7 Time saving tips when choosing your wedding dress and accessories
When planning your wedding I understand that it takes time, a lot of time, to ensure you have everything in place to create the wedding of your dreams.
When it comes to choosing your wedding dress, whether bought from a shop or designed and made to measure by a seamstress, there’s lots to consider to complement your dress – shoes, jewellery, combs, tiaras etc…
So, if you’re looking for some essential time saving tips, I’m on hand to turn your stressful moments into enjoyable experiences…
1. Do your research – Have a think about what style of gown might be right for you and 
give it some thought. Do you like to wear strapless dresses, do you feel comfortable wearing high neck lines, do you like lace or satin for example? By thinking about these elements your seamstress or the shop assistant will be able to vision the type of dress that will suit your personality and style.
To help with your wedding dress aspirations it might also be a good idea to create a Pinterest or vision board to figure out the details that you like. Though you don't need to decide the exact style or silhouette of your dress before you start your search, you do want to figure out a list of things you like and don't like. Having a vision board, whether it's physical or digital, can be useful (and fun!). Making your decision will be so much easier if you narrow your choices down ahead of time. BUT don’t forget to delete any ideas that are no longer relevant!
2. Be prepared - When you are dress shopping or meeting your wedding dress designer it will be a good idea to take along a picture of the kind of wedding dress you like. Or with myself, we can work backwards by you telling me what you don’t like!
3. Set a budget - Have your budget in mind and a strict set of rules which will help you to avoid any disappointment. You might also like to source a range of different quotes that will also help you make informed decisions - that won't break the bank!
4. Shop at the right time - It’s common for brides to turn up late for their wedding but remember to leave plenty of time for your gown to be made! Just as with buying from a bridal shop - where a dress can take anywhere from 4 – 8 months to arrive in store - you need to factor in plenty of time for a made to measure gown. The best time to consult a bridal wear dressmaker is once you’ve settled on a date, theme and venue. This is because these factors are likely to influence the style of dress you choose. 9-12 months ahead (If You Can!)
5. Online shoe shopping – One very big-time saving tip when it comes to buying your wedding shoes is to stick to browsing online stores rather than physically spending 1 or 2 days browsing in high street stores. Lots of stores that do bridal shoes do not always have them in their shops, which can be time wasted. One key thing to remember is to make sure that you take the bridal shoes you've chosen with you to your fitting sessions, so do not leave it too late! This will help your dress fitter assign the correct length. The 6-month mark is a good place to get your shoes, because you'll need them before your first fitting.
6. Don’t leave deciding on your Wedding Hair until the last minute – You should aim to try out your chosen hair style with your dress. So, for example, you can see if your hair covers up pretty neckline details. It is much easier to decorate a hair style with a correct headpiece than the other way around! In my experience it doesn’t matter how much you love your Tiara if you are not happy with your hair.
7. Buy accessories from a local shop/boutique – Accessories bought online are quite often 'wrong' when tried on with your wedding dress and sometimes just a disappointment because of poor quality. If you’re having your wedding dress made, your designer can help you to select the right pieces that complement your dress. Many designers will have close contacts with suppliers. I stock some beautiful pieces by Athena Bridal Jewellery.
About Tina Waller
I am a highly experienced wedding dress designer based in Maidenhead, Berkshire and have worked with hundreds of bride’s designing and making their dream wedding dress.
Whether you adore the classic feel of silk and satin, or the romantic flow of chiffon and the beauty of lace, one thing is for certain, your bespoke wedding dress will make you look and feel like a million dollars.
Get in Touch
I hope these time saving tips have helped and if you would like to find out more about our wedding dress design services, please contact me on 01628 624340 or send me an email tinawallerbridal@sky.com.
You might also like to read the following articles –
6 top tips on why a made to measure wedding dress is the perfect choice
Thinking outside the box when it comes to your wedding dress
