Hey guys!
It’s been awhile but I’m here to share all about my wedding dress shopping experience and some helpful tips I learned along the way. I hope to both inspire and educate those currently engaged...and those who might be getting engaged over the holiday season ;)
TAKE YOUR TIME
Can’t stress this one enough. Do not feel rushed or pressured to begin dress shopping! You’re typically advised to place your wedding dress order 7+ months before the big day, so if you can, slow down and take the time to research various styles you have been pinning over the years (let’s face it, we all do it) and also consider landing your venue first. I got engaged July 2018 and I didn’t try on my first wedding dress until February 2019. During my first appointment, I found it super helpful to already know my venue and what the setting was going to look like. I’ve always known we would have an outdoor wedding, but after choosing our exact location and villa in Tuscany, I realized I wanted a more understated dress that wouldn’t take away from the venue’s natural beauty and its old world features.
KEEP IT LOWKEY
Believe it or not, the first time I tried on dresses I was by myself and when I said YES to my dress I was by myself! I personally felt the most relaxed and at ease during the times I shopped alone, so don’t be afraid to book that solo appointment you’ve been thinking about! If you are including guests during your fitting, I recommend having 2-3 people at most in attendance. I promise you will not regret having just a few close people with you. Fewer opinions means an easier decision, and make sure there’s a little champagne before and during..because champagne is always a good idea.
LOOK YOUR BEST, FEEL YOUR BEST
My biggest takeaway from trying on dresses (…seven shops and 40 gowns later) is to make sure you have a little makeup on and your hair done! It sounds like a given, but trust me, there were a few times when I threw my hair up in a messy bun with no makeup on a Sunday morning. It makes a HUGE difference in how you feel stepping into such gorgeous, elaborate dresses.
Lastly, I want to give a huge thank you to WildBride in San Francisco for providing the most lovely, cozy, and chill experience I could have ever anticipated. The owner, Samira, pours her heart and soul into WildBride’s brick and mortar, aesthetic, and bridal vibe, and I feel so lucky to have found not one, but two dresses (rehearsal and wedding day!) for Tuscany.
xo Andria