Wedding Dress Shopping: Everything You Need To Know (From a Bridal Stylist)

20 Tips For A Flawless Wedding Dress Shopping Experience | Moonlight Bridal Moonlight Couture 12

Wedding dress shopping – these three words carry an interesting mix of excitement and slight apprehension. However, let’s change the narrative. This guide, curated in partnership with Moonlight Bridal, aims to transform what might seem like a daunting search into a cherished part of your wedding planning experience, spangled with discovery and delight.

Moonlight Bridal, recognised globally for offering an exquisite range of dresses that cater to divergent tastes and budgets, stands beside you in this journey, ensuring your dress shopping is as special as your wedding day. Hosting three exceptional lines: Moonlight Couture, Moonlight Collection, and Moonlight Tango, they are here to cater to your vision, be it minimalist elegance or elaborate grandeur. Find the closest Moonlight Bridal retailer, set your appointment and embark on an enjoyable adventure. Equipped with this guide, wedding dress shopping will be a joyous memory in the making! Without further ado…

20 Tips For A Flawless Wedding Dress Shopping Experience | Moonlight Bridal Moonlight Collection 2

1. Set a Budget

First off, let’s talk numbers. Before you dive deep into the world of sparkly and stunning wedding gowns, it’s wise to decide on a budget. Trust us, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of glamorous dresses, but knowing what you’re comfortable spending will not only slim down your options but also keep your wedding planning smooth and stress-free.

2. Start Shopping 9-12 Months Ahead (If You Can)

Start your dress hunt 9-12 months in advance to accommodate creation, shipping, and fittings, which altogether can take up to a year. If you’re short on time, explore designers’ rush services or consider off-the-rack sample dresses for quicker options. Keep in mind, samples might require extra care to ensure they’re wedding-day ready.

20 Tips For A Flawless Wedding Dress Shopping Experience | Moonlight Bridal Moonlight Couture 10

3. Do Your Research

Feeling a tad overwhelmed by the sheer variety of wedding dresses out there? Don’t fret! Kick things off with our wedding dress quiz to pinpoint a style that feels like you. Curious about which designs will celebrate your shape? Dive into our guide on selecting the perfect dress for your body type. It’s all about finding that dream gown that makes you feel fabulous.

4. Use Social Media To Find & Save Gowns

The world of social media is a goldmine for wedding dress inspiration. Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are where you can uncover a wealth of stunning gowns. Make sure to follow beloved blogs, designers, and bridal salons to get the scoop on the latest collections, see how those gowns look on real brides, catch wind of surprise sample sales, and learn about trunk shows in your area. Keep track of your top picks by saving them to your wedding dress boards or Instagram archives, so you have them on hand when you’re ready to start trying on dresses.

20 Tips For A Flawless Wedding Dress Shopping Experience | Moonlight Bridal Moonlight Collection 6

5. Pick A Few Wedding Dress Style Keywords

Identify keywords that capture your desired dress style, like “sleek, sophisticated, sculpted,” to efficiently communicate your vision to your stylist. This clarity helps them select gowns that match your dream look, streamlining your search.

6. Make Bridal Salon Appointments

Schedule your dress appointments closely together, ideally in one day or weekend. This approach helps in comparing dresses fresh in your memory, potentially finding “the one” faster. Consider making these appointments a fun event with your bridal party to celebrate the journey.

20 Tips For A Flawless Wedding Dress Shopping Experience | Moonlight Bridal Moonlight Couture 8

7. Call Your Bridal Salon Ahead

Informing your bridal salon about your style preferences and wedding details ahead of time can enhance your shopping experience, allowing them to prepare a selection of gowns tailored just for you. This preparation helps ensure they have gowns available that align with your vision, including your preferred styles and sizes.

Before your appointment, consider discussing the possibility of bringing treats or champagne to celebrate the occasion. While many salons offer such amenities, checking their policy on outside items can prevent any surprises and ensure a seamless, enjoyable experience for you and your guests.

20 Tips For A Flawless Wedding Dress Shopping Experience | Moonlight Bridal Moonlight Tango 5

8. Choose Your Bride Tribe Wisely

Choosing who gets to come along on your wedding dress adventure is more important than you might think.

Firstly, find out how many people your bridal salon can accommodate, which is usually around 4-5 guests, including the bride herself. Next, really think about who should be by your side. For example, consider if any of your guests are contributing to the cost of the dress. Most importantly, surround yourself with positivity. It’s essential to have a supportive crew that gets you and your style, rather than friends who might not share your excitement or vision for the day.

The question of whether to invite your future mother-in-law is a common one. Our advice? If she’s supportive and you share a good rapport, then why not have her there? However, if your relationship is a bit rocky or you’re concerned about her opinions, it might be best to include her in other wedding-related activities instead. The goal is to ensure you feel completely at ease as you try on dresses, so choose your companions wisely.

20 Tips For A Flawless Wedding Dress Shopping Experience | Moonlight Bridal Moonlight Couture 1

9. Have A List Of Questions Ready For Your Stylist

Prepare a concise list of questions for your stylist to cover all aspects of your dress, including its creation timeline, alteration process, and delivery details. Discuss dress preparation for the wedding day, like steaming recommendations.

After choosing your dress, ensure you understand how to bustle it, training a bridal party member on this task for seamless management on your wedding day.

10. Give Yourself A Beauty & Spa Morning

Treat yourself to a morning of pampering before diving into dress shopping—it’s a little luxury that can make a big difference. If it fits into your schedule and budget, consider getting a professional blowout, having your makeup done (you might even score a complimentary session at your go-to makeup counter), and indulging in a relaxing spa morning. This isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling your best, too.

20 Tips For A Flawless Wedding Dress Shopping Experience | Moonlight Bridal Moonlight Collection 4

11. Bring The Proper Undergarments & Shoes

For your dress appointment, come equipped with nude-colored underwear and the shoes you anticipate wearing at your wedding, ensuring your gown fits perfectly from every angle. Wedding dresses are surprisingly supportive, so a bra may not be necessary for the initial try-ons. However, think ahead about whether you’ll need special undergarments or prefer to have cups sewn into your dress for a flawless fit. Bringing your own heels helps simulate the exact look and feel of how your dress will move and flow on your special day, allowing for any necessary adjustments during alterations.

12. Forget About Sizing

Wedding dress sizes are vastly different than street sizes (what you wear on a day-to-day basis) so don’t get worked up when you see your wedding dress size. In fact, when you’re at the salon, that sample you’re trying on is definitely “one-size-fits-no-one”.

Nearly everyone needs alterations, so the gown you buy will eventually be taken in and tailored to fit you perfectly – totally different from the usual “pick a size number” shopping experience.

20 Tips For A Flawless Wedding Dress Shopping Experience | Moonlight Bridal Moonlight Couture 2

13. Be Open To Different Gowns

Keep an open mind during your dress search. Venturing beyond traditional white to colors like ivory, champagne, or even raincloud blue could lead to delightful surprises. You may find yourself enchanted by a gown in an unexpected hue, adding a unique twist to your bridal look.

14. Remember Your Wedding Destination’s Climate

Consider the climate of your wedding location when choosing your gown. A heavy, layered dress may not suit a hot beach wedding. Selecting a dress that matches both the style and practicality of your destination ensures you stay comfortable and look stunning throughout your celebration.

20 Tips For A Flawless Wedding Dress Shopping Experience | Moonlight Bridal Moonlight Couture 6

15. Listen To Your Bridal Stylist (& Your Gut!)

Your bridal squad surely has your back, but don’t overlook the expertise of your bridal stylist. They’re the pros when it comes to their inventory and are there specifically to ensure your dress shopping experience is nothing short of perfect. They’ll consider all your preferences and provide an objective point of view that’s focused solely on you, not clouded by personal tastes like family or friends might be.

Yet, when all is said and done, the most critical voice is yours. Tune into your instincts—if a dress doesn’t feel right, regardless of how stunning others say you look, it’s not the one for you. Remember, you’re the one who will be wearing the dress on your special day, so the final decision should always rest with you. Trust your gut feeling; it’s usually right.

20 Tips For A Flawless Wedding Dress Shopping Experience | Moonlight Bridal Moonlight Tango 2

16. Don’t Try On Dresses Out Of Budget & Factor Extra Costs

Dipping into dresses beyond your budget is a tempting venture but heed this advice—resist the temptation. Trying on a gown that stretches past what you’re prepared to spend can lead to a couple of less-than-ideal outcomes. First, you might find yourself overextending financially, which could put unnecessary pressure on your overall wedding budget and lead to regret. Alternatively, you might fall so deeply for a high-end dress that no other gown within your budget feels right anymore, making it challenging to be happy with any other choice.

Also, keep in mind the full picture of your gown’s cost. If your budget caps at $2000, aim for a dress under that limit to accommodate additional expenses like alterations and shipping, ensuring you stay within your financial comfort zone without compromising on having your dream dress.

20 Tips For A Flawless Wedding Dress Shopping Experience | Moonlight Bridal Moonlight Couture 11

17. Take Pictures & Video!

Make sure your bridal team captures both photos and videos of you in every dress you’re considering. This way, you’ll have a comprehensive visual catalog to review. Videos are especially helpful for remembering how the dress moves and feels as you walk and twirl. Aim to capture all angles—front, back, and sides. Since it’s easy to forget the finer details after trying on numerous gowns, having these visuals will be crucial for comparison at later appointments.

18. Don’t Be Afraid To Say Yes To The First Dress You Love

Sometimes, the first dress is the one that steals your heart. Bridal stylists, with their keen insight, might present your dream dress early in the appointment. It’s common for brides to think they’re rushing if they fall for the first gown, but many end up coming back to it anyway. In my experience, the first dress I tried was exactly what I’d been dreaming of. Though we visited other salons, I already knew that first dress was “the one,” and I returned to make it mine. Trusting your initial gut reaction can lead you directly to your perfect wedding dress.

20 Tips For A Flawless Wedding Dress Shopping Experience | Moonlight Bridal Moonlight Collection 3

19. See If Your Salon Will Bundle Your Gown, Veil & Accessories

When you’re working within a budget, every little saving counts. Ask your salon if they offer discounts for purchasing your gown, veil, and accessories together. Many salons are open to bundling these items to secure all aspects of your look from their inventory. This not only simplifies your planning but can also lead to considerable savings, so don’t hesitate to inquire about potential bundle deals.

20. Save Contracts, Delivery Dates & Schedule Alterations

After saying yes to your dress, organization is key. Make sure to keep a copy of your contract easily accessible; it’s your go-to for verifying order details and measurement specifics. Mark down all important dates, especially the expected delivery of your gown, on your calendar. Promptly scheduling alterations is crucial, too, as the fitting process may require several appointments to perfect your gown’s fit. Staying on top of these steps ensures a smooth journey to your ideal wedding day look.

20 Tips For A Flawless Wedding Dress Shopping Experience | Moonlight Bridal Moonlight Collection 5

21. Environmental Impact

Consider the environmental footprint of your wedding dress by choosing sustainable fabrics or opting for a vintage or pre-loved gown. These choices help reduce waste and can connect you with a unique, eco-friendly dress that doesn’t compromise on style. Making a sustainable choice for your big day means looking fabulous while also caring for our planet.

22. Digital Detox

Once you’ve chosen your dress, take a break from online browsing to prevent second-guessing. A digital detox from wedding dress galleries reaffirms your decision and keeps your excitement fresh. Focus on the joy of your upcoming wedding, secure in the knowledge that your dream dress is ready and waiting.

Physical Comfort Check

While the look of your wedding dress is undoubtedly crucial, so is your comfort. During fittings, take the time to really move around in your gown. Sit down, dance a little, and walk around to ensure you feel as good as you look. Your wedding day will be a long one, filled with walking, sitting, dancing, and more. Choosing a dress that not only dazzles but also allows you to move freely and comfortably will ensure you enjoy every moment to the fullest. After all, your comfort is key to a day filled with joy and celebration.

20 Tips For A Flawless Wedding Dress Shopping Experience | Moonlight Bridal Moonlight Couture 7

Essential Info

For more information on where to buy these beautiful wedding dresses, head to the Moonlight Bridal website for stockist and trunk show information. Their gowns are stocked in North and South America, Canada, South Africa, Europe and China.

Follow Moonlight Bridal on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for guaranteed gorgeousness in your feeds!

And be sure to check out our collaborative Pinterest board, where we’ve joined forces with Moonlight Bridal to share the most romantic wedding ideas and gowns.

This post is brought to you in partnership with Moonlight Bridal.