So a few weekends ago, I surprised my mom with dress shopping. We were walking to a nearby boutique (she didn’t know where we were going) and on the way there, I said, “Ok! We are going dress shopping!” She replied, “We Are?!” She was excited and surprised about it for sure. I went into the appointment with the mindset of not finding a dress and just wanting to try on a lot of different styles and options to see how they looked and figure out what I like – but that quickly changed. I quickly started figuring out what I liked, and what I didn’t like. Butttt I also liked a lot of different styles. The boutique we visited blew me away – they had unique, well made dresses in lots of different styles and fabrics, not to mention what seemed like unlimited customization options, well unlimited based on your budget. *winks* This was all confirmed after visiting a chain wedding dress store. All the dresses seemed cheap, over done with lace and bling and just completely lack luster. Although it was good to have the comparison, I don’t think I’ll be bothering with any stores like that again.
So I thought almost all of the dresses I tried on at the boutique looked really good, not to sound full of myself, but they did! It got hard narrowing them down, especially the styles that I really liked. Luckily, some of the styles/looks just weren’t what I’m going for. For example – the last dress was AMAZING, if we were having a winter wedding that would definitely be a top contender along with the full beaded dress (it was SO heavy). The other part I loved about the boutique is that the owner would pair different dresses from a designer to make a new dress; observe above in picture #2! It truly helped envision and create a dress unique for you.
I ended up going back the week after with Katie (surprising her too), so I could share the experience with her and also show her my top contenders after going with my mom. Having one-on-one shopping trips with my favorite people is definitely not the conventional way, but it’s my way of making special memories with each of them.
When Katie and I went back, I think we found the dress. Although I’m not sure I will get that feeling, of just knowing, but I think I’m pretty darn close. It’s so pretty.
So here is my advice to first time bridal dress shoppers;
- It’s OK to say NO!
- Don’t be afraid to speak up or ask questions, especially when it comes to price
- Go to at least one smaller boutique
- It’s OK if you don’t get THAT feeling, just pick what feels right
- You don’t need to know all the shapes/styles by name, just have your pinterest board ready!
- The decision might be harder than you think!
- Think accessories with your dresses; belts, necklaces, veil, hairstyle, shoes. Every little detail will tie into your overall look and vision!
- Invite as many people (or not) as you want
- Take pictures
- Enjoy it!
Unfortunately, the dress won’t be shared until our wedding day – so you’ll have well over a year for that one! Bum bum bum!
omg so cute! enjoyed reading this and great amazing awesome dress!!
please check out my look & share thoughts? thx 🙂
https://thatfirsthello.com/2016/06/26/new-height/
Thank you so much! Will definitely take a look at your site!! 🙂
Wow these dresses all look gorgeous! It’s amazing how different all the different styles look, I found it so hard to choose ‘the one’ as I liked so many! Enjoy the rest of your wedding planning 😄
Thank you so much! It is truly a hard decision, especially when styles you don’t expect blow you away! Thanks so much for the warm thoughts!!