Saying "Yes" to Your Dress

 This weekend I had the privilege of going wedding gown shopping with a bride. Before our excursion we talked over the phone and I reminded her of all the things to remember when she decided to go shopping. So here are my tips for dress shopping:

1) BRING YOUR OWN UNDERGARMENTS! If you do not come prepared then they will put you in store undergarments that other people have worn...recently! I suggest wearing a nude colored strapless bra and nude or white underwear. Remember: the salespeople will be helping you dress so they will see exactly what you are working with. Wear a thong at your own risk. If you are planning to wear any shapewear on your wedding day then it is a good idea to wear that as well. I highly recommend Spanx http://www.spanx.com (can be purchased at Coldwater Creek, Torrid, Freudian Slip, and Sports Authority?) or Assets which is also a Spanx brand (can be purchased at Target).

2) Request to try 1 of every style. Common styles include:
Sheath: this dress is very fitted and follows the lines of the body.
Empire: this dress has a high waistline that cuts just below the bust with a slim skirt.
A-Line or Princess: this dress is cut close to the hips and then flares out at the hem making it have the shape of an uppercase "A"
Ball Gown: this dress has a fitted bodice and waistline that lead into a full skirt.
Drop Waist: this dress has a fitted bodice with literally a "dropped" waistline which elongates the torso with a skirt that flairs just below the dropped waistline.
Trumpet: this dress has a fitted bodice with a skirt that flairs at mid-thigh level.
Mermaid: this dress has a fitted bodice with a skirt that flairs below the knee.

3) Try dresses you actually don't want to.
When I went dress shopping I went to a dress shop that made you try 1 of each style. The saleslady took me around to each dress section and helped me pick. She walked me over to the these A-line lace only dresses. I told her they were too plain and I didn't even want to try one on. She picked one out anyways and I told her no again. My mom then stepped in and told me to just try it. So I did... and I refused to take it off. That dress that I threw a mini fit over became MY dress. It is true what they say: You don't pick the dress, the dress picks you.

4) Look at no more than 7 dresses per visit.
People can only handle so many choices before their decision making skills fall apart. Limit yourself to just 7 dress options so that you do not become overwhelmed. This will also make it easier for you to actually remember the dresses you tried on so you can think about them more at home.

5) Don't bring an entourage.
Have you ever heard the saying, "Too many cooks in the kitchen"? Well, you do not want that when dress shopping. Take just 1, 2, or 3 people that know you well and who you trust to be honest with you (yet kind). Once you actually decide on your dress then bring your entourage to ooh and aah.

6) Trust that you will find "the one".
When I went for my first wedding dress excursion I found some nice dresses but none that made me act like those girls on TV who just seem to KNOW. I was almost in tears that night talking to my fiance telling him that I wasn't sure I would ever find the right dress. As mentioned in tip number 3 I did find my dress, or actually, it found me. Trust that it WILL happen. Relax and enjoy playing dress-up until the right one comes along.