When you think of weddings, only one thing springs to mind; the bride's dress. It's likely she spent months anguishing over styles, necklines and colours, so what should you do when your time comes and you must select your own gown?
Think about what dress is most suitable for you
Consider what style works best for your body shape, including the bodice shape, neckline, train length and waist line. Don't forget to think about what kind of ceremony you're having: what works for a civil ceremony may not be acceptable for a traditional church wedding. A long-sleeved dress will cover you up in winter, but you could overheat during a summer nuptial.
Start early - but not too early
While you'll want to have 'buying your wedding dress' ticked off the list, as it's a big part of the preparations, you don't need to go out looking the day after the ring appears. It's recommended you start looking around eight to ten months before your wedding day, to allow time for alterations. Start too early, and you may risk falling out of love with the dress you were mad about in the shop.
Don't bring too many people to fittings
Bring along whoever’s opinions you trust, be that your Mam, your maid of honour, or your entire bridal party. Keep the list short, and also make it clear who has the final say in what dress comes home. After all, you're the one who'll be wearing it. You need to be able to follow your own instincts about which dress is the one for you. If you want to have everyone involved, bring just your mother and maid of honour to the first fitting, then invite the rest of the party to another fitting.
Stick to your budgeted amount
Tell your friends, whoever's paying for the wedding and the dress shop how much you plan to spend up front and let them know you won't be swaying too far either way. Don't forget to factor in enough money for alterations and accessories, which can add anything up to or over €500.
Book your first fitting well in advance
Most bridal boutiques are busy at the weekend, especially on Saturdays, and you'll get more attention from the staff if you book for a mid-week fitting. Remember to ask if there is a fee for trying on any of the dresses in the shop.
Prepare for fittings
Come to the fitting with a fresh, make up-free face and untanned. Not only will this keep the dresses you try on clean, but it will also help find a dress that works for your natural skin tone and colouring. Bring along things you already plan to wear, such as a veil, shoes, and a strapless bra, to see how they work with the dress.
Don't try on too many dresses
We've all seen Say Yes To The Dress, where each bride can try on up to 100 dresses before finding The One. In reality, most brides try on four to seven dresses before coming to their perfect fit, and don't worry, the reactions when brides on TV find their dress is exaggerated for the cameras, it's perfectly normal not to cry when you've found yours.
Set time aside for fittings
This process isn't something you're going to be finished with quickly. In fact, most fittings can take up to an hour. Make sure you and anyone you're bringing with you has booked a day off work and has no other commitments they'll have to steal away to. Bring something to eat in between if you're going to be out all day, or book a table in a nearby restaurant for dinner.
Don't get frustrated if you don't find it on the first day
Your perfect dress could be the first one you try on (which does happen) or the 50th dress. No one can tell when you'll find it, and just because it took your sister three dresses to find the one doesn't mean it will happen that way for you.
Shop around for a bargain
When you DO find the dress of your dreams, don't jump at the first price you're quoted. Go to another boutique and see if you can find a similar, or the same, dress for cheaper, or tell your boutique that the price is a little out of your range - you may be able to haggle them down. Remember, when you order your wedding dress, that's the final sale.
Image credits: Alice Padrul Bridal Couture: Korto Photography via Engaged Wedding Blog | Ruche: Valentina Glidden | Yolan Cris