1. Start Early
Timeline: Begin shopping for your wedding dress 9-12 months before your wedding day. This allows time for ordering and alterations.
Research: Look through bridal magazines, websites, and social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram for inspiration. Save the styles you like…mull them over!

2. Set a Budget
Stick to it: ..or at least try to ! Wedding dresses can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, and hiring is good for budgeting. Keep in mind the cost of alterations, accessories, and undergarments.

3. Know Your Wedding Theme and Venue
Style Coordination: The venue and theme of your wedding can influence the style of dress you choose. For example, a beach wedding might call for a lightweight, flowy dress, while a formal ballroom event might warrant a more traditional gown.

4. Consider Your Body Shape
Silhouette Guide:
A-line: Universally flattering, fitted at the waist and flows outwards.
Ballgown: Ideal for formal, traditional weddings, with a fitted bodice and full skirt.
Mermaid/Trumpet: Fitted through the body and flares out at or below the knee, great for an hourglass figure.
Sheath: A more relaxed fit, often with little flare, suited for slim or petite brides.
Empire: High waistline just below the bust, flows down, great for smaller busts or for a boho look.
Others : So many new and exciting silhouettes out there these days.

Bridaltique also suggest trying on the various silhouettes found in wedding dresses, and the above is a rough guideline only.

5. Book Appointments
Bridal Shops: Book appointments at bridal shops to try on dresses. Some salons charge a fee for appointments, so inquire ahead of time. Bridaltique does not charge for appointments.
Bring the Right Undergarments: Wear a strapless bra and seamless underwear to your appointment. Consider bringing shoes with a heel height similar to what you plan to wear on your wedding day.
Make up : Try to keep to minimum to avoid housekeeping challenges at fitting.

6. Bring a Trusted Group
Choose Wisely: Bring 2-3 trusted friends or family members whose opinions you value. Too many opinions can be overwhelming and conflicting.

7. Keep an Open Mind
Try Different Styles: Even if you have a specific style in mind, try on a variety of dresses. You might be surprised by what you love.

8. Focus on Fit, Not Size
Alterations: Bridal sizing can be different from street sizing, so don’t get caught up in the number. Focus on how the dress fits and how you feel in it. UK retailers size ranges vary dramatically at key measurements points (bust/waist/hip).

9. Consider Comfort
Movement: Make sure you can walk, sit, and dance comfortably in your dress. Comfort is key to enjoying your big day. Alternatively you can consider two different dresses, or even one dress that can be adapted into two ( such as a removable skirt) with one dress look for the ceremony and one for the evening event.

10. Trust Your Instincts
The “Yes” Moment: You’ll know when you’ve found the right dress. Trust your instincts and don’t second-guess yourself once you’ve made your decision.

1. Plan for Alterations
Tailoring: Most wedding dresses require alterations. Schedule your fittings well in advance, typically 2-3 fittings are needed. A great tailor can alter a garment to make it perfect. Bridaltique can offer this service, and if you hire your dress can do reversible alterations.

12. Accessorize
Veil, Shoes, and Jewellery etc: Once you’ve chosen your dress, think about how to complement it with accessories like a veil, jewellery, and shoes and even something blue. Bridaltique can even stitch in a blue bow or flower or even a personal blue material or sentimental item to your dress.

13. Preservation
After the Wedding: If you plan to keep your dress as a keepsake, look into professional cleaning and preservation services. Today, shadow box frames are designed for wedding dresses so it can be on show in your home.

Final Tip: Enjoy the Process
Memorable Experience: Choosing your wedding dress is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so enjoy every moment of it!

Bridaltique hopes to be a part of your process when choosing your wedding dress, check out the affordable designer wedding dresses which we offer for hire or sale.

Good luck
xx