1. How much do you want to spend on your dress?
This is important to establish before you get too deep into wedding dress shopping. Wedding dresses can vary in price, with some gowns going for up to £10,000! Your average bridal salon will usually carry styles around the £1000-£2000 price mark. However, some will also do less expensive ex-sample dresses, that can go for as low as £190.
Whatever budget you choose, it's important to have a think about this so that you don't fall in love with a dress that's way over budget, as there's nothing worse than wanting something you can't afford. There are beautiful dresses out there for all budgets, once you've settled on one, it's time to start looking!
2. What style of dress will you be comfortable in?
Not everyone is able to answer this before they start shopping, but it is important to think about. Some brides like to wear a dress that's similar to their style in everyday life, others like to try something totally different. It's up to you! The main thing is to get to know what you like, and just as imporatantly, what you don't like.
It's a good idea to look at dresses before you go to an appointment and make a note of these things. Apps like Pinterest and Instagram are great places to casually look for ideas, as well as bridal magazines, and of course, shows like Say Yes to the Dress are great for seeing gowns and for entertainment! We recommend having these in mind when you arrive, but it's also a good idea to try things just to rule them out.
3. How will your venue affect your dress?
Sometimes, a venue will help guide the style of dress you will want for your big day. These can be great indicators of the vibe or theme of a wedding. For example, a grand and elegant estate hotel may call for a wedding dress that's regal and decadent, whereas a small beach wedding would suit a more flowing and boho style. These are guidelines, however, not rules, and at the end of the day, you can wear whatever dress makes you feel beautiful!
4. How long until your wedding?
Many of our brides arrive in our salon and don't realise how long it takes for a wedding dress to arrive. For some of our designer gowns, it can take up to 9 months! We always recommend brides start their search for a dress at least 1 year before their wedding. This gives you plenty of time to choose a dress, for it to arrive, and for you to get any alterations you need.
Of course, this isn't feasible for all brides. There are so many instances where you'll need a dress in a shorter time frame. If this is the case, you are best asking your bridal salon for an ex-sample gown. Most bridal boutiques keep ex-sample dresses in the store that can be tried on and taken home the same day!
