10 Tips from Wedding Dress Designers on How to Pick the Right Dress for You

Before you shop, read this exclusive advice from the experts themselves.

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How to Find Your Dream Dress

Dress shopping is one of the most overwhelming and exciting moments of the wedding planning process. Even if you’ve spent hours (or years) collecting your favorite dress styles and imagining what you want to wear when you walk down the aisle, that might change when you find yourself in a boutique eyeballing hundreds of dresses. To help you find the dress of your dreams — with as little stress as possible — we asked these wedding dress designers for their top tips on how to pick the right look for you.

Understand Your Body Type

A great step to take, even before searching for the perfect dress, is to have a clear understanding of your body type. David Tutera, celebrity wedding event planner and dress designer, says that every bride’s body is uniquely beautiful. Knowing her body type will allow her to pick the fit and silhouette that will be the most flattering, and allow her to shine the brightest on her big day.

"For example, a bride’s upper carriage may be narrow or long or broad, and that will help her determine if you will want a gown with straps or an off-the-shoulder or sweetheart neckline," says Tutera.

Learn About Silhouettes

When we’re searching for gowns, we often look at how they fit on others, but we don’t really understand how the dress might fit on us. Tutera recommends learning more about silhouettes in fashion and different dress fits.

"The fit of a gown results from how it is designed and constructed. Some gowns intentionally have no structure and can give off a more relaxed, ethereal look whereas others are constructed with inner corsets and can provide a bit more confidence to the bride," says Tutera.

Be Mindful of the Many Color Tones of Bridal

We all have our favorite colors. When it comes to wedding gowns, while many people consider white or pink, there are different shades of each color to consider.

"Stark whites can wash out brides with fairer complexions, in which case an ivory or champagne may be more flattering. Additionally, alternatives to white can include pale pastels or rose gold, both of which can give off a dramatic and special look," says Tutera.

Get Glammed Up When Trying on Dresses

Make the dress shopping experience fun and exciting by arriving glammed up. That way, you can really get a good look and feel of how your dress will come to life on your wedding day.

"When trying on gowns, I always recommend brides to come in looking special. Wearing makeup and having her hair done will provide a truer picture of how she will look in the dress on her wedding day and of course, taking plenty of photos along the way is extremely helpful!" says Tutera.

Be Open to Different Dresses

Put aside the styles you’ve adored while scrolling on the Internet and keep your eyes open when you’re at the bridal store. Madeline Gardner, wedding dress designer for Morilee, recommends keeping an open mind for good results.

"Even if you've had a dress in mind since you were a little girl, don't let that impede your choices to bring into the dressing room! Lean on an expert from a bridal salon who knows their merchandise so well — and be bold and try different silhouettes!" says Gardner.

Every Dress Fits Differently

When you’re trying on dresses, one thing to ignore is the size on the tag. Gardner says that sizing is very different in bridal than that of ready-to-wear clothes.

"This gown is a fitted garment, so measurements are key in sizing. Don't concern yourself with a number; don't worry about the size. Instead, be sure that the dress fits perfectly," says Gardner.

Consider the Venue and Time of Year

Perhaps it’s not something you’ve thought about before, but Robert Barnowske, Senior Design Director at David’s Bridal, says to consider the wedding venue, time of day, and even the time of year.

"For example, you would not want to choose a heavy satin dress if you're getting married in the South during the summer. If you're having a wedding in a small restaurant, a big ball gown might not be good for you — unless you don't want guests! A beaded gown with a sheer bodice and high slit might be a little much for a morning wedding," says Barnowske.

Pick a Dress That Makes You Feel Good

If you’re deciding between a few different dresses, Barnowske recommends saying yes to the dress that makes you feel the best.

"In the end, to truly look her best, the bride should choose a style that reflects her personality, and makes her feel comfortable and confident!" says Barnowske.

Bring Only a Few People with You

Though it might be tempting to want to bring a squad of people with you to your dress appointment, Martin Thornburg, dress designer at Mon Cheri Bridals, recommends only bringing a few guests with you.

"A common mistake I see when brides go shopping is bringing everyone close to them in the world. Everyone who comes has an opinion, and too many opinions at once can become stressful, which may result in you becoming overwhelmed and wanting to leave. Opt to bring 2-3 people you feel will make the experience fun, know your style, and respect your wishes. Who cares if Great Aunt Carol does not like your wedding dress? Focus on yourself!" says Thornburg.

Don’t Doubt Yourself

It can be both thrilling and stressful to shop for the dress of your dreams, but Thornburg hopes people will remember not to doubt themselves.

"One of the biggest trends I have seen throughout my years in design is brides questioning their gowns. When I attend trunk shows, I see brides take photos of themselves and begin to nitpick everything about the picture. Most of the time, the critiques aren’t even about the gown; it is about their hair or makeup. Trust your judgment. Your dress will be perfect because you chose it," says Thornburg.

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