#weddingwednesday - The Dress

Top Ten Tips to Dress Shop like a Champ

1. Take pictures of everything. (Even the ones you don't think are "the one") because they all start to look the same and those pictures will help once you've left the boutique. I created a PhotoCircle for my bridesmaids so that even the ones who were geographically unavailable could take part in the "wedding dress shopping fun". But be careful not to leave those suckers on your phone for too long - don't want an accidental reveal when your fiance is looking over your shoulder.

2. Take along people you love and who can give you their honest opinion. Because every dress will not going to be flattering (this goes for alteration appointments too). But keep the list tight - think: too many cooks in the kitchen.

3. Don't settle.

The perfect dress, in your price range, is out there. Try on as many dresses as you want/can. Trust me, you'll know when you've hit the motherload - and it might not be the first time you put on the dress.

4. Think about comfort and ease of use. Consider things like the material, fit, etc. and how they will work with your venue, time of year and planned activities.

5. Make sure you feel confident.

We've all got those places on our own body that our eyes immediately go to. People can tell you you're crazy all they want, but in order to avoid being self-conscious, choose a dress that flatters you in those spots. Look in the mirror and check yourself out but also look away and consider how you feel in the dress, because the amount of mirrors you'll pass after you step down the aisle is minimal anyway.

6. Have an idea of what you want, but be open to something different. I went into the shops with an idea of my "ideal dress" Okay, let's be honest, I'd pinned the Katie May Poipu about a million times on Pinterest before I even was engaged. I hunted it down, sure it was what I wanted but I tried on any and every style that was offered and thank goodness I did - I LOVED what I came out with and would've never chosen it for myself if I'd stayed in the Katie May section of the shop. 7. Go to the boutique with your hair "done".

You don't have to be wedding-ready, but it will get you in the mood and make the complete package look a lot better. Go light on the makeup, remember you're trying on WHITE gowns. 8. Don't wear hot pink underwear. I broke this cardinal rule about 3 times, completely by accident, but it's always a good idea to go shopping in nude or white panties. 9. Be clear about your budget. Remember that alterations can add $200-800 on top of the price of the dress, so be clear about your budget and DO NOT feel bad about whatever that number is. Everyone's budget is different and the last thing an associate should do is make you feel uncomfortable about that limit you give her. 10. Remember: it's just a dress. It's what you will wear to the wedding, but it does not define you or the day. Pick something that makes you feel great - simple as that. Oh, and a bonus - have fun. Don't take life (or dress shopping) too seriously. This is supposed to be a good time. If you get to the point where you're frustrated, overwhelmed or "over it" - go have a snack, cocktail, or just reschedule the rest of your appointments for another day. Bridal Burnout is a real thing. Don't let it ruin the fun.

Here's my dress. It is the Dakota, by Nicole Miller. I chose it because I knew that on my wedding day I wanted to look and feel like a beautiful, classic lady. This was big for me - the Poipu would've made a statement, the sequined gowns I tried would've been dazzling, but I knew that the most important thing for me was to take Champ's breath away and have him see me - not necessarily my dress. I was comfortable, I could boogie, and I think when I look back at pictures in a decade I'll still feel the same way.

#photo #wedding #engaged #dress #nicolemiller #katiemay #poipu #dakota #lovelybride #davidsbridal