So… can we see a show of hands for those of you divine darlings that are about to venture out on what is, quite often, the search of a lifetime… yep, we are chatting to all of you who are about to embark on that all so exciting wedding dress shopping adventure.
Now, having seen a bride to be or two in the boutique we know this can be a pretty darn emotive day for all those involved - HUGE in fact!
What’s more, emotions aside, shopping for your bridal dress is a wee bit different to strolling in to your local branch of Zara or excitedly hitting the “purchase” button on your latest Whistles “lust-have”…
… in effect what you are shopping for is a dress that resembles a modern day ball gown come sophisticated evening dress that simultaneously highlights and accentuates all of your favourite features and allows you to feel confident and comfortable to really feel the BEST version of you on your wedding day. Alongside allowing you to party the night away into the small hours obviously.
We would like to encourage you all to take a moment to relax, let the excitement butterflies in your belly truly start to flutter ( you are in safe hands with the team here at Frances Day) and enjoy our 5 top tips for wedding dress shopping…
Do your research
As the age old saying goes “knowledge is power” and being clued up about the bridal boutique you are going to visit ain't a half bad thing!!
Whilst your first instinct in an excited post-engagement haze may be to pick up the phone and bag an appointment at every boutique within an hours distance, this is probably not the best way to go about having an enjoyable bridal shopping experience.
First of all grab a cuppa (or a glass of bubbles) and take 5 to really ponder over what it is you really want from a bridal boutique. Are you seeking somewhere that is close to home or to your venue which will make your appointments easier??
Are you happy with the boutique seeing more than one bride at a time or are your dreaming of a private consultation. Do you have your eye on a particular style of dress and does the boutique in question offer it…
Talk to us about your budget
Remember that scene in Pretty Woman… you know the one where they declare their garments as “VERY EXPENSIVE” and Julia Roberts leaves all despondent…
I promise you there will be no dismissive and snotty vibes here at Frances Day. Prestige doesn’t come with a price tag and we want to work with all kinds of brides to be to just ensure their jaw literally drops to the floor when they try on their dress of dreams.
If you are really honest with us about your budget it saves you the potential heart ache (and tears) of falling in love with a gown that isn’t going to be attainable.
Underwhere??
Now is not the time to slip in to those oh so comfy (complete with hole and broken elastic) knickers you keep at the bottom of the drawer. Underwear is super important and if you are at the stage where you really have a feel for the kind of dress you are lusting after choose your underwear with this in mind.
Neon thongs, black peekaboo bras… we’ve seen it all at Frances Day and are pretty unflappable but neutral undies are usually the way forward… we’ve done LOT’s of research when it comes to undies that can both support and banish that annoying VPL and have a seamstress that can work her magic if you really would like a little extra support with your bust line. Ladies you are in very safe hands.
Stay true to your own style
We warmly invite you to cast aside any kind of idealism you may have in your mind of what a bride “should look like”. We actively encourage you to simply be a little bit more fabulous version of yourself on your wedding day.
If you don’t normally wear strapless tops then we are not about to start suggesting you opt for a sweetheart fishtail number. Before any appointment have a little rummage through your trusty “go-to’s” in your closet and ask yourself what it is you love about them? and bring those thoughts in mind to your appointment.
Sometimes it’s not always about the dress
I know, shocker!! but we increasingly have so many brides who are just as enamoured with their accessories as much as their dress. Indeed, some lovely ladies are looking for something sleek and simple to use as a blank canvas so they can layer their look from there.
We have the accessories genius that is Miss Clemmie on hand at the boutique to weave her magic; want a statement headband - we’re on it… considering adding embellishment to your gown - we’ve got your back…
Then there is the foot candy genius herself, I Am Florence. Chunky heels, metallic bows, flashes of sexy sheer panelling. If you are the original shoe aficionado then we promise you are on to a good thing here at Frances Day.
And so I guess at this point we should give you our final piece of advice to all of you brides to be - relax and enjoy yourself… because, as much as “Top Tips For Wedding Dress Shopping Success” will stand you in good stead on your search for the gown of your dreams, it’s also an experience that will soon become a memory and one you should reminisce over fondly.
All of our love
Team Frances Day x
Images by Pear and Bear Photography and Twig and Vine Photography