Your wedding dress is one of the most important purchases you’ll make for your big day. Finding “the one” can feel exhilarating yet stressful all at once. With so many options, where do you even start?

Use these tips to make wedding dress shopping a fun experience while staying on budget:

Set Your Wedding Dress Budget

Before setting foot in a bridal salon, establish your wedding dress budget. Wedding gowns can range dramatically in price from $500 to over $10,000. Consider what you can reasonably afford to spend without going into debt. Here are some tips:

• Talk to married friends about what they spent. Ask for their advice on setting a realistic budget. Get an idea of what they wish they had known going into the process.
• Check pricing online at bridal retailers like David’s Bridal, BHLDN, and boutique salons in your area. Look at the price ranges for different designers to gauge where dress costs typically fall.
• Factor in more expenses beyond just the dress itself. Budget for alterations, undergarments, headpiece or veil, preservation after the wedding, sales tax, etc.
• For maximum savings, look into purchasing a previously worn secondhand or sample dress. Sites like StillWhite, Nearly Newlywed, PreOwnedWeddingDresses are great resources.
• If financially possible, allocate 10-15% of your overall wedding budget to the dress itself. But be sure to set a maximum cap for yourself.

Setting clear expectations around budget prevents “sticker shock” during appointments. Know your price limit before falling in love with a designer gown you can’t afford! Come armed with a budget range in mind.

Research Styles and Designers You Love

Once engaged, start researching bridal salons and wedding dress designers/styles you love right away. Here are some things to research:

• Look at recent bridal fashion week footage online to get a sense of new trends and silhouettes.
• Follow bridal Instagram accounts like @theknot and @brides to see real wedding inspiration.
• Create a Pinterest board with wedding dresses you like. It will help narrow down your style.

• Read online guides outlining the differences between designers. Learn their signature looks and price points.
• Watch YouTube reviews from brides on specific designers and dress shopping experiences.
• Ask recently married friends about their dress designer, pros/cons.

Having a solid sense of dresses and designers you like will help once you start trying on gowns. Bring inspiration photos to appointments to show consultants your style.

Schedule Appointments Early

Depending on the time of year and popularity of salons in your area, you may need to book appointments 6-12 months in advance. Here’s a general timeline:

• 12+ months: Start booking if you want a custom gown or are purchasing from a high-end designer. These dresses often take 6+ months to be ordered and shipped.
• 9-11 months: Call salons to make appointments. Give yourself time to find the dress and order it.
• 6-8 months: Finalize dress purchase once you find “the one”.

Popular salons and designers book up quickly on weekends. Have some flexibility with weekdays if possible. Allot 1-3 months for alterations after purchasing your gown. Don’t wait until the last minute to start dress shopping!

Research Bridal Salons in Your Area

Search online reviews, forums like WeddingWire, and bridal blogs for recommendations to discover the best salons in your area. Look at real brides’ photos and dresses carried at each location. Consider:

• Pricing – Do they sell dresses in your budget range? Ask if they carry top designers to discount lines.
• Sizing – Do they carry all sizes from 0 to 30+ to fit all brides’ needs?
• Stock – Note which designers they carry, especially any exclusives.

• Appointments – Understand their booking policies and how far in advance you should call.
• Alterations – Some salons include alterations, which saves money.

For unique boutique finds, research small specialty bridal salons beyond big chains. Many carry one-of-a-kind gowns often for lower prices than massive stores. Also check sample sale listings.

Make a Short List of Salons

Once your research on area bridal salons is complete, make a short list of your top 3-5 locations to visit. We suggest:

• A few big national chains like David’s Bridal to try on a wide variety.
• Smaller local boutiques for a more tailored experience. Ask friends in the area for recs!
• Any salons that carry designers you love or styles you’re keen on.
• If you have a larger budget, add high-end salons with luxury designers.

Cast a wide initial net with different shops. You want a variety of price points, sizes, and styles. Then narrow down once you visit.

What to Ask When Booking Appointments

Call your short list of salons to book appointments. Ask the following questions:

• What is their bridal appointment process and policies? How long do appointments typically take?
• Do they have recommendations on specific designers, dresses, or styles based on your wedding vision? Get their expert input.
• Are there date limitations? Fridays and Saturdays often book up far in advance.

• What is their alterations process if you purchase a dress? Do they have an in-house seamstress?
• What are their policies if you find “the one” – is a deposit required? When will the dress arrive?

Get all logistics and timelines confirmed before your visit. Feel free to ask any other questions on your mind!

Who to Bring Along

Only bring 1-2 people whose opinions you truly trust. Any more than that can make appointments feel chaotic. We suggest:

• Your mom, if you have a good relationship. She’ll be thrilled and offer wise feedback.
• Your maid of honor or sister. Rely on their judge of what looks best.
• A stylish best friend who knows your taste and will give honest feedback.

If you don’t want opinions, just bring your partner or go solo. Share photos with friends and family afterward if you want input later.

What to Bring to Appointments

Mark your dress appointments in your calendar. To make the most of your time, come prepared with:

• Undergarments – Bring nude seamless underwear, strapless and regular bra options. No lines!
• Shoes – Heels (3-4″ high) will give you the real feel of wearing a long dress. Bring different heel heights.
• Jewelry – Small earrings and necklaces you may wear (or your jewelry style).
• Hair products – Bring clips, ties, headband to style your hair if needed.
• Style ideas – Any inspiration pics, fabric swatches, or even just descriptive adjectives.
• Open mind – Pictures don’t always translate to real life. Try a variety even if unsure.

Let consultants know your budget before trying on gowns. This saves everyone’s time.

During Your Appointment

To have the best experience during dress appointments:

• Communicate your style, vision, and budget. But stay open-minded.
• Assign one person to handle photos/videos to review later.
• Get creative combining separates like skirts/tops if you can’t find one dress.
• Always wear proper undergarments, even for quick try-ons.
• Walk around in dresses and sit down. Make sure you can move comfortably.
• Envision the full look – updo, veil, flowers, shoes. How do you feel? Confident? Like a bride?

Trying on dresses should be fun! Don’t feel pressured into “the one” too quickly.

Choosing Your Silhouette and Neckline

As you try on different gowns, note what styles and silhouettes you feel most confident and comfortable in. Consider:

Silhouette Guide:

• A-line – Universally flattering fit and flare style, nips waist.
• Ballgown – Full dramatic skirt, excellent for fairy tale weddings.
• Mermaid – Fitted through hips and flares below knees, accentuates curves.

• Sheath – Slim straight shape, buttoned or zippered fastening.
• Trumpet – Fits close and flares below hips, similar to mermaid style.
• Slip dress – Column gown, flowing and figure hugging.

Neckline Guide:

• Off-the-shoulder – Romantic and on trend, shows collarbone.
• Strapless – Classic and elegant, perfect for ballgowns.
• Sweetheart – Heart shaped bust, playful yet refined.
• V-neck – Draws the eye up, looks great on all body types.
• High neck – Sophisticated and modest, either completely covered or illusion top.

Focus first on finding a flattering silhouette with a neckline you adore. Other elements can be customized.

Choosing Your Fabrics and Embellishments

Beyond silhouette and neckline, pay attention to wedding dress fabrics and embellishments that appeal to you. Considerations:

Wedding Dress Fabrics

• Satin – Smooth with elegant sheen, perfect for ballgowns.
• Lace – Romantic and classic, especially as overlays on skirts.
• Tulle – Adds fullness and dimension when layered, sheer.
• Chiffon – Lightweight for beach weddings, floaty skirts.

• Crepe – Sophisticated with beautiful drape and flow.
• Georgette – Silkier finish and softer drape than chiffon.

Embellishment Guide

• Beading – Can be minimal accent or full-on embellished, sparkly and glam.
• Ruching – Gathered overlapping fabric, figures slimming.
• Ruffles – Flouncy layered fabric, ultra feminine vibe.
• Bows – Playful accent for modern bride.
• Sequins – Glitzy and eye-catching.
• Cut outs – Peek-a-boo back, shoulder, or waist cut outs, sultry touch.

Seasonal Considerations

• Lighter fabrics like chiffon and crepe suit warm weather weddings.
• Avoid satin, tulle ballgowns in hot, humid climates. Sweat!
• Mermaid styles work year-round. Easier to move than a full ballgown.
• Cities like Los Angeles, Miami, or beach weddings call for lighter fabrics.

Accessories to Complete Your Bridal Look

Once you find the dress, pull together remaining accessories:

Headpiece Guide

• Veil – varies from elbow to cathedral length. Consider lace edged or beaded trim.
• Floral crown – fresh flowers or realistic fabric blooms.
• Headband – embellished with pearls, crystals, feathers. Delicate accent.
• Juliet cap – crocheted closure with bridal illusion tulle.

Shoe Guide

• White or metallic pumps – goes with any gown style.
• Embellished heels – sparkly ankle strap heels are on trend.
• Satin sandals – for beach or summer brides.
• Blue sole – your “something blue”!

Lingerie Guide

Strapless bra, spanx, corset/bustier, garter belt. Seamless underwear if lines will show through dress.

Jewelry Guide

Bridal earrings, bracelet, hair pins, necklace. Get creative and borrow gems from relatives for your “something old”.

Do You Need More Than One Dress?

Some brides opt for a separate ceremony versus reception dress to get more wear out of their looks. Tips:

• Choose a slimmer ceremony dress then change into a fuller ballgown for dancing at reception.
• Wear a shorter or low-back dress for the reception.
• Have a second dress 10-20% of budget to avoid going overboard.
• Find a reception dress on sale or secondhand since it gets less wear.
• Don’t feel the need to change just because it’s trendy. One amazing dress is fine!

If you can afford it, a second dress means more photos and wedding look options. But there are no rules saying you must have two gowns! One may suit you perfectly.

Preserve Your Wedding Gown

After your big day, be sure to properly preserve your gown. Recommendations:

• Have your dress professionally cleaned to remove stains from dirt, sweat, champagne, etc.
• Don’t store in a plastic bag or trunk long term. Use an archival box and acid free tissue.
• Keep stored in a cool, dry place away from humidity, heat, and direct sunlight.
• Consider hiring a wedding gown preservation service that cleans, presses, and boxes up your dress.

Your dress is an heirloom! Properly caring for it will ensure it stays in pristine condition so you can one day pass down to future children or relatives.

Don’t Forget Budget for Alterations

Most brides will need alterations to ensure a perfect fit. Make sure to account for:

• Taking in or letting out according to measurements.
• Adjusting bust, waist, hips, and sleeves as needed.
• Hemming – getting the perfect length.
• Adding cups or boning for support.
• Bustling for easy movement.

Work with an experienced bridal seamstress for the best results. Expect to pay $100-500+ depending on complexity. Build this into your budget!

Conclusion

Finding your dream wedding dress takes savvy research, planning, patience and an open mindset. Use these tips to enjoy the process and stay on budget. Browse different designers and silhouettes until you find “the one!” Go into appointments with an open heart. Stay focused on how a dress makes you feel – the rest will fall into place. Your perfect gown is out there waiting – go embrace the journey.

We’d love to hear your own wedding dress shopping tips and experience! Share your story in the comments below.