Sooo excited ... finally going dress shopping

[clgriffi7]

My suggestion is to first try on all shapes of wedding dresses (regardless of style) at the first shop.  You may think you want a certain style (say A-line with straps) but after trying on the different types realize that a completely opposite type flatters your figure best (say a strapless mermaid).  After you discover the best shape for your body, then you can better pick out which style of that shape you love. 

 

That was how I discovered that a A-line dress makes me look like I have huge hips and no boobs, and a sheath wedding dress makes me look like a boy because I don't have enough curves, while a mermaid hugs the right places to make it apparent that I am in fact a woman :-) 

 

My other suggestion is to get pictures of yourself (front and back) in each dress, and get the pictures of the contenders printed out.  It really helps you to pick between a few good choices when you can lay out phyiscal prints next to each other and compare.

 

You will have a great time!  And good luck finding your dream dress...

[DiamondGirl]

How exciting!! I agree with the others.... Don't obsess about finding the perfect dress because it will find you. Yes, you should definitely try on dresses that you never thought you'd ever wear. The dress may look hideous on the hanger but once it's on..... It can look fabulous! I do warn that this may not be the case with all of the dresses though. You should also take a pair of heels similar to the height that you'd wear on the day of the wedding. Good luck!! FYI: Try to have fun and enjoy the moment while trying on dresses

[AfricanVenus]

You'll have a great time. Like the others said, keep an open mind. Not to confuse yourself, but to know your options to best narrow them down. Even if you have something in mind, trust the consultants as well. They're experienced and may be able to pull some things you never thought of. You'll know the dress like how you knew your fiance was the one. It's just like that. You feel awesome in it and get all girly, lol. Enjoy your day!

[mochamakes3]

I overlooked something really important - bring along people that will tell you the truth. We all know that the sales woman wants to make the sale and will try to make you happy, but if you bring along someone that knows you well and will tell the truth you don't need to worry. And make sure they are a positive influence and know your vision.

[DiamondGirl]

FYI: Don't carry an entourage with you. People have different opinions and will just confuse you. You won't need to hear others say "that's the dress"!! Trust me... You'll know. If it WOWS you and you love it.... Then that's it!!

 

When I went dress shopping I took my two Matron of honors with me, that was it. Once i go for my 1st fitting, then I'll bring along my FMIL and my mom and other close family members that I'd like to share my moment with.

 

The reason I say this is because my best friends mom went shopping for her wedding dress and had an entourage with her. 12 girls total and too many opinions. The bride to be was confused and frustrated. She then went alone another time and found her dream dress. She later told my best friend and I that bringing an entourage was the biggest mistake she ever made.

[Aumuller]

I totally agree with this. Keep your entourage to 1 or 2 people. You have to remember a bunch of girls have totally different opinions on wedding dresses and may be biased based on the type of dress they want not the type of dress you want. You want to have a fun positive experience and having a bunch of people with conflicting opinions or having people tell you they don't like the dress you have fell in love with will ruin your experience.
 

Originally Posted by DiamondGirl 

FYI: Don't carry an entourage with you. People have different opinions and will just confuse you. You won't need to hear others say "that's the dress"!! Trust me... You'll know. If it WOWS you and you love it.... Then that's it!!

 

When I went dress shopping I took my two Matron of honors with me, that was it. Once i go for my 1st fitting, then I'll bring along my FMIL and my mom and other close family members that I'd like to share my moment with.

 

The reason I say this is because my best friends mom went shopping for her wedding dress and had an entourage with her. 12 girls total and too many opinions. The bride to be was confused and frustrated. She then went alone another time and found her dream dress. She later told my best friend and I that bringing an entourage was the biggest mistake she ever made.

[sxcT]

This is great advice.  Thanks girls.  I am going shopping next month - 1 year in advance.  I hope its not too soon.  I had originally planned on all the BMs coming and my mom but now its down to just my mom and my sis for the first time.  I plan on trying on different styles like you all suggested and then I can go from there. 

 

I am very happy for you Amanda.  Please post some pics once you find a few you like.  Enjoy!!!

[112233]

going to wedding dress shop is a direct  and effective way to finding ideal gown!

[Amanda+Dave]

 Tomorrow!!!!!!! So excited!!!

I hope I say yes to the dress...

Stay tuned ... there may be some pics coming soon!

[sxcT]

Woohoo so exciting.  Good Luck.  Hope you find the one!!

 

I am going 11/13 - almost 1 yr to the day of my wedding. 
 

Originally Posted by Amanda+Dave 

 Tomorrow!!!!!!! So excited!!!

I hope I say yes to the dress...

Stay tuned ... there may be some pics coming soon!