10 Mistakes Brides Can Make When Wedding Dress Shopping
Before you hit your bridal boutique in Cornwall, read my top bridal blunders!
Congratulations ladies! You are about to partake in one of the most exciting parts of the wedding planning process: Finding the perfect dress! Eeek! You may think you know exactly how the journey of wedding dress shopping in Cornwall should go, or have a pretty good idea, after being part of your friend’s or family’s entourage, but searching for your own wedding dress is completely different! You may be completely unaware of what it takes to find the wedding dress of your dreams and how much energy it will require. Before you go out and try on every wedding dress in Cornwall possible, here’s a list to help you on “How to prepare for wedding dress shopping”.
How to prepare for wedding dress shopping?
Bringing an Entourage.
I know it’s the most important dress you’ll ever wear, and you want to make sure it’s absolutely perfect. But having 6 different opinions can sometimes make it much harder to come to a decision—and it can bring you further away from what you actually want. Most brides come in with just their Mum and maybe a sister or best friend, they generally have the bride’s best interests at heart, not what they want her to wear. Remember whoever you choose to bring with you needs to know YOU. Bring those people that you know will give you the best constructive criticism and know you well enough to know what style of dress suits you and your personality.
2. Shopping Too Early.
Many couples are opting for longer engagements, but ladies, don’t start shopping more than 12 months in advance. The moment you start trying on wedding dresses, you’ll inevitably fall in love with one! If you are not ready to buy, it quickly becomes difficult. In other words: Do not visit bridal shops in Cornwall until you’re ready to make a purchase. Before you hit the shops think about the other aspects of the wedding, like your venue. Is this booked? A wedding venue can help determine the style of wedding dress you go for. The season, as this will help with the colours you choose for flowers and bridesmaids. Many wedding dresses take anywhere from three to eight months to come in so time is crucial.
3. Trying On Too Many Dresses.
Who’s a fan of Say Yes to the Dress! You’ve undoubtedly seen a bride who tried on 100+ dresses without finding the right one. Most brides try on between four and seven gowns, and shouldn’t try on more than 10, as it can sometimes lead to confusion. Often, a bride trying on dress after dress is just not ready to end her shopping experience (of course it’s so much fun!) and make a real commitment. The most common mistake that a bride makes is not purchasing your dress when you find it. You can often become overwhelmed and forget what you originally set out to find and begin to doubt yourself and start losing faith in the experience.
Not every bride has “that moment” when the tears start rolling and you know you’ve absolutely found “The One". When I remember my own experience, I noticed my Mum standing next to me, teary-eyed. Although I was touched by her reaction, I wondered, ‘Why aren’t I crying?’ I didn't purchase that first dress and left the boutique contemplating if I'd ever find one! So many of my brides have very different emotions. Some just know it’s the one from the moment they step into it, and others learn to love it after trying on other styles but feel the most comfortable in it. Some brides can get a huge shock as the dress is not often the type of dress they had even envisaged having!
For more advice on how many dresses should you try read my blog! How many wedding dresses should I try on? 5 useful tips from a Bridal Shop in Cornwall.
4. Pushy Bridal Consultants!
Now, this is a big pet hate of mine when brides come into the boutique after an unpleasant experience from another boutique hard-selling them to make a purchase. It doesn’t happen with the majority of boutiques in Cornwall as we are all passionate about what we do, but there are one or two! Try not to be too tempted by the lure of your dream gown for 70% off. Or listening to “If you take it today I’ll give you a good price”. You can find some really amazing dresses from the sample or off the peg rails and that’s absolutely fine, just remember to say yes to the dress for the right reasons instead of having regrets later on.
5. Demanding the Wrong Size.
Wedding dress sizes typically run one or two sizes smaller than high street clothing, so try not to get hung up on the number. Do not fixate on the actual size but instead on how your measurements compare to the particular line on the specific designer’s size chart. Planning on losing weight before the big day? This is something I hear daily. As much as most brides want to order their dress in a smaller size play it safe and order a size that fits your current body. Any dress can be taken in, typically up to four sizes without affecting the look of the dress, but most can only be let out one full size—if that. You need to be realistic, in case you don’t lose your targeted weight.
6. Sticking With One Style.
Ninety percent of my brides leave with something completely different than what they had in mind when they walked in. Bringing in pictures of dresses you like is a good start, but if your consultant recommends something different, give it a try! It’s impossible to tell what a dress will look like on your body just from seeing it on a hanger. If you are a bride who is fuller in the hip area, for example, you might have a mindset that you can’t wear a fitted dress, however, what you may not know is that a more fitted dress would show off your curves, fit beautifully, and make you appear more slender as opposed to covering up.
7. Trying On Dresses that are over budget.
Budget is always a question I ask my brides when they come in for their appointment. There will always be that stunning dress displayed on the mannequin that takes your eye but it’s over your budget! As much as trying it on anyway, what’s the worst that could happen right? seems like fun, you are at risk of falling in love and being heartbroken when you find out the price! You need to be able to afford everything you try on. Make sure you are completely clear on your budget before you visit the boutique—and make sure that the boutique you choose respects your budget.
8. Not Budgeting for Extra Costs.
Alterations typically cost extra, and you may also be charged delivery, so don’t max out your budget on just the dress. Almost every gown will need some alterations. Whether it’s something, small like a hem, or something major, like taking in (or letting out) the bodice, it can add up. You'll also need to account for undergarments, shoes, a veil and/or hair accessories, jewellery, and any other accessories you'll want to complete your bridal look.
9. Not Choosing Your Bridal Shop in Cornwall Wisely
Every bridal boutique in Cornwall can offer something very different. If you’re a plus-size bride, call ahead to see if your desired boutique carries a sizeable amount of plus-size samples or not. Otherwise, your only option is to play “paper dolls” to get an idea of what a style would look like on you which is not overly fun!
Make sure that your bridal boutique in Cornwall stocks the designer you are interested in. If the boutique doesn’t stock that particular designer, there’s a good chance that you won’t see the gowns you have pinned on Pinterest. If your boutique stocks that particular designer but not the exact dress let them know and it’s likely they can order you a sample for your appointment.
10. Relax!
One of the most common mistakes brides can make is putting pressure on themselves! Finding the right wedding dress can be overwhelming and sometimes a little stressful! But remember this experience is one you will want to remember forever so enjoy it!
I hope this helps ladies and that you are now a little more prepared for your wedding dress shopping! For more information please get in touch and I am happy to answer any queries you may have. In the meantime why not take a read on Wedding Dress Shopping in Cornwall, The 12-month Timeline Every Bride Should Know!
Caroline x
Photography by Amy Sampson Photography
