![Wedding Wednesdays: Wedding Dress Shopping 101 [Episode 121]](https://cdn.weddingsonline.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Featured-Image-WW-pod-2.jpg)
There are a few steps to finding the perfect wedding dress! From understanding your silhouette to having a realistic wedding dress shopping timeline and everything in between, we're covering it in this week's podcast episode.
A special thank you to this week's guest expert: Dawn from Lamelia Bridal Studio.
Before you begin looking at wedding dresses, there are a few things you need to have decided on:
- The style of the wedding and whether or not you want your dress to match - an example I often use is choosing a ballgown dress and then getting married on the beach.
- How formal will the wedding be?
- What season are you getting married in? You could opt for lovely long sleeves in winter and more summer-appropriate fabrics for hotter weather.
- Is there a part of your body you want to accentuate? A low back dress, nipped in waist or strapless neckline.
BONUS: know your budget! You want to make sure you can actually afford your dress.
Know your silhouettes
Dawn from Lamelia Bridal Studio says:
Find the perfect silhouette to suit your body!
Ballgown - fitted on the bodice, very full skirt. Suits slender or pear shaped.
A line - fitted at the bodice, flows to the ground. Suits most figures.
Modified a line - same as above, but strapless or add a belt.
Fit and flare - kicks out above the knee. Suits wide hips and complements your curves.
Mermaid - kicks out from below the knee.
Sheath - straight down. More suited for taller figures, doesn’t nip in anywhere.
Tea length - cut between the knee and the ankle.
The most important thing about finding a great wedding dress is finding the silhouette that suits your body type!
Have a clear idea of your wedding dress timeline
I recommend starting at least a year ahead of time.
Plan on having alterations done about 3 months before the Big Day.
You’ll usually collect your dress around 4 weeks before the wedding (but this may differ from boutique to boutique).
BONUS wedding dress tips:
- Have an open mind and try on things you might not usually gravitate towards
- Buy a dress in your actual size or a size up and don’t be tempted to lose weight to fit into the dress
- Know your budget
- Include your veil, shape wear, jewellery and shoes in your budget
- Make an actual appointment - don’t just show up at a bridal boutique
- Before you buy your dress, sit in it first
