Wedding Dress Shopping Tips

We're thrilled to announce that we have guest bloggers this week - Karin and Rebecca from Something White, A Bridal Boutique! They will be sharing their expert tips on how to make the most of your dress-shopping experience!

SomethingWhite_LBP-64

SomethingWhite_LBP-64

Photo Credit: Lane Baldwin Photography

We have been friends since high school, and both ended up moving to Chicago after college to get a taste of the big city. One Saturday morning, while brunching on our favorite Bread Pudding Pancakes, we started talking about opening a shop. This was a theme we'd hit on since our high school days, with ideas ranging from book stores to bakeries. But when opening a bridal shop was put on the table, we knew we'd hit on something special. About a year-and-a-half of research and planning ensued, and ultimately resulted in Something White. The shop and items you will find here reflect our personalities and personal style and we hope you will love it just as much as we do!

Something-White-Bridal-Boutique-20150409-014-fullsize-1.jpg

Photo Credit: Hunter Photographic

Shopping for a wedding gown should be an exciting and fun-filled experience, but reality TV shows can set unrealistic expectations, and before long, many brides experience wedding gown burn-out. Here are some of our best tips for avoiding tulle-overload and enjoying the process of finding your wedding gown:

Try to not have preconceived notions

A dress you love should not be brushed aside because it is not what you pictured yourself in - you never know how you will look in something until you try it on!

Shop local

There's no need to skip town to find a great selection. Most of the big name bridal brands, as well as popular niche designers, can be found at shops in Northeast Ohio.

Something-White-Bridal-Boutique-20150410-007-fullsize

Something-White-Bridal-Boutique-20150410-007-fullsize

Photo Credit: Hunter Photographic

Try comparing and contrasting dresses as you go

When trying on a lot of dresses, they can all start to blur together. Try comparing and contrasting as you go along so that you have only 2-3 gowns in the running. Once you have a few contenders you really love, stop shopping (remember that burnout we mentioned??) and hone in on your favorite. The same goes for online browsing - know when to stop pinning.

Not everyone will have the "this is THE dress" moment

If you find you a dress you love but don't start crying about it, don't take that as a sign that it is not the dress.

Something-White-Bridal-Boutique-20150410-003-fullsize.jpg

Photo Credit: Hunter Photographic

If you are having trouble deciding between a few gowns, here are some other factors to consider:

-Which dress do you feel better suits your style and personality?

-Which dress better fits your venue and wedding theme?

-Which gown do you think your fiancé would like better?

-Which gown better fits your budget?

Above all else, have fun!

Shopping for a gown is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning, and while we know it can be daunting, the best thing you can do is just relax and enjoy yourself.

Something-White-Bridal-Boutique-20150410-013-fullsize.jpg

Photo Credit: Hunter Photographic

Thanks, Karin and Rebecca for all of the great tips! We hope all of our brides-to-be can take these tips into consideration when shopping for their perfect dress!