Some people have dreamt about what their wedding dress will be like since they were a little girl… and some people have no idea what they want and are intimidated by the whole process. Can you guess which one was me? The second one. I was the second person. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to go dress shopping, but the whole concept of “knowing” when you found “the one” and the old wives’ tale that everyone cries and it’s a whole emotional experience really overwhelmed me. Maybe I’m exaggerating, but I feel like there’s a lot of pressure to have the perfect experience. So first of all, if this sounds like you, read on for my perspective. Second- if you’re a North Carolina bride, read more about my experience dress shopping in North Carolina here.

#1: Resist the urge to look at lots of wedding dresses before your appointments. A particular style might look amazing on you that you don’t love in photos, which could deter you from trying it on.

#2: Have a budget and really, seriously don’t even try on (or let a consultant convince you to try on) something way out of budget. Seriously. Don’t mess with it. There is a perfect dress for you in your budget!

#3: Allow the bridal consultant and your entourage to select dresses that might seem out-of-the-box (or totally wrong) for you. I ended up falling for a strapless dress, which was one of the three parameters that I did NOT want. The consultant, my MOH, and my grandmother each noticed it and strongly encouraged me to try it on. When I finally relented… that was it.

#4: Relax and don’t put pressure on yourself- it will work out! I am here to encourage you to take a deep breath, relax, and just enjoy the process! Put zero pressure on yourself because you WILL find the perfect dress for you when the time is right. 
Anyway, all of that is to say I did not find “the one” right away. It took a whole weekend, 30+ dresses, and four different salons to find “the one.” There was even a time when I became slightly discouraged and thought maybe I would have to settle for a dress I really liked but didn’t absolutely love. In the end, though, it turned out fine and was such a fun experience. And 2.5 years later, I am still obsessed with my dress and am dying to find a way to wear it again!!