There are so many different styles of wedding gowns available...discount wedding gowns, modest wedding gowns, designer wedding gowns, informal wedding gowns, the possibilities are endless.  You might be overwhelmed by the choices. Where do I start? What do I look for?  Don’t panic. There are some points to consider that will narrow down your options but still let you have fun trying on different styles of wedding gowns.

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Finding a Wedding Gown that Fits - A Complete Guide

The first point to consider is how much you can afford to spend on your dress. You need to work out the budget for your entire wedding and allocate amounts for each part, including the dress. You don’t want to spend a large chunk of your available funds on your wedding gown, and then find that you haven’t got enough to pay for the reception, or honeymoon. So, be realistic. This doesn’t mean that you can’t still have the dress of your dreams; it simply means that you may have to look at some of the cheaper options available to you.

If you have a relatively small budget, there are some ways that you can find the perfect wedding gown, without having to spend your entire wedding budget, or end up needing a loan to cover it.

The most expensive gowns are those that are designed by a wedding salon, especially for you. This is not an option for most brides. Next down the line are wedding outlets. These tend to have a variety of ‘off the rack’ dresses. They will often only have one size of each dress, so you need to be sure that you find out if they are able to do any adjustments, or if you have to find a seamstress.

Renting a wedding dress is a cheaper option. However, you do need to remember that this may have been worn by a lot of people, before you. There are a lot of places that hire out wedding gowns. Wearing a rented dress does help fulfill one of the wedding traditions; something old! Another option that may also fit this bill is buying a second-hand gown. You will find adverts in your local paper, for example, for dresses for sale, privately, or there are some shops that sell worn wedding dresses. It is also worth checking out some of the online auction sites, such as eBay. You may find that a bride-to-be ended up not getting married, and the dress is practically new. Lastly, you may have a relative who has their old wedding dress, and would allow you to wear it for your big day. Again, that would fulfill one of the traditions – something borrowed.

The next step is to make sure that you have a clear idea of the type of wedding that you are going to have. That way you can choose a wedding gown that is appropriate. For example, if you are having an intimate ceremony, at a small venue with just a few guests, a long flowing train would be a bit over the top. You can still have a train, but a shorter styled one. The same applies if you are having an outdoor ceremony, as the train is likely to get very dirty from dragging across the ground.

The time of year that you are getting married can also have a big impact on your final choice of style. Think about what the temperature is going to be like, and choose an appropriate dress, especially if you are going to be married outdoors. You need to consider whether a sleeveless or long-sleeved dress would be best. You want to be comfortable, and not shivering with cold, or almost fainting with the heat because you have chosen the wrong style of gown.

Many brides worry about what size of dress they are going to need, especially if they are planning to diet before the big day. You need to know that the majority of wedding dresses are meant to be tight-fitting, and you shouldn’t be surprised if you need to buy one that is one or two sizes larger than your normal dress size. Always make sure that you buy a dress that is larger, rather than smaller. You can always have it altered by a seamstress. No two women have the same body shape, and it is unlikely that the dress will be a perfect fit before it is altered. When you are trying on dresses, make sure that you are wearing lingerie that is similar to what you will be wearing on your wedding day.

Don’t be afraid about choosing what you like, and not buy what you think your husband-to-be would like. It is important that you feel comfortable on the big day. If you don’t normally go for frills and fuss, then don’t choose a wedding dress that has a lot of detail. Plain wedding gowns are also stunning, and you will look far more radiant if you are comfortable with your choice.

Always give yourself as much time as possible to find your perfect wedding gown. You should start your search as early as possible, preferable 9 months before the wedding date. There are a number of reasons for this; one important one is that it gives you plenty of time to order your dress, and have alterations done. Some outlets need a few months to obtain a dress, especially if it is a size that they did not stock at the time. Of course, a gown from a salon could take even longer. Another benefit that ordering your gown early gives you is that it takes away the last minute stress that organizing a wedding can bring. You can cross it off your list, until you have your final fitting. This final fitting should take place about 2 weeks before your wedding day. This will give you a more accurate idea of what size you are going to be in the day itself.

Finally, and most important of all, you want to have fun choosing your dress! It is a great excuse for a girl’s day out. Take a girlfriend with you, and make a day of it. She can help by giving you her opinion, and also be far more objective than your close relatives may be. Have a well-deserved treat at the end of the day. Perhaps have a meal, or go and see a movie. Remember, you may not find your ideal dress at the first attempt, but you can have fun another day, until you have the dress of your dreams.