When you’re planning your big day, there are many details to consider before you’re ready to say “I do,” but none are more fun than shopping for your perfect wedding dress. The right dress allows you to express yourself and your style. It also gives you a boost of confidence. It’s your big day so you should definitely own it. 

You want to find this incredible dress, but there are thousands of stores, dresses, and styles to first sift through. Luckily, you won’t have to try them all if you follow a few smart moves when dress shopping. Here are five tips you should follow to help you take home that perfect, one-of-a-kind dress.

Know What Kind of Bride You Want To Be

The dress really sets the tone for the theme of the wedding, and a wedding dress that perfectly complements both the bride’s style and the couple’s decor taste ties the celebration together perfectly. Plus, it makes your wedding photos look wonderfully cohesive. If you want to have a wedding that flawlessly captures you and your fiance, it will help for you to have an idea of the look you’re going for. 

Will you be the romantic bride in lace and tulle? This style would go great with a rustic-chic setting or a venue with a touch of classic decor. Will you be the bohemian bride in drapey layers, maybe with a beachside or outdoor wedding? Will you be the modern bride in an architectural dress and an urbane wedding venue? Hold an idea in your mind and try to explore dresses that match your dream wedding vibe.

Try On Multiple Styles You’re Interested In

You might know exactly what fit and cut you want, or you might have absolutely no clue. Firstly, it definitely helps if you have some kind of idea what you’re interested in before you start shopping. But try to narrow down your interests to a few silhouettes you like, or if you’re open to all dress shapes, know your preferred frills: lace, tulle, crepe, beadwork, or maybe a no-frills frill like a smooth satin exterior. 

Of course, sometimes the forms or embellishments you least expect become your favorite; dress shopping can be surprising like that, no matter how well you think you know what you want, so be sure to leave room for the unexpected. 

Bring Trusted Friends and Confidantes With You When Dress Shopping

Don’t make your wedding dress shopping session become an episode of reality TV by bringing people who won’t let you shine in your very big moment (unless, of course, you like the drama). Leave the un-supportive people at home if you can help it. Instead, surround yourself with trusted friends, confidants, and family members who will tell you when that dress isn’t it, but will also celebrate when you’ve found the one that makes you feel like a bride.

Be Mindful of the Season You’re Marrying In

We love a spring wedding. Ooh, but we also love a winter wedding! Basically, there’s no wrong time to get married; every season has beauty that makes for the perfect backdrop for your love story. Whatever season you choose to get married in, be mindful of the expected weather when choosing your dress. There are many things to think about in advance when planning your big day, but make sure one of them is how comfortable you’ll be in your dress at your ceremony.

The season doesn’t mean your perfect dress is unattainable if you’ve fallen in love with, say, a strapless sheath dress and you’re marrying in the PNW in the winter. You can consider getting sleeves added or staying warm with a chic shawl. Just consider your seasonal dress plan in advance. 

Give Online Wedding Dress Shopping a Try

You may be opposed to it, or simply never considered it, but you can also complete some or all of your wedding dress shopping through online boutiques. For example, you may visit Cicinia and shop online browsing their rich collection of bridal and bridesmaid dresses. This option is great for anyone who is a liiiiittle indecisive (we all have our moments) or who doesn’t live in an area with many in-store options or who is so obsessed with their wedding that they can’t stop scrolling through wedding dresses online while at work (we are all of these people, FYI). 

With online shopping, you can order numerous different dresses to try on from the comfort and good lighting of your home. Just make sure you select online companies that have flexible return policies. This way, you can choose from thousands more options to make sure you find the unique dress you’re looking for. Plus, you can take a little more time with each dress to truly see whether it’s the one. And don’t think online shopping means you can’t still have the big dress try-on day/reveal. Invite all your besties to your house and make a party of it!

Takeaway

You want to find the perfect dress, and these five tips will help make that happen. Mainly, be intentional about what you like, who you bring, and what you envision for your special day. Now go out there and get shopping—either in-store or online.