10 Mistakes Brides Make When Shopping for Their Wedding Dress (and How to Avoid Them)
Shopping for a wedding dress is nothing short of magical. The anticipation, the excitement, and the sheer joy of trying on beautiful bridal gowns can make any bride feel like a princess.
But with all the excitement leading up to the big day, brides can sometimes make classic "oops" moments that bring more stress—and a bigger bill—than they bargained for.
At The Wedding Bell, we've had the pleasure of helping countless brides find their dream wedding dress. Along the way, we’ve picked up some helpful tips to make finding the perfect dress a smooth and enjoyable experience.
So, if you’re a bride-to-be or know someone who is, keep reading for some expert advice on avoiding these common wedding dress shopping mistakes.
1. Not setting a realistic budget (and forgetting hidden costs)
Before beginning the search for your dream gown, it's important to figure out a price range you're comfortable with. Bridal dresses can feature luxurious fabrics, intricate details, and designer labels, which, while absolutely breathtaking, can come with a hefty price tag. Not to mention the sneaky extras like alterations, taxes, and those “must-have” accessories that mysteriously appear. Oops... how did that get there? 😉
As you’d expect, it's easy to get swept up in the excitement of dress shopping and lose track of your budget. I mean, you're only human, right? Just stick dutifully to your budget, and future-you will thank you for dodging financial stress like a pro!
Tip: We recommend allocating 10-15% of your dress budget for alterations. At The Wedding Bell, one of our alterations specialists can give you a quote upfront—no surprises!
2. Waiting too long to start shopping
Procrastination might work for your term paper, but not for wedding dresses. Generally, it is recommended that brides start shopping for a wedding dress 12 months before their wedding date. This allows plenty of time to book the appointments, try on dresses, and make a decision without feeling rushed or stressed.
Designers often have lead times of 6–9 months, meaning that if you wait too long to start shopping, your options may be limited. Alternatively, you might find yourself shelling out for a pricey rush fee or settling for a dress that isn't your dream gown.
Check out our blog post Wedding Dress Shopping Timeline: When to Start and What to Expect for the full scoop! It breaks down the whole wedding dress shopping timeline and shares tips to help you find your perfect gown right on time.
3. Skipping the appointment prep
No one wants to try on a wedding dress in sneakers and mismatched underwear! Wear nude-colored undergarments to your wedding dress appointment. Style your hair and bring any accessories or shoes you plan to wear on your special day. Haven’t decided yet? Something similar in height and style works too. This helps you envision how the dress will look as you walk down the aisle.
Remember to also bring any shapewear you plan to wear with your wedding dress—it’s important to see how everything looks and feels together. And most importantly, eat before your appointment! Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to rushed decisions and unnecessary stress. A hangry bride is not a happy bride!
4. Bringing too many opinions
Bringing along an entourage of friends and family to your appointment can be lovely—until it turns into a reality TV show. Everyone has their own unique tastes and preferences, and it doesn’t take long for conflicting opinions to become overwhelming.
Therefore, it's best to keep things more intimate. Your best friend, your mom, and maybe your sister or future mother-in-law can help you pick out the perfect dress without causing too much chaos. Remember, the final decision is yours and yours only, so don't feel pressured to please everyone.
Tip: Save the big group for the final fitting—by then, all the decisions are made, and the only thing left to do is pop champagne and admire your fabulous dress!
5. Getting stuck on the size tag
We've seen it before: a bride tries on her dream dress, only to realize that the size she needs is larger than what she typically wears. Panic sets in as she fixates on the number on the tag, rather than how beautiful and radiant she looks in the dress. Truly, the plot twist no one asked for.
But guess what? Bridal sizing is completely different from ready-to-wear sizing, typically being 1-2 sizes smaller. Designers' sizes can be all over the place, so don’t stress about the number on the tag—what really matters is how you feel in the dress.
Tip: Some bridal salons remove the sample sizes from their dresses. If this matters to you, be sure to inquire with the salons before making an appointment.
6. Falling for trends over personal style
That gorgeous dress you found on Instagram or Pinterest might be all the rage right now, but it's important to remember that the latest trends come and go. What's popular today may not necessarily work for your body type or the venue of your wedding, and that's okay!
Time and again, we’ve seen brides fall head over heels for dresses they never imagined wearing, simply because it made them feel confident and beautiful. Keep an open mind and try out different bridal styles and silhouettes—you never know what might surprise you!
Want to know which types of dresses best fit your body shape? Discover expert tips and advice in our blog, Perfect Wedding Dress for Your Body Shape: A Complete Guide.
7. Not researching the salon beforehand
No two bridal shops are the same, so it’s important to do your research before booking an appointment. Reading reviews from other brides can give you a pretty good idea of what to expect in terms of customer service, dress selection, and overall experience.
Look for a bridal shop with an extensive collection that offers a variety of styles, from traditional styles to modern designs, so you have plenty of options to choose from. The last thing you want is to feel limited in your choices and settle for a dress that you’re not completely in love with!
At The Wedding Bell, we pride ourselves on our wide selection of wedding dresses from top designers such as Stella York, Allure Bridals, and All Who Wander. Our team is here to help you discover the perfect dress that matches your style, flatters your figure, and fits your budget—because you deserve to feel amazing!
Book your appointment today and let us help you say "yes" to the dress of your dreams.
8. Missing out on sample sales or trunk shows
You won't believe how many brides overlook sample sales or trunk shows. These events offer the opportunity to snag a designer gown at a fraction of the cost. And who doesn't love a good discount?
Keep an eye out for announcements from your favorite bridal shops or designers for upcoming sample sales and trunk shows in your area. There are many different styles and sizes available, so don't be discouraged if you're not a sample size. With a little bit of luck and patience, you can score your dream dress at an amazing price.
Tip: Some bridal shops offer discounts on their mannequin display dresses. It doesn't hurt to ask if they're willing to sell their display dress at a discounted price!
9. Forgetting about comfort
What's the point of wearing a stunning wedding dress if you can't even move or enjoy your special day comfortably? Before saying yes to the dress, make sure it feels as good as it looks—because no one likes a beauty that's a pain to wear!
Be sure to walk around, sit down, dance a little, and have a full meal before choosing your wedding dress. Test it out—if you can’t bust a move or enjoy cake comfortably, it’s not the one. And hey, if dancing feels like too much stress, you can always go for a separate reception dress!
You should also consider the season and location of your wedding. A heavy ball gown may look gorgeous, but it may not be the best choice for an outdoor wedding in the middle of summer. Similarly, a lightweight dress might have you shivering if you're saying your vows in a snowy winter wonderland.
10. Not trusting the experts
Embracing your inner bridezilla? Totally fair—your wedding day is a big deal! But remember, you hired pros for a reason. Trust their expertise and let them guide you in finding the perfect dress for your special day.
You know your vision better than anyone, and the stylist is there to help bring it to life. They can guide you on which fabrics will drape beautifully, which styles will enhance your shape, and how to stay within your budget. While they offer expert advice, the final choice is always yours. Speak up, share your thoughts, and stay true to your vision. But keeping an open mind to their ideas might just lead you to the dress—the one that makes you look and feel incredible!
Say "Yes" Without the Stress at The Wedding Bell
There are a lot of things to consider when shopping for a wedding dress, but by avoiding these common pitfalls, you can turn the process from a headache into a joyful and memorable experience.
Begin by exploring a bridal collection that suits your style and budget, whether you envision a designer dress or something sleek and modern, the wedding dress of your dreams is out there! And remember, don't be afraid to try on different styles and silhouettes—you never know what will look best on you until you try it on.
Ready to find your perfect wedding dress? At The Wedding Bell, we bring your dream dress to life with an incredible selection of wedding gowns from the industry's top designers, all at affordable prices. Our passionate stylists are here to make your journey to finding "the one" unforgettable—stress-free, fun, and filled with moments you'll cherish forever.
Book Your Appointment with us today!