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This is a question that I get asked all the time by my brides because, let’s face it, shopping for a wedding dress isn’t something that you do every day. Below are my top wedding dress shopping tips from what to wear to your wedding dress appointment and what to bring with you to how to prepare for your wedding dress shopping appointment.
Wedding Dress Shopping Tips #1 - What underwear to wear to your wedding dress appointment?
So let’s start with the basics… the majority of wedding dresses that you’re going to try on will be ivory, or white, or a subtle blush/champagne tone so if you rock up to your wedding dress appointment in pink stripy knickers, the chances are your going to see them through the dress. And trust me when I say, it’s the only thing that you’ll see. You’d be amazed at how many brides and their Mum/sister/best friend, (whoever you decide to bring with you to your appointment) will get distracted and only focus on being able to see your underwear through your dress. Think of it like wearing a pair of white jeans. It’s not going to matter how thick that denim is, you’ll still be able to see your bright or dark underwear through them.
So, just don’t do it. Pick a colour of underwear that is closest to your skin tone. A nude is going to be the best option, but like I say, make sure that it matches your skin tone as closely as possible.
With knickers it’s also often a good idea to go for a size up. Or just make sure that they’re not digging in. If you’re trying fitted wedding dresses on, you don’t want to be seeing your VPL because the only pair of nude knickers you’ve got in your draw are from 5 years ago. Go out, treat yourself, to a new pair of comfortable nude undies. You’ll thank me for this later…I promise!!
Next up bras. It’ll highly likely that you won’t be wearing a bra with your wedding dress. Yes, I hear you bigger busted ladies, even you. Most wedding dresses have the support in them, boning, cups etc to keep everything in place. Or, if they don’t we can build this in to them. I also have a fantastic selection of Secret Weapons to help keep everything in place or if you need an extra little lift and don’t want to wear a bra. From Kardashian style boob tape to cleavage Invisilifts and beyond.
However, having said all of that, if you’d rather wear a bra on your wedding day, and this would make you feel more comfortable on your big day then that’s totally fine. Just again, similar to your knickers, go nude, also consider where the back of your dress comes to and if you’ll be able to see your bra as we don’t want that. We can put bra hooks in your straps to make sure they don’t start falling down in the middle of your ceremony because we definitely don't want that. The most important thing to remember is to make sure you have your bra ready for your fittings. I've had to send girls away before because we can’t fit your dress without your underwear.
Wedding Dress Shopping Tips #2 - How to prepare for your wedding dress appointment.
This is one of my favourite bits… have a pamper morning. Use that exfoliator and the good shower gel. Dig out your body moisturiser that you always vow to use after every shower but never usually have time for. Or, even better, jump in the bath with those expensive bath oils that you got for Christmas but have been saving for a special occasion bath. Then once you’re feeling suitably pampered from the comfort of your own bathroom take you time to do your hair and makeup.
You’re probably thinking, well obviously I’m going to do my hair and makeup but take a bit of time to think about what you might opt for on your wedding day and go for a similar look. I’m no makeup artist or hair stylist either but if you’re going for a more natural look with your hair half up, half down then do something similar that morning. Or maybe you love a Smokey eye, a deep red lip or really want an intricate up do. Like I say, it doesn’t have to be perfect but come to your appointment with your hair up. If you have no idea and haven’t even considered your hair and makeup yet that’s fine too just get ready as if you’re going on a night out with the girls.
Why am I asking you to do this? You’ll be able to see YOUR dress much better if you do the prep before hand. You’ll be able to visualise what you’re going to look like on your wedding day and it’ll make deciding on your dress so much easier. We all know how it feels if you’ve just got a Zara order through and you put it on (over-excitedly) before you’ve even showered in the morning. How much better does it feel if you’ve done your hair etc, right?
However, a word of warning and a plea from me… PLEASE DO NOT FAKE TAN!!! You can do that if you want when the dress is yours but fake tan significantly damages ivory wedding dresses and it’s a nightmare to clean! So please leave that until your big day. Although I would still advise against it if you don’t want to ruin your dress.
Wedding Dress Shopping Tips #3 - What should I bring with me to my wedding dress appointment?
Apart from yourself, and a trusted advisor which might be Mum, sister or best-friend. Try keeping your guest list to a minimum as lots of people means lots of opinions that you don’t need, you can read more about that in my FAQs.
If you have a pair of shoes then brill, bring them with you, but don’t worry if you don’t have any as I have a selection of heels heights and sizes in the boutique that you can try on. Some brides find it helpful to bring along their favourite pair of heels as although these won’t be your wedding shoes they know that it’s the type of shoe/heel that they’re going to go for. If you think you might wear heels on your big day I always recommend trying your wedding dress with a heel as your posture will change once you have a shoe on.
Wedding Dress Shopping Tips #4 - Anything else I should know?
This one sounds a bit silly but try not to worry about your appointment, it’s fun honestly! I’m here, as the expert to answer all your queriers, make you feel comfortable and help you find your dream wedding dress. I promise we’ll have so much fun together in the boutique and it’s a much more relaxing experience than you’re worrying about.
Last, but certainly not least, come with an open mind. This is a great wedding dress shopping tip as have so many brides turn up with a set idea about what they want. Whilst some of them end up choosing that dress they’d always imagined themselves in, there are also plenty that find their dream wedding dress in something they had never imagined. You’ll know when it’s your one.
You have to pre-book your bridal appointment at Lavelle Bridal Couture as it’s a one-to-one experience of which I’ll be with you every step of the way. Booking your appointment is easy, just select a date and time that’s suitable for you and pop in your details.
I hope you've enjoyed reading through my top wedding dress shopping tips and that they make your bridal appointment run even smoother.
I can’t wait to welcome you in to the boutique to find your dream wedding dress.
See you soon!
Becky
xx
Images from Kayleigh Pope
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