It’s Friday! We’ve made it to the end of the week! I’m loving receiving the feedback this week that some brides-to-be, as well as some past brides, have found these wedding posts helpful!
So now we discuss what could very well likely be the most important piece of clothing you’ll ever wear…no pressure. Initial tips include:
-Stay open minded. Even if you’ve picked out your gown before you even got engaged, hell…before you even met your fiancé, still keep an open mind and try on every single silhouette imaginable. You never know, you could end up falling in love with a style that you never would have pictured yourself in originally. Worst that happens? You end up hating it and it reconfirms your love of a different style. Besides, it’s fun to just try on dresses. If only I could walk into a boutique tomorrow and try on gowns today, sigh.
Amsale Calista
-Just as I mentioned yesterday when speaking about bridesmaid dresses, definitely keep in mind the venue, look, and mood of your wedding to help you envision how you want to look. For example, if it’s an outdoor wedding and you’re thinking of an intimate garden feel, a gown with a tulle skirt (as seen above) could look stunning. Because of this, I recommend choosing those details about your wedding first before you start trying to dresses, even though that’s probably like the hardest thing to imagine.
-Again, I would suggest steering away from some dramatic trends. Loving the high-low look these days? Save the mullet cut for a weekend maxi and skip it for the big day. You just don’t want to look back at pictures and cringe over your gown. Are you wanting something non-traditional? Perhaps go for more of a classic gown and jazz it up with non-traditional accessories. You can add some classic yet chunky jewelry, a birdcage veil, and of course some fun footwear! Btw, can we talk about this veil being from Ann Taylor?!
Ann Taylor Birdcage Veil / J.Crew Pearl Twist Hammock Necklace / J.Crew Crystal Venus Flytrap Necklace / J.Crew Circular Petals Necklace / J.Crew Swarovski Crystal Necklace
Kate Spade Emison Heels / Kate Spade Izzie Heels
-As I mentioned earlier in the week about loving your vendors, this includes who you purchase your wedding gown from. You know how you hate shopping in a store and the salesperson tells you everything looks amazing, even when you know what you just tried on just looked fug on you so you end up appreciating the salesperson who actually tells you they’re not crazy about what you just tried on? Yea, well it’s like that but a million times more important when trying on a wedding dress. It’s so important to trust the opinions you’re receiving and hopefully you can have a connection with whoever is helping you so they can help you put together the look that will help transform you into a bride!
-Don’t be afraid to try and negotiate when it comes to purchasing your dress. I know a lot of places will offer a discount if paying in cash or in full. Also see if they would be willing to throw in your veil and/or alterations. These things add up so it never hurts to ask! A lot of my friends have been very successful and in the end have saved some major bucks!
-Try your hardest not to get overwhelmed. Keep in mind that there are such beautiful dresses in every style at every price point! Recently I was able to go with my sister-in-law to the bridal store for her to dry her dress on for me and I couldn’t have been happier for her that she had found her gown. She was officially a bride-to-be and was absolutely and positively glowing because she confirmed that it was in fact the dress she would wear to get married in.
And just because I like to live vicariously through other brides, here are some gowns that I’m in awe of:
J.Crew Beatriz
Jenny Lee 1411 Sweetheart Swirl Skirt Ball Gown
Kenneth Pool Olympia
Vera Wang Lillian
Monique Lhuillier Scarlet
Remember, you want to absolutely adore your dress. If I could, I would wear mine every single day, so make sure you love it and don’t just settle. If you’re in the South Florida area, I purchased my gown (as well as BM dresses) at Boca Raton Bridal and love everyone there. Also, if you’re able to get over to Tampa, a sorority sister of mine took on the adventure of owning a bridal boutique, Malindy Elene, and from her pictures the store looks amazing!!
Xo,
Leah
