1. Start Early

Don’t wait until the last minute to start looking for your gown. Most gowns have to be ordered in or made for you. Start at least 8-10 months before your wedding. Doing so will ensure that you have options instead of settling because you ran out of time. At Averil Marie, we ask for at least 3-4 months to make a gown, but some places require longer. If it is 100% custom, include extra time to finalize the gown design. Usually, an additional 2-3 weeks is required. We also highly recommend including ten or more weeks for alterations on a purchased gown.

 2. Have a Price in Mind

Figure out your wedding budget beforehand, and it will make it easier to choose a gown in your price range. Keep in mind, wedding gowns are not your average dress off the rack, and the cost will reflect that. Consider all your dressing expenses, including alterations and accessories. Keep in mind that most dress alterations can run anywhere from $200 to over $1000! Do not let this cost catch you by surprise. I will include a link for more info on alterations below.

3. Pick Your Venue

It is sometimes easier to choose a gown when you know the venue. Different dresses will work better for different locations. You would most likely not want a sheer sleeveless bodice in the middle of winter for an outdoor venue, or an expensive fur cape on the beach. Also, consider if there are dress code restrictions or obligations. 

4. Have Ideas About What You Like

5.  Don’t Over Think It

 Overthinking your look can take you down the rabbit hole, but don’t rush into it either. Explore all your options. Don’t let a salesperson push you into a gown because of a “sale” price! They always have a great price to offer to make a sale and more often than not, that bride regrets making that type of purchase.  

6. Trust Your Feelings 

What do you like? What do you not like? Trust how you feel about a gown. If you love it, go for it! If you are unsure, keep looking.

7.  Take Pictures

 It’s always a good idea to take pictures if you go to try on gowns. Then you can review them later and see what exactly you like or did not like about a dress. It is especially helpful if you decide to go custom. When we create your dress, you can share with us the specific components you wanted or did not love about the other gowns you saw.

8.  Limit Your Entourage

Too many opinions can be overwhelming and conflicting. Take one or two good friends or close family members with you to try on gowns. Getting too many opinions can make you feel unsure and insecure. Think about your friends and family members who share a similar sense of style with you or who know you and your style/personality the best. These will be the best partners to have with you as you look. Once you know the look that is right for you, we can make that look fit your body perfectly.

9. Bring Proper Undergarments and Shoes to Fittings 

If you plan on wearing a body-shaper, bring it with you to try on gowns. Some gowns come with body shaping components built right into the dress, but if not you’ll want to have them to try on with the gown. If you plan on wearing such items with your dress, it is especially important to bring them to any fittings along with your shoes. You should expect that your gown will most likely fit differently if you don’t. 

10. You Get What You Pay For

The saying is true. You get what you pay for, especially in wedding gowns. Out of all our tips, this by far is the most important. With the worldwide web, there are so many options, and too many times, girls fall for a cheap gown that ends up costing them more. Why? Because cheap dresses come with a price, usually tears and money. There is a reason cheap gown are cheap. I would suggest reading our short article “Let’s Talk, The Cost of Wedding Gowns” for more details.

I hope you enjoy these tips and suggestions, and found them helpful.  If you are ready to create the wedding dress of your dreams, contact us for a phone or in person consultation!