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What To Wear When Wedding Dress Shopping As A Bride

What To Wear When Wedding Dress Shopping As A Bride

What to wear to try on wedding dresses

As the excitement of wedding dress shopping unfolds, one crucial aspect often overlooked is what to wear. It’s a question that can make or break the experience. As a bride-to-be, it’s essential to dress comfortably and practically for this momentous occasion. The right outfit will not only enhance your confidence but also ensure you’re prepared for the thrill of finding ‘the one.’ While some may argue that what you wear doesn’t matter, it’s crucial to consider the fabric, style, and fit of your undergarments, as well as what to bring to the bridal salon. This journey is filled with anticipation, excitement, and a sense of accomplishment when you discover the dress you’ll wear on your special day. To make the most of this experience, one must dress for success, not just physically but also mentally. So, it’s time to explore what to wear when shopping for wedding dresses, from undergarments to accessories and more.

What to wear to find your dream wedding dress…


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Before diving into what to wear when wedding dress shopping as a bride, we’d like you to take a moment to connect with us on Facebook by liking our page! Additionally, please note that we utilize affiliate links within our blog posts, which allows us to earn a commission if you choose to use any of these links. If you’re a bride-to-be getting married this year, be sure to join our exclusive Bride Facebook group for valuable insights and support throughout your planning journey. To help make the process even smoother, we invite you to sign up for your complimentary wedding planning checklist, packed with essential tips and tools. Lastly, don’t forget to explore our printable wedding shop for a treasure trove of checklists, worksheets, and free goodies tailored specifically to your special day.

When should a bride go wedding dress shopping?

When planning a wedding, selecting the perfect wedding dress is a crucial decision. So, when should a bride start her search for the ideal gown? Ideally, brides should begin shopping at least 9 to 12 months prior to their big day. This allows ample time to discover the perfect dress and make any necessary alterations. However, if the wedding is less than 9 months away, don’t worry! Options still exist, such as purchasing a sample dress or arranging for rush alterations. It’s essential to remember that finding the ideal dress may take some time, so it’s best to start looking early to avoid any last-minute stress. Moreover, scheduling an appointment at a bridal boutique is highly recommended to ensure they have sufficient time to work with you and provide top-notch service.

What I Wore To The Bridal Salon

When we surveyed 100 brides in our Facebook Bridal group about their dress-shopping experience and what they wore during fittings, several common themes emerged. Many women opted for a simple yet practical approach, choosing outfits that were easy to move around in and allowed them to feel comfortable throughout the process. These included combinations like leggings and a T-shirt, or even socks and a flowy top. Others preferred more streamlined ensembles, such as a cute summer dress or a romper. Surprisingly, many women chose to wear nude underwear under their outfits, likely to avoid any unexpected lines or distractions during fittings. In fact, the majority of our respondents wore some variation of leggings, a shirt, and nude underwear. Ultimately, it’s all about finding an outfit that makes you feel confident and at ease when trying on wedding dresses.

Here is what to wear for bridal dress shopping…

When it comes to dressing for the big day, comfort is paramount. As you’ll likely be trying on numerous gowns, some of which can be quite heavy, making sure you’re wearing something that allows you to move freely and feel at ease is crucial. To ensure your dress selection process is a breeze, consider incorporating the following comfortable and versatile options into your wardrobe:

Underwear for wedding dress shopping

When it comes to finding the right lingerie to pair with your wedding gown, there’s more to consider than just comfort. While many dresses come with built-in bra cups, we recommend wearing a comfortable bra and underwear that provides support without being too restrictive. For a seamless look under your gown, opt for nude or skin-tone colored underwear. A strapless bra is also ideal, as it allows you to try on dresses with different necklines without worrying about visible bra straps. Additionally, consider bringing shapewear to provide extra support and confidence under your dress. When trying on gowns at the bridal store, remember to wear these items discreetly – some stores require brides to wear undergarments for hygiene reasons. For a more natural appearance, choose underwear with ample coverage. Some popular brands among brides include SKIMS, Commando, Cosabella, SPANX, Nordstrom, Honey Love, SassyBax, and NOOD.

Wedding Dress Shopping Outfits


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When it comes to clothing for a successful wedding dress shopping experience, simplicity is key. Opt for garments that are easy to remove and put back on, such as dresses or combinations of tops and skirts. Avoid anything too tight or restrictive, as this can hinder the process. Additionally, consider light-colored clothing, which can help you visualize how different dresses will look against your skin tone. For a more relaxed approach, I suggest wearing tights with a flowy shirt and a summery dress, allowing for a seamless transition between styles. These simple yet charming outfits make perfect sense when it comes to wedding dress shopping. Consider pairing jeans with a top and shoes for a comfortable and stylish look.

Shoes to wear wedding dress shopping

When venturing out to find your dream wedding dress, it’s crucial to consider the shoes you wear during the process. Our advice is to opt for comfortable footwear that can be easily slipped on and off, as opposed to high heels or laced shoes that may cause inconvenience. To further enhance your shopping experience, consider bringing a pair of shoes similar in height to those you plan to wear on your big day. This will enable you to better visualize how the dress will look with your chosen footwear. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, flats, sneakers or socks are excellent options that can provide a comfortable and practical experience. And let’s not forget, flip-flops can also be a great choice.

Wedding Accessories

When shopping for wedding dresses, there are a few key factors to consider beyond what to wear. One crucial aspect is bringing along any accessories you plan to wear on your big day. This includes your veil, jewelry, and any other adornments you’ve chosen to complement your dress. Having these items with you during the fitting process will give you a more accurate idea of how the overall look will come together. While you don’t need to have every detail finalized, it’s highly recommended for the sake of clarity. Many bridal stores will also provide some accessories that you can borrow to get a sense of the complete look. There’s no need to purchase any of these items until you’ve found the perfect dress. If you do own some cute accessories, feel free to wear them during your fittings for inspiration purposes.

Other things to consider

When venturing out to find the perfect wedding dress, it’s essential to consider the weather outside and dress accordingly. During warm seasons, opt for light and breathable clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable while trying on dresses. A lightweight fabric like cotton or linen can be a great choice, allowing you to feel at ease as you explore your options. In contrast, if you’re shopping during the colder months, consider wearing a warm sweater or jacket that’s easy to remove and put back on. This will help ensure you stay cozy while still being able to move freely.In addition to dressing for the weather, it’s also crucial to avoid certain attire when wedding dress shopping. For instance, heavy makeup can transfer onto the dresses and potentially cause damage, so keep your beauty look light and natural. Similarly, clothing with excessive embellishments can get caught on the dresses and cause harm, making it best to steer clear.When it comes to what to wear, comfort is key. Opt for easy-to-remove clothing that will allow you to slip in and out of dresses without any fuss. Comfortable shoes are also a must, as you’ll likely be trying on multiple dresses and spending a significant amount of time standing. If you don’t have your wedding shoes yet, don’t worry – focus on finding the perfect dress first.Finally, consider bringing along a trusted friend or family member to help with decision-making and provide valuable insight. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to find the wedding dress that’s right for you.

What to bring to wedding dress shopping

When preparing for a wedding dress appointment, it’s natural to wonder what to bring along. The good news is that you don’t need to worry about packing too much. In fact, most of what you’ll need can be summed up in just a few essentials. You might consider bringing a small clutch or purse, as well as a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the process. Additionally, it’s helpful to bring along any necessary undergarments, such as shapewear, and your trusty high heel shoes for easy comparisons. If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to include hair ties and other styling essentials to help you get the look just right. Beyond these basics, it’s all about being open-minded and ready to find ‘the one.’ To that end, make sure to look presentable upon arrival, especially if you’re visiting an upscale bridal boutique. And don’t forget to bring a trusted friend or family member along for moral support and valuable feedback – their input can be invaluable in helping you choose a dress that not only flatters your figure but also makes you feel confident and beautiful.

What To Wear When Wedding Dress Shopping As A Bride