Your A-Z Guide to Wedding Dress Shopping

Fashion & Jewellery
wedding-dress-shopping

Image via BHLDN

One of the highlights of the engagement has to be finding the wedding dress! And let us begin by saying, it is SUCH an exciting part of the planning. There are so many reasons why us ladies lap up the shopping experience from getting to play dress up like in the movies and try on these incredible creations (on the little box) to having some quality time with our closest ladies and the general buzz that comes from reaching this fairy tale moment. That being said, it can feel like there is a lot of pressure riding on it (this is the dress of all dresses) so to help you prepare, we’ve put together a little A-Z guide on all you need to know, from styles to what to bring and everything in between…

A is for A-Line. This flattering style skims the hips and elongates the frame, creating an A shape. A is also for Asymmetrical and refers to dresses that have features that create an uneven silhouette for example a one shouldered gown.

a-line dress asymetricalA-Line Gown by Rosa Clara | Asymmetrical Gown by Blumarine

B is for Ball Gown. Think Cinderella – this voluptuous style has a fitted bodice and full bodied skirt, the stuff of fairy tales (see example below).

C is for Call Ahead. You can’t just show up at most bridal shops – you must make an appointment in advance (click here for a list of bridal shops). Weekends and Thursday evenings are particularly busy so book early to ensure you get the date and time you want.

D is for Decide your Budget in Advance. If you have €1500 to spend on a dress, only try on dresses within this price bracket to avoid that crushing disappointment of falling for a dress that costs a fifth of your salary. Also don’t rush in to buying a dress just because it’s on sale for a limited time. Before you hand over your credit card, ensure it really is your ‘one’ and not just a bargain luring you in.

E is for Empire. The empire gown has a raised waistline that starts just below the bust. This romantic silhouette then flows from the bust, skimming the hips.

wedding dresses ballgown and empireBall Gown dress by Rosa Clara | Empire Gown by BHLDN

F is for Finishing Time. Your dream dress may take up to six months to arrive in store once ordered so it’s best to give yourself a head start and start shopping early, up to a year in advance. This will give you lots of browsing time! If you start any earlier than that, styles and trends may change, as will your tastes. Ordering on time will also allow lots of time for the other Ffittings, where you see if the dress is sitting as it should when it arrives in, and any changes or alterations needed can be accessed.

G is for Go with an Open Mind. Be willing to try on different styles when you’re shopping to see what shapes suit you. You might be surprised by how much you love a gorgeously fluffy ball gown when in fact you thought you wanted a more slinky column style.

wedding dress alterationsImage via Couture Care Alterations

H is for Higher Price. Alterations are essential for transforming a dress in to your dream dress, with that perfect fit.  But they can hike up the price of your dress. They may or may not be included in your overall dress price so ensure this is discussed with your bridal store before signing on the dotted line. You don’t want any surprises as your day looms and you’ve still favours, lingerie and flower girl dresses to get with your dwindling kitty.

I is for I Will Have So Much Fun. It’s something you may have dreamed about for years, decades even so embrace every moment of your dress shopping experience, from popping your little discs on to swoon worthy creations to twirling on your little pedestal box and some precious moments with your ladies!

J is for Just the People that Matter. An entourage of people to ooh and aaah over you in all your fabulousness may sound great but too many opinions can be overwhelming. Ask a maximum of two people to accompany you when it comes to dress shopping – and make sure they’re people who’s opinion you can trust and that will add to the experience.

K is for Keep in Mind Your Setting. Your style of dress should reflect your setting. A barn wedding is very different to a black tie affair or a laid back beach bash. What may look good in a ballroom (i.e. a satin ball gown) might not translate to a beach or barn wedding so bear this in mind when choosing your style.

L is for Less of the Make-up and Tan. While you want to look good when trying on the potential dress of your dreams, you don’t want to smear a beautiful ivory creation with tan marks. Most bridal stores ask that you avoid tan at all costs and keep the make-up to a minimum, so keep this in mind.

wedding dress mermaid styleImage by Kadee Bridal

M is for Mermaid (also known as fishtail). A figure hugging style of frock, the mermaid gown clings to your body before kicking out usually around the knees. Similar to mermaid is the Trumpet which fits closely until the mid hip, where it begins to flare out.

N is for Neckline. There are so many different necklines to choose from – from Bateau which is a high neckline that runs horizontally, to the Halter which wraps around the neck, the Off-the-Shoulder which skims the shoulders for a little more sex appeal, the U shaped Scoop to thin straps known as Spaghetti Straps, a Sweetheart shape (shaped like top half of a heart), Square and Strapless styles. Think about what you’d feel most comfortable in.

O is for The One. You may have heard stories of gasps, tears and this maddening realisation as soon as you set sight of yourself in the dress you want to walk down the aisle in, but the reaction can be different for everyone. It might not bring you to tears but it should make you feel pretty darn A-mazing.

P is for Prep. Have a browse online first and get a taste of some of the stunning creations out there (our galleries are a great place to get inspiration) – not only will it amp up the excitement but it will help you hone in on what you do and don’t like. Print out some pictures of styles you like, so you can show them to the sales assistant. And don’t be consumed with labels – the style is more important than the name gracing the label.

wedding veilImage by Shane O’Neill – Aspect Photography

Q is for Questions. Don’t be afraid to ask the sales assistant questions – from the price to can you take photos, what underwear is required, what head piece would work best, are alterations included or required… buying a wedding dress is a big deal so don’t be afraid to pipe up if you need to know something. Your sales person is there to help you so use their knowledge and expertise too, whether it is with help narrowing down the dresses or for some accessories advice – they may be able to suggest a piece that will complement the dress that you wouldn’t have dreamed off.

R is for Right for You. Your dress has to make you feel absolutely amazing so if you’ve a thing about your arms, it might not be best to go for a strapless gown. Opt for a style that flatters and accentuates the features you love and makes you feel drop dead gorgeous (comfortable too – you want to feel like you on your big day). If you’re looking for a helping hand, check out or article on the perfect dress for your body type here.

S is for Sheath. A sheath dress (or column) is long and slim and follows the contours of the body. It doesn’t have a fitted waist.

sheath wedding dressColumn Gowns by BHLDN and Jenny Packham

T is for Train. Your train can range from a little puddle billowing around your feet to the show stopping, sweeping floor length Cathedral, a whopping 6 to 9 feet from the waist! Have a think about what style you’re after and again keep in mind your venue and setting as some trains can be more restrictive.

U is for Underwear. You will more than likely have someone to zip you in and out of dresses, so ensure you feel decent in your choice of underwear! It is also a good idea to bring a strapless bra with you for any strapless numbers.

bridal lingerieImage by BHLDN

V is for Veil. If you plan on donning a veil, here’s a quick round up on the styles you’ll come across on your bridal journey: The Birdcage is usually attached to a headpiece and falls below the chin, a Blusher is worn over your face, Flyaway falls to the shoulder, a Fingertip falls below the waist while the Elbow veil does as suggested. If you’re after ankle length, opt for a Ballet veil while the likes of the chapel and cathedral are the longest of the veil family – Chapel skims the floor while Cathedral is 9 feet or longer.

W is for Wrong Size. Do not get caught up on the size on the label. Bridal dresses aren’t like your regular dresses, so don’t make the mistake of ordering a dress two sizes smaller for the sake of a number. If your weight is an issue for you, talk to your bridal shop about any realistic changes you hope to make between now and the wedding and they will be able to advise you.

X is for Xtra Prepared – Arrive at your appointment well prepared! Bring: Anything you intend to wear with the dress whether it be a heirloom hairpiece or some vintage gloves, a similar size heel to the one you intend to wear, a hair bobbin or clip if you intend to wear your hair up (so you get the jist), and a camera to snap some pictures (if allowed), the correct underwear (as above) and any images you have.

wedding shoesImage via Monsoon

Y is for Yay, I Found the One. Once you have found your one, stop looking! It can be tempting to twirl in another few gowns just because you were rather fond of the experience, but trying on other dresses behind your chosen one’s back might end up confusing you. If you spot something else that’s a little bit lovely, it can leave you with doubts. Pat yourself on the back and buy something pretty to hang your dream dress on and let the anticipation mount for the big day… gah!

Z is for Zzzz. As fun and exhilarating as it is, shopping can also be tiring (dresses can weigh a ton!) so firstly don’t cram too many shops in to the one day and secondly, remember to bring some water. You can get a bit hot under the collar climbing in and out of gúna’s!