Choosing a wedding dress can be a daunting task, especially if you have a wedding that is coming up within the next 5 – 6 months. Raise your hand if you’re in that category🖐If you’ve looked at the knot, or had friends who ordered gowns that took months to get it, you may be panicking right now.

Deep breath….I promise it will be ok! Places like David Bridal stock dresses that come in very quickly, I am talking within a week or two, and event boutiques such as Gesinee’s Bridal in Concord, have gowns are in stock. The deal is….don’t hold off too long. If your YES dress happens to be out of stock, it may take several months, however, I had 3 dresses I loved. If the dress I chose wasn’t going to come in on time, I had 2 other dresses I loved almost as much. With a little alterations, they would have also been amazing!!

1st Wedding Dress Tips for Brides: Visit a shop ASAP

As soon as you get engaged take your friends to a larger shop like David’s Bridal to try on gowns. Not all stores are great, but the David’s Bridal in Scottsdale, AZ was amazing! Keagon helped me and he was absolutely fabulous! I found a couple dresses I really liked, but they didn’t have exactly what I was looking for. It was great for me to realize what styles looked good on me. I have a short waist so I need a corset that will elongate my waist a bit and cinch me in.

2nd Tip for Brides: Only take a handful of your favorite people

On my first trip to a bridal shop, I only took 2 of my best peeps with me. I was visiting my sister in Arizona and knew I wouldn’t be choosing a dress before I went with my my mom and other sister, but it was a great way to allow them to be apart of the journey, and was a great learning experience for me! On my second appointment, I went to a local boutique that is known for having a plethora of amazing styles! This time I took my mom, sister and niece. 2-3 is the best number, otherwise you have too many cooks in the kitchen. We found the dress within 2 hours and I was so thrilled!

3rd Tip: Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Having photographed over 100 weddings, I have seen many of the similar style dresses. I knew I wanted my dress to have color in it and be unique. I will be adding colored tulle and beadwork the dress. With a skilled hand, and professional alterations, I’m all set!

There is no right or wrong wedding dress. White isn’t mandatory and in fact is being used less and less. Ivory, Cream, Rose, Blush even Black are being used by more brides. Stay true to who you are, and honor your specific style!

If you’re interested in a FREE CONSULATION click here to schedule a call. I’d love to see how Summer Bear Weddings can assist you!

And don’t forget to check out some of your galleries from previous weddings here.