Whether you’re a bride to be, part of the groomsman crew, or simply an invited guest, you'll want to find something to wear that will reflect your personal style. It’s natural to feel excited or maybe a little nervous about shopping for nice clothes, but some people can become anxious, frustrated or overwhelmed during their search for the perfect look. If indecision, money matters or other snags are getting in your way, a few wise moves can significantly reduce the stress involved.
Research Is Your Friend
Walking into a boutique sight unseen can be a recipe for disaster. In a January 2018 Brides article, contributor Sarah Z. Wexler strongly recommends doing some research before arriving at your appointment. Pinterest can help you organize your finds into boards for easy reference, but whatever method you choose, make sure you have visual examples to bring with you. Not only that, keep your wedding's theme in mind as you research and be sure you mention it to the store associate. This can help you avoid accidentally purchasing a garment that clashes with your event.
At the same time, pre-shopping gives you an idea of how much you’ll need to spend. Offbeat Bride advises setting a price range and sticking to it, as well as adopting a pragmatic approach to finding your wedding look. Doing your homework, knowing each store’s policy and training yourself to see your purchase as a business transaction can remove a little more of the stress and headache.
Start Shopping Well in Advance
Getting a head start on your search for wedding attire gives you more time to choose a great outfit and cuts back on the chance that you’ll have to make a hurried choice at the last minute. Guys have it relatively easy -- they can simply visit a tuxedo and suit rental site such as The Black Tux to coordinate their attire. For the bride and bridesmaides, things are a bit more complicated. Most experts, including The Knot, suggest starting the wedding dress shopping process around a year in advance. Moreover, you should make a final selection about eight to nine months before your wedding date. This permits your vendor enough lead time to tailor your outfit to perfection, and you’ll have plenty of wiggle room for any further alterations if needed. Be prepared to sign a contract and drop around 60 percent of the dress’s final price as a deposit.
Schedule Appointments Early in the Day
For wedding gowns specifically, the writers at Glamour recommend booking dress shopping appointments early in the day. Bridal boutiques tend to be less crowded in the morning, and you’ll be one of the first customers your consultant sees. You’ll have the benefit of fresh, attentive staff who don’t feel pressured by the presence of other shoppers, and they’ll be more likely to take their time helping you. To further avoid crowds, Wexler also proposes picking a weekday and ensuring that you have the entire day to browse and try on frocks. Even if you're not the bride, applying these tactics to your favorite stores can prove incredibly useful.
Go Solo or Take a Crew?
When you’re looking for a perfect special occasion outfit, having too many opinions in the room may only complicate matters and paralyze you with indecision. Wexler advises taking two to three close friends whose aesthetic judgment you trust the most. On the other hand, Glamour’s suggestion of going alone may work well for you if you’ve got a solid sense of your own style.
If you’re getting lost in all the tulle, you’re frightened by the potential price tag, or you feel like you’re drowning in a sea of opinions, you might need smart shopping strategies to cut through the confusion and anxiety. Start your search about a year in advance and do plenty of research before you set foot inside a boutique. Book appointments early on weekdays and resist the temptation to bring a big entourage with you. These tips can help clear emotional clutter and pave a quicker path to a look you adore for the big day.
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