How to Shop For (And Say Yes!!) to Your Dream Stella York Wedding Dress At Wedding Belles Love
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Each and every bride knows, wedding dress shopping can be slightly overwhelming. The dress, and how you feel in it, is one of the most memorable parts of planning a wedding. Your gown will set the tone for the wedding theme and all of the details that follow, whether you’re planning a luxe ballroom gala or a backyard barbecue. It’s often referred to as the most important outfit of your life, but you’ll only be able to wear it once. Oh, and to top it all off, it’s definitely going to be the most expensive garment you’ll ever wear. So, no pressure, right?
How to Shop for a Wedding Dress?
Whether you’re shopping frugally for a sexy fit-and-flare or going all out on an extravagant ballgown our top tips will help every bride sort through the thousands of options, designers and styles so you can confidently say “YES” to your dream wedding dress!
PHOTO OF LUCY
Find Your Inspiration
Before you start scheduling bridal shop appointments or gathering your entourage, take some time to yourself to research current wedding dress styles and trends and take note of what you like. Check out Pinterest boards bridal boutiques and designers’ Instagram's and even your favorite celebrity wedding gowns. Seeing a trend within the ones you love? Whether it’s a halter neckline or tiered tulle that makes you swoon, keep these similarities in mind as you prepare for your first appointment.
Confirm Your Budget
We get it. Money isn’t the most comfortable topic to talk about, but you’re going to have to figure out who is paying for the dress and how it will affect your overall wedding budget. If your parents are paying for the dress, hash out that conversation beforehand so you don’t end up trying on gowns out of your price range. Brides reports that couples usually spend about 5% of the budget on their attire, so if you’re fronting the cost of the gown, pick a price range together.
Timing is Everything
Plan your appointments with enough time to order and complete alterations. It takes roughly four to eight months to create your wedding dress, so we recommend starting dress shopping at least 10 months prior to your wedding date. Place your order at least 7 months prior to ensure the dress comes in time to be altered. Don’t jump the gun on shopping too early or you could risk finding something you love even more, closer to your wedding day.
See a full 12 month wedding dress timeline here!
Ready To Make Your Appointment?
At Wedding Belles Love we pride ourselves in being very open and approachable, check out our reviews on social media whilst you there look at our feed and you can an inside look of our boutique as well as meeting us on reels and Tiktok, this will give you an idea of the experience you will receive when you are wedding dress shopping with us.
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We are main stockist of the designer Stella York. You can call us for a chat for your appointment and we can book you in over the phone, or click the link to book in online
All our appointments are always private, you have the whole suite to yourself to share with your entourage, this is perfect way to make memories together. If possible wear nude underwear, our dresses have built in bras, so you don't need to worry about bra straps on show.
no need to worry about heels, we understand that each bride is individual and sometimes haven't thought about footwear at the dress shopping stage, our brides where anything from flipflops, trainers or killer heels. That choice is completely yours.
Who to Bring
Lets talk about your entourage, who do you want to bring to your appointment? This is your time the day you have have being planning since the proposal, think of the people whos opinions matter the most, these are your nearest and dearest to you, This is your time, so its not the time to try and reconnect with an old frenemy; even if you and a close family member that you tend to butt heads with, consider going without them. Don’t let anyone else ruin it. We recommend a maximum of 3 people (and make sure those attendees have your best interest and feelings in mind.)
Keep An Open Mind
It’s so important to keep an open mind while dress shopping! We will listen throughout your appointment and will be very mindful of your likes and dislikes, then throw in some extra dresses as we know what stock we have, the more you talk to us, we will get to know your personality and what you are loving. We will also pull a couple of extra dresses to you Sometimes, these end up being the best option! Our Bridal Consultants often say that some gowns look completely different on a person than they do on a hanger, so keep an open and try some wild cards before you make the final decision. We also ask your entourage a pick a wedding dress as well, its time to involve everyone, you never know who is going to pick your dream dress.
Sizing
Wedding dress sizes are completely different to high street sizes. We will take your measurements and follow the charts and talk to you about your size options. With our in house seamstress, we will ensure your wedding gown fits perfectly on your big day!
Consider Comfort
We understand you want to look good on your big day, but also bare in mind that you’ll want to feel your best too, you don't want to feel like you need to change your dress in the evening, you want to show your dress to every guest at your wedding. So we will try on a variety of fabrics and styles then decide which feels right. If you’re planning mid-summer nuptials in Cancun, you’ll probably want to find a wedding dress that is more breezy to keep you cool, steer clear from long sleeves that could make you sweat. If you are going to dance the night away? Choose straps that will keep your gown in place. Thinking about these little details ahead of time will help you avoid any regrets on the big day. Don't worry to much these are all conversations we have with you whilst you are in your appointment with us.
Say Yes!
Within your price range? (We ask this prior to your appointment so we know not to go over)
Do you look good in every angle? ( OH YES!!!!!)
Are you going to be comfortable enough to wear your dress for 12 hours? ( Yes I can)
Okay – Now you’re ready to say yes! When you’ve truly found “the one,” you will know. Don’t second guess your own opinion or let anyone else tell you to keep looking. You can confide closely with your consultant as their top priority is to help you find the dream dress.
Finishing Touches
Now it's time for the fun to begin. t’s time to start thinking about the finishing touches that will complete your bridal vision. Are you going to wear a veil? or opt for a flower crown? Will you accessorises with pearl earrings or a simple silver cuff? Select your shoes, hair and makeup at least 2-3 months before the big day so you’re completely set for the week of the wedding.
Plan Fittings
Plan your first fitting about two months prior to your wedding day, we will schedule with your alterations appointment if you choose to use our inhouse seamstresses specialist. Your second fitting will fall about one month before your wedding date and you’ll probably try on your gown one more time when you pick it up to ensure every stitch is absolutely perfect. At your fittings, you’ll learn how to fasten your gown, its a good idea to bring with you trusted bridesmaid who will helping you on your wedding day, we will teach them how to help you in your dress and fasten it correctly. As well as showing them how to bustle your dress so you can dance the night away. Practice walking in your heels if you are wearing them, wear them around the house so they don't hurt you feet throughout the day. Have a walk around in your wedding dress move around to make sure the dress is completely comfortable. We always ask brides to sit down in their actual dresses to make sure that they are comfortable for the whole day. After this step, your wedding dress will be ready to make it’s aisle debut!