear a beautiful white gown! Follow the tips above and trust your gut. Soon enough, you'll be walking down the aisle in the dress of your dreams! Congratulations and happy shopping!