There are some things you won't find out about wedding dress shopping until you enter that special changing room. But there's certainly things you can prepare for that'll make your experience the best it possibly can be.
Going wedding dress shopping is one of the most momentous occasions, but it does require a little bit of careful planning, and some key background knowledge in order to feel ready for the fitting room.
Once you've picked out the bridal shop you want to visit first, and you've invited your wedding dress shopping crew. Besides screenshots of your favourite bridal gowns from Instagram, there are a few other important items to bring with you to the shop. We're talking about undergarments, footwear and miscellaneous things that you might not have thought of pre-engagement.
Take it from us, clothing wrinkles, underwear lines and bra straps can all make it pretty difficult to concentrate on how beautiful the gown you're wearing actually is. In fact, it can completely alter the appearance of a wedding dress, and throw off your big day shopping game all together! Get the fundamentals right, and you'll find the rest effortlessly falls into place.
What Underwear & Accessories Should You Bring When Wedding Dress Shopping
Before you visit the bridal shop
Get Your Bra Measurements Taken
As the experience of having your bra size measured is not one of the most pleasant things in the world, many of us never do it. Put off by the idea, or never even considering the concept, has meant that most women are walking around wearing the wrong bra size. This is not only bad for your health, but can also mean your bust is not being aesthetically supported in the right way.
Trust us, look in the mirror before and after a bra fitting, and you'll wonder where those new boobs came from! It's remarkable, and can give you not just confidence, but comfort too.
If you've been wearing the wrong size bra, a positive change can dramatically alter your look, and drastically improve how you feel, long after wedding dress shopping.
When you are shopping for your bridal gown, having the wrong size bra can mean your dress won't lay in the correct way. A bra that is too big or too small will affect the bust of a gown, meaning it may fit quite differently than it should, thus affecting your perception of the dress overall.
Bring a Strapless Bra
Many wedding dresses are so expertly structured, with bra cups built in, that you can skip your top half underwear altogether. However, if you have a large cup size, or desire more support, a high-quality strapless bra will be necessary during wedding dress shopping.
Before your visit to a bridal shop, make sure you already have, or have purchased, a strapless bra that gives you the coverage and support you need. A visit to a specialist in lingerie is recommended, and you can even get your bra size measured while you're there. Their team will be able to advise you on the specific bra you'll need, one that'll support you where it's most needed.
Wear the Right Underwear
During your bridal appointment, your stylist will be helping you in and out of various gowns. Because of this, prepare early, and wear underwear that you're not embarrassed of. We won't care what you're wearing, but if you feel less confident in yourself because of your undies, then that may harm your wedding dress shopping experience.
Moreover, you need to wear underwear that won't show visible lines underneath your dress. This is especially true if you intend to wear something slinky, or lacy that will potentially make your underwear visible. Fortunately, there's so many seamless underwear choices out there these days, it’s not hard to find one that works. Try on a few different no-show styles and wear the undergarment you like best to the bridal appointment.
Bring Your Desired Heel Height
A sure-fire way to feel comfortable when wedding dress shopping, is to bring your own heels. If you already know which bridal shoes you'll be wearing, and they've been purchased, bring them along. Otherwise, be sure to know your perfect heel height, and choose/find a pair of shoes that match. Besides this, the right heels can also make your posture look better in a dress, so even a small heel is a good idea.
Most bridal shops have shoes to try on with, but it’s best to bring a pair that fits you perfectly, and you feel good in. It will also help your stylist select the right gown for you, as they'll have a better idea of your silhouette on the day.
Hair & Makeup
The art of wedding dress shopping is being able to imagine yourself in that gown on your big day. Make that imagination process easier for yourself, and prepare your face and hair for a night out, rather than a trip to the shops. Or a look that's closer to how you'd like to be seen on your big day. Don't go crazy, but having a more made up look will give you a confidence boost, and help you envision how you'd actually look on the big day.
The above applies to your hair, but to a lesser extent. If you choose to visit the salon before your appointment for a blow dry, then go for it. But most importantly, bring something that you can tie your hair up with. Trying on wedding dresses can be a tiring, sometimes sweaty experience. So give yourself the ability to tie long hair up, or at least get it off your neck/shoulders. This will also help you see your possible future gown better.
Feel you're ready to go wedding dress shopping IRL? We would love to welcome you to our shop! Please don't hesitate to book an appointment via our website, and if you would like to ask us anything, please visit our contact page.