Best Wedding Dress Stores
Reduce your stress when shopping for a wedding dress by knowing the best stores with the perfect dress for your big day. It is a process that warrants plenty of consideration, but it should be fun, not stressful or dramatic the way it often is described. The best stores for wedding dresses have everything to do with your personal style and the aesthetics of your wedding. Here are some great ideas on how to find the best store for you and the best day of your life.
Planning and Ideas
Of course, it’s a great idea to do some research before you hit the stores. If you’re thinking about a traditional wedding, start with the well-known wedding magazines and websites. The wedding industry has provided plenty of reading materials for those aiming at something classic, so take advantage! Cut out or bookmark your favorite dresses. When you’ve dog-eared enough photographs to identify just what you want, make sure you know your budget and get ready to hit the stores.
Shopping Experience
Carole Hamilton, author of The Sublime Wedding, outlines the best London stores for wedding dress shopping. Although an American shopping experience is slightly different from those in the U.K., the general idea is the same. In whichever city you call home, there will be a great designer store and one that’s a little more bargain-friendly. Make sure you look at the selection in both before making a decision.
Fit & Alterations
Don’t be afraid to customize your wedding dress. If you have something perfect in mind, interview local dressmakers and designers for something distinctive. Stop in local boutiques and alterations stores and ask around. It’s always better to have something personalized. Everyone is different, and you want your wedding dress to fit you perfectly.
Trunk Shows
Consider attending a trunk show. Keep your eye out for advertisements as you begin to explore bridal stores. At a trunk show, you’ll be able to try on dresses from specific designers and score major discounts on high-end dresses. Sometimes, the best place to find designer dresses is when they come to you by the trunkful. You might need to do an alteration or two, so keep the final price in mind as you make your decision. Tempting as it might be, make sure you don’t sacrifice fit for finance just for the thrill of wearing couture.
Get Creative
If you’re an alternative dress-shopper or your wedding will be nontraditional, you’ll find yourself with a lot more freedom. Start by shopping at your favorite vintage and thrift stores. Don’t be afraid to tell the buyers that you’re looking for a dress for your wedding; many will happily keep an eye out for the dress of your dreams. If you have a flair for the dramatic, consider scoping out the costuming department of a local theater. Just do your research ahead of time and go in with a plan and you’re sure to walk down the aisle looking your very best!
