Tulle and Tuxedo: Say Yes To The Dress

"On her wedding day a woman should be certain that she has found a dress that makes her feel confident and above all else, beautiful"- Carolina Herrera

I would imagine, since being engaged, that you have an array of wedding dress questions- What style would best suit me? How much should I spend? Who should I take with me? Fear not my followers, for I have broken down the wedding dress shopping experience in a few simple and easy to follow points.

I always tell my clients that planning a wedding should always be stress free. Now although that statement isn't always true, I'm hoping that my tips and tricks will alleviate at least one or two of those stresses.

Let's get right into it!

#1 The B Word

Let's address the elephant in the room. Setting and budget is superrrr important! I know we all have that secret Pinterest board with the most amazing wedding dresses, but before you get too carried away be honest with yourself on how much you're willing to spend. This will be extremely helpful at your appointments since the bridal stylist will be able to narrow down your search and provide options within your price range. Try not to try on dresses outside of your budget, this can lead to unnecessary disappointment and stress. Take a deep breath...We are cool, calm, and collected...say it with me!

Our GORG bride Nataley (photographed above) shared the following advice:

"Be honest about your price point and your "wiggle room" because the final price will include the veil and alterations and it's going to be higher than you expected".

#2 Do Your Homework

Start by perusing social media, or checking out some websites to see different styles of wedding dresses. There are so many shapes, sizes, colours, fabrics and designers to choose from so it's a good idea to create a folder on your phone and save some pictures. After a while you will see a common theme of what you're looking at and this will help narrow your search.

Bridal Musings has a great article and quiz on finding the perfect wedding dress style. Click here to read more!

#3 The Early Bird Gets The Worm

Start shopping 9-12 months in advance (if possible). This gives you ample time to set appointments so that it doesn't feel rushed. More importantly, many dresses are custom made and orders can take a while, especially if it's being shipped from abroad. Hey, if you're lucky you might even find something off the rack which is great!

#4 Get Out Your 2020 Planner

The one purchase I've regretted in 2020 was a yearly planner, because quite frankly I felt like Covid-19 never heard the song "Girls just wanna have fun". BUT, here's your chance to use it! Start making your appointments at Bridal Salons. Contact your local salons and check their availability, it's a good idea to set two or three appointments a day (keep it all fresh) but be sure to give yourself enough time to get to each destination, and to take a break to eat. Let's avoid being a hangry bridezilla...please.

Pro Tip: Here are some questions you should ask when you're at your bridal trials.

- How long would it take for the dress to be made and delivered?

- Do you offer alterations?

- Is there an additional fee for alterations and shipping?

-What's the best way to transport my gown?

- Should I steam my dress on the wedding day itself?

- Can you show me how to bustle my dress? (I would suggest delegating bustle duties to a member of your bridal party, since you're definitely going to need their help).

#5 Choose your Bride Tribe

Call ahead and ask the salon the maximum amount of persons you're allowed to have with you. This would help you to select the key persons who need to be at the trial. ie. Those who might be helping you to pay for the gown.

#6 Nails Done, Hair Done, Everything Did!

Drake suggested it, so it must be right. Get your hair, makeup and nails done so you can envision the full picture when you try on those special gowns!

#7 Captain Underpants

Wear the proper undergarments and shoes. Try to wear nude undergarments, preferably the ones you will wear on the actual night. It's also important to wear a shoe of similar height to the one you will be wearing since this will have an impact on the alteration of the length of the dress.

#8 Thick Thighs, Thin Patience

To my curvy girls, do not get discouraged by sizing! I repeat, do not get discouraged by sizing! Many stores carry sample sizes of dresses and trust me when I say its 'One Size Fits None......'. Often times salons will put you in a different dress from the same designer to figure out sizing, before selecting the actual dress you want. Fortunately, we are in 2020 and salons have realized that the majority of women are above a size 10 and they have expanded their sample sizes, yay 2020!

#9 Keep An Open Mind

I know you saw that Vera Wang ballgown with the pockets and the bow and the diamonds dripping down the neckline... but there are thousandsssssss of dresses out there so how about we give them all a fair chance? I personally LOVE a trumpet style dress, but I won't mind trying on a ballgown, I might end up loving it more!

#10 Beach Please..

Think about your location, are you getting married on the beach, a ballroom or in the good ole outdoors?Knowing your venue will be key in selecting an appropriate gown. But hey, if you want to wear a ball gown on the beach, who am I to stop you? Get it girl!

#11 Listen To Your Stylist

Your stylist has seen it all, the bridezillas, the bridal party who has no filter, and the moms who can't stop crying. Listen to their feedback since this is their area of expertise! They may suggest designers styles and colours you never though about.

#12 Let's Take a Selfie

Ask permission before snapping photos of the dress you're in. Most salons will allow it since they want you to remember your options. Take a good look at the photos and compare them to see which ones makes your heart feel all the happiness!

#13 Don't Be Afraid of Commitment

Well, you're not, since you did say yes to spending the rest of your life with your partner...NO PRESSURE (jk). It's okay to say yes to the first dress you try on! If you're totally head over heels in loveeeeeeeee with it, then babe it's yours! Just go into it with your whole heart. #noregrets

#14 Be Amy Santiago

Y'all watch Brooklyn 99 right? Amy LOVES a good binder. Keep a wedding binder, or for you technologically savvy folks, keep track of your contracts, delivery dates and schedules alterations on your phone! We love an organized bride.

If you use my tips above to help you select your wedding dress be sure to let me know by tagging @tulleandtuxedo on Facebook and Instagram!

Instagram Live- Let's Talk Wedding Shopping < Click link!

Happy Shopping!

With Love,

Tulle and Tuxedo