HOW TO CHOOSE A DRESS YOU LOVE

BY NICOLA WILLSHIRE, VELVET QUEEN

At Velvet Queen, we see hundreds of brides each year, and we know that everyone's journey to finding the perfect dress is unique. Here are a few things we've learned to help you find “The One”.

EMBRACE YOUR EMOTIONS

Starting your journey to find the perfect dress can evoke a mix of emotions. You might be super excited or you might feel nervous, overwhelmed or even indifferent. All these feelings are normal and okay.

​Your dress is important - it frames how you feel on your big day - but finding it should take as much effort as you want it to. However you feel at the start, when you find the right dress you'll love it because it’s what you’ll wear to say "you are mine forever" to your person.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

One size doesn’t fit all. How in-depth you go with research depends on you as a bride. If you're a planner, start with Pinterest and social media, looking for silhouettes and styles that speak to you. It’s okay to love dresses that are different; this initial research is purely for inspiration.
Research shops with styles you love. Check their ethos, see if they carry dresses in your size range, and read reviews. If unsure, give them a call or send a message—no question is too small or silly.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TEAM

Bringing the right people to your bridal appointment can make the difference between an okay experience and a great one. The phrase "less is more" couldn’t be truer. Everyone has different styles and opinions but remember an opinion is not a fact, and ultimately, only your opinion matters. Choose people who will be honest but will also respect how you feel about each dress. It’s okay to choose a dress your team doesn’t pick. If it makes you feel comfortable and beautiful, that’s enough. Your team will love it because you love it.

YOU DON'T NEED TO TRY ON EVERY DRESS

Finding a dress is not like finding a soulmate. There isn’t just one magical dress for you and your mission isn’t to try on as many dresses as possible before saying yes. Trying on too many dresses can be confusing. Take it shop by shop, dress by dress. You're looking for a dress that makes you feel a certain way — like the most beautiful person in the world or simply comfortable and ready to say "I do." Trust your instincts. You’ll hear the phrase, "When you know, you know," and in our experience this is true. How many dresses are enough? Everyone’s journey is individual and there isn’t a magic number. Don’t be scared to say yes if a dress makes you feel a certain way, even if it’s the first dress you try on. Celebrate it being love at first sight.

MAKE IT UNIQUE

Sometimes, finding the perfect dress means adding your own unique spin. Not all bridal shops offer this, so check what the shop can or can’t do. At Velvet Queen, we love customisations and enjoy creating a whole new dress by merging your favourite gowns. A custom gown can transform a dress from great to "the one," so don’t hesitate to play with sleeves, straps, colours, fabrics, necklines, etc.

CONSIDER YOUR BUDGET

What you spend on your dress isn’t as important as knowing you’re worth spending money on. Your wedding dress is a key aspect of your wedding that you’ll look back on and remember. It’ll be in every wedding photo and memory. Don’t compromise and choose a dress that you don’t love. However, we understand that money matters, so consider your budget and decide what works for you. Look out for sample sales or purchasing off the rack to save money.

THERE ARE NO RULES

Pick and choose what works for you. If you’re reading this, your journey is likely just beginning, and that’s super exciting. Your journey is yours alone. This guide is intended to help you find the perfect dress but there are no strict rules. The process should always make you feel comfortable and be enjoyable, with nothing you ‘must do’ or ‘have to do’ except to celebrate your love story.

To learn more about Velvet Queen or book an an appointment visit: velvetqueen.co.uk