Say "Yes" to the Dress: Not as easy as it sounds

The famous show on TLC, Say "Yes" to the Dress, shows how shopping for the dress you will wear on one of the biggest days of your life is quite the process. I used to work in a bridal shop and have been obsessed with weddings for as long as I can remember. When I got engaged this past May, I couldn't wait to finally get to shop for MY perfect dress. I quickly  found that, while it is indeed fun to try on beautiful gowns and accessories, it can be quite stressful when it comes down to making a decision. Here are a few tips I have for making the process go a little smoother.

Don't bring too many people

This is a tip I have heard frequently and I fully believe it. I know that some people really have great experiences with bringing a large group of friends/family, but more common than not I have seen that it goes much smoother with less people. The first time I went shopping was with just my mom. It was nice to try on things and not have too many opinions coming at me. Once I had narrowed down my decision to a couple dresses, then I wanted to have more opinions. The important thing to remember is that the most important opinion is your own, and even though others' opinions may help you decide, you may not agree with what others think is best for you. Bringing people who really know my style and personality was really helpful because it assured me that I was choosing the dress that would really be perfect for my big day.

Try on a lot of dresses and styles

Yes, I know that many will not agree with me on this. However, picking out your wedding dress is a once in a lifetime experience so I think you should make the most of it. Try on styles that you normally wouldn't, because you never know how you will feel once the dress is on. There are so many different styles and looks and it is fun to see the differences and to see what works and what does not. Here are a couple of styles from Allure Bridals that are very different, but all fun and beautiful in their own way.

The textured skirt

Lace, lace, lace...it's everywhere!

The ballgown

Go with your gut

It is nice to have others opinions at times, but when it comes down to it your opinion is the one that matters most. Don't let anyone sway you from what your gut feeling is. Many brides wait until they have an overwhelming feeling or emotions that tell them that they have found THE dress, but for some brides that doesn't come. It's important to know which dresses you felt the best in, go back and try those on again, and chances are you will know when you have found the one. It may not bring you to tears, but you will know when it is "your" dress. For me, I was deciding between two dress and was pretty stressed about it. I knew which dress was mine when I tried it on again and was immediately relieved of the stress I was feeling before.

Have fun and try not to stress too much. After all, picking your dress should be fun and exciting!

Oh! Don't forget to check out my "Wedding Dresses" board and follow me on Pinterest!