10 wedding dress shopping tips

 Well, never fear, our expert stylists are here to help. They spend their days answering questions from excited brides, and they’ve put together their top 10 wedding dress shopping tips, based on the most commonly asked question. So, read on, to find out how to pick the perfect dress and have fun while doing it!

 1. How much does a wedding dress cost?

One of our top wedding dress shopping tips is to start by thinking about what you can realistically afford. Luckily, a luxury wedding dress needn’t cost the earth, and at WED2B our wedding dresses cost between £79 and £599, excluding our Platinum Edition styles. You can check out our huge range at any one of our stores nationwide. While you’re there, take a look at our bridesmaids dress too, which are all £79.99 / €89.99 each.

2. How far in advance should I get my wedding dress?

It’s never too early to start! As soon as you’ve got engaged you should start looking for your dream dress online to get an idea of styles that you like. Remember, at WED2B there’s no need to make an appointment, so you can drop in whenever you’re ready. Then, when you find the one, you can take it home the same day. Don’t forget to allow time for alterations too, and bear in mind that the summer months are when your local seamstress will be at their busiest.

3. How to choose a wedding dress?

One of our best wedding dress shopping tips is that the gown that makes you feel the most beautiful and special is the one for you, and it might not be the one you were expecting! Our expert stylists are on hand at every store to steer you towards the perfect dress. Before you go, do your research and focus on the best silhouette to flatter your figure. On the day, keep your entourage small and bring your camera. At WED2B stores you can try on as many dresses as you want in your own time, there’s no rush! When you find one you love, make sure it suits your personal style and that you can sit down in it. Then trust your instincts, if it feels right it is right!

4. What shoes to wear wedding dress shopping

If you already have your wedding shoes, that’s great, bring them along when you visit. If not, make sure you bring footwear that you know will be similar in heel height and silhouette, as different shoe styles can dramatically alter the way clothing falls, especially hemlines. For example, a cute kitten heel or a low stiletto will make the hem of a gown lay quite differently to a shoe with a thick ankle strap, a platform shoe or a shoe with lots of embellishments. Also, check out our guide for the perfect underwear to wear to your appointment and on the big day here.

5. How to determine wedding dress size

Our dresses are all off-the-peg, so you can try on a variety of sizes until you find the one that feels most comfortable. Remember, wedding dress sizes are slightly smaller than UK dress sizes, due to the layers of fabric and structure. Also, don’t be tempted to pick a wedding dress smaller than your current size, in the hope of changing your body shape before the big day. If you’re planning to loose weight, choose a gown which fits you perfectly at the time. Then speak with a seamstress about having it altered later on.

 6. How to pick a wedding dress for your body shape

Our experienced staff know instinctively what styles will work best for you, so listen to their wedding dress shopping tips. You may have a fixed idea about your dream dress and it’s often when brides start looking at different styles and trying them on that they discover ‘The One’. This might be entirely different to the one you were thinking, so keep an open mind! Finding the perfect shape to suit your silhouette, size and style can seem daunting, so read our guide to wedding dress shapes to understand the key differences. Also, don’t be discouraged from trying on a bigger dress. You may find the ideal dress in a size bigger than normal, but most of our gowns can be taken in up to two dress sizes. Also, we will happily provide a list of recommended seamstresses in your local area who can alter your dress, if required.

7. What wedding dress fits my personality?

No one knows better than you what style of dress you like and feel comfortable in. It’s a cliche, but true, that you wear the dress, the dress doesn’t wear you. So, make sure you’re not so bowled over by a gorgeous gown that you forget to ask whether you feel like yourself in it. Looking at too many dresses may also make you feel like you’ve gone temporarily ‘dress blind’! To avoid this, once you’ve got a dress on, take time to imagine the key moment of walking down the aisle towards your future husband. You need to look at the whole package and find something that makes you feel happy. It should be a dress that makes you feel like the very best version of yourself. 

8. How to accessorise wedding dress

One of our key wedding dress shopping tips is that accessories can totally transform an outfit. For example, a simple but striking design like our Porsha dress looks fabulous just as it is. Add a few well-chosen accessories though, such as our glittering Leonie belt and super pretty hair comb, and you have a totally different look. We also have a range of sophisticated boleros, jackets, capes and more, so you can create a completely different daytime and evening look. Focus on finding the dress first then speak to your bridal advisor in our WED2B stores for help finding the perfect complementary accessories.

9. How to dance in a wedding dress

Your wedding day is all about marrying the man of your dreams and enjoying yourself, and you don’t want to feel restricted in any way by your dress. So, when you think you've found ‘The One’, put your arms up, twist, jump and twirl around. Don’t worry, no one will be watching! Later you can also ask a seamstress to add a bustle. This will allow you to pull your train up and off the floor so you can move with ease when it’s time to boogie. Lastly, before the big day, make sure you practice a few of your moves while wearing your dress.

10. How to store wedding dress in box

Finally, when the big day is done and dusted, make sure you store your wedding dress properly, especially if you plan to pass it on. Store it away from direct sunlight, which can turn it yellow. Also, remove it from the hanger, which can cause it to become misshapen. And definitely don’t store it in a zip-up plastic bag! We offer brides the option of purchasing a breathable fabric dress bag to store your dream dress in perfect condition costing £24.99 for a medium or £29.99 for a large. Our stores also stock specialist boxes, which are perfect for post-wedding storage, and are also cabin-sized for travelling abroad. After all, it’s the most beautiful dress that you’ll ever buy, so surely it’s worth cherishing forever!

Want more wedding dress shopping tips? Click here to see our full range of beautiful wedding dresses or here for more of our essential wedding guides. Also check out our Instagram, Facebook or Twitter pages for dresses, accessories, suppliers and much, much more.