Saying yes to the dress
Probably one of the most exciting and stressful parts about a wedding is buying your dress. I was really looking forward to finding mine - but I think I was more excited about spending the day with my girls than actually shopping for the dress!
I had no clue where to start. As a more minimalist bride, it honestly was a feat to find something well, simple. I went in open minded, but was quickly overwhelmed.
I wanted to make note of a few things from my experience in hopes it could help future brides!
For starters, I felt like keeping my group small was so beneficial. It limited time, opinions and emotions. And wedding dress shopping is heavy with all three! For my initial outing, I brought along my mom, my aunt, and my maid of honor. I had two other friends that were invited but couldn’t make it (we FaceTimed them!).
I have to thank my wedding planners, Imagine This Events, for helping to schedule and book my initial appointments. Appointments are required now due to covid and many salons had limitations on party size so make sure to ask. There are so many boutiques in the Bay Area, so having my planners help narrow it down was a huge help!
We stayed closer to home for my first shopping spree with three boutiques in one afternoon. We rented a car so we wouldn’t have to worry about driving and could enjoy some bubbles en route. Definitely a day of celebration!
For your shopping day, you’ll want to bring a sticky bra, wear nude/seamless underwear, and your shoes (if you have them or similar). For me that was cowboy boots. ;) I also made sure to style my hair and wore a bit more makeup than usual. All of these things will help you get a better visual for the actual wedding day.
I had a few things in mind for my dress. I wanted a higher/halter neckline and a more fitted bodice. Aside from that, I was keeping an open mind. I did no research or much Pinning prior to my first appointment and honestly, that made it harder. So, I’d also recommend doing that! Buy the bridal magazines, Pin your heart out, and have a list of make or breaks. Those will really help when it comes time to narrow it down and make a decision. And believe me, you’ll have SO many other decisions to make along the way!
Many of the dresses I tried on were either too ornate (lace, tulle, sleeves, etc) or didn’t feel bridal enough (they felt too young/almost prom-like to me). After trying on close to 100 (!), I finally realized I needed to ask for more simplistic styles. It had to have an open back. Buttons would be lovely.
I was feeling rather defeated after several mis-tries. I’d come close to liking something but it just wasn’t me. After searching hard on Pinterest, I came across this beautiful Rebecca Ingram gown. It was form fitting, had a halter neckline, an open back AND buttons. It seemed perfect. Once I found the name of the dress, I began searching and emailing salons near me to see if they carried it.
As fate would have it, an unassuming shop nearby had just gotten the dress in the night before. It was kismet!
The shop wasn’t one that was on my radar, but I immediately felt right at home with the staff and owner. Since I found them after that first day of shopping, I only had my MOH with me but I knew she’d be able to help me. I’m SO grateful for her. She was literally at every single bridal appointment and never complained!
I tried on a few other gowns at the shop, all of which were much closer to what I had in mind. But once I got the Bella Rose on and they added the perfect veil...it finally happened. That moment everyone talks about “when you know, you know.” I had found my dress and the rest was cake!
No matter your bridal vision, I hope sharing my experience is helpful. Every bride should take the time to find her perfect gown (or jumpsuit!). One that gives you butterflies, reflects how your partner sees you, and lets you shine through. You’re beautiful as you are.
