4 Top Tips for Planning Your Wedding Dress Shopping
16 July 2025For many brides, trying on wedding dresses and finding THE dress for their special day is one of the most important parts of planning their wedding. It’s often a much-anticipated, dreamed-of time.
I’ve worked with a few fantastic bridalwear suppliers and experienced the whole dress-buying process when looking for a dress for myself (all those years ago) and for friends for their weddings. I actually worked in a bridal shop for a couple of summers after doing work experience for them many years ago. I even made a few accessory items that were put up for sale (such as garters and bridesmaids’ posy bags) and helped with sales and fittings.
It can be hard to know where to start looking for a bridal dress. However it’s a fantastic opportunity to try on some of the most beautiful (and expensive) clothing you’re ever likely to own. With a little planning, you’ll have an amazing time!
Blending my wedding planning and wedding dress experience in mind, here’s how to get the most out of your wedding dress shopping trip.
Tip 1: Be fresh-faced! Shops/boutiques generally prefer you to be makeup-free when trying on dresses. It’s not to be difficult or to embarrass you. If you’re wearing makeup, you could leave big smudgy marks on the beautiful dresses … they can be so difficult to remove from delicate fabrics. So … be prepared! Please just go along with it.
Tip 2: Be brave! Try on a style or two that is different to what you had in your mind … you may be surprised at what suits you. What looks great on the models in your inspo pics or even on the hanger in the shop might not look as good on you. There’s nothing wrong with that. Have an idea of the kind of style you think will suit you but try a few silhouettes just to be sure.
Tip 3: Be thorough. Not all shops are the same. It may feel like they offer the same stock, but they really don’t. Do your research online to see which designers you like and find out which shops hold their lines. Many magazines avoid any mention of prices but if you look at Real Weddings you should pick up some hints. Most shops hold dresses in a range of prices, but high-end boutiques will work in a totally different way to the average high street shop. Most will want you to make an appointment for a fitting.
Tip 4: Be open-minded. Choosing a truly bespoke gown made just for you is not necessarily as expensive as you think. Yes, it’s likely to cost in excess of £1000, but many shops will offer you a dress in a similar price range. Then, you need to consider the cost of alterations, usually in the range of £250. If your budget is much tighter, consider second-hand/vintage wedding dress shops (including some run by Oxfam and other charities). They offer significant reductions on some beautiful pre-owned dresses. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised! Sale rails are also great for amazing bargains.
Getting Started
Here are three of my favourite local bridalwear suppliers:
- Delphine Alexander Bridal Wear has been a top supplier in Luton for a long time for good reason. She has a great range and amazing knowledge.
- The Dress House, again in Luton, one of our newest but fastest growing bridalwear shops. Seriously dedicated to bringing the best dresses to their brides.
- Lisa Lyons Bridal is a fabulous designer and maker of bespoke bridalwear with years of experience in the fashion industry. She knows where to buy the best lace, how to create the perfect fit for your wedding dress, and so much more.
And if a dress isn’t your style, I know some amazing tailors.
If you need help finding a supplier in your area that meets your needs, or even if you need a supportive shoulder to lean on while trying on dresses for the first time, I’m here for you. X
PS Bonus Tip – be selective on who you take with you to go shopping. More people = more opinions. And you want to take people who will be kind but honest. X
