Top Mistakes When Choosing a Wedding Dress & How to Avoid Them
Choosing the perfect wedding dress is one of the most exciting and emotional parts of wedding planning. However, many brides make common mistakes that can lead to stress, regret, or last-minute alterations. To help you avoid these pitfalls and feel confident in your choice, we’ve compiled a list of the top mistakes brides make when selecting a wedding dress—along with expert advice on how to avoid them.
1. Shopping Without a Budget in Mind
Many brides fall in love with a gown only to realize later that it’s far beyond their budget. Setting a clear budget before shopping helps narrow down options and prevents disappointment.
Many brides fall in love with a gown only to realize later that it’s far beyond their budget. Without a clear budget, you may find yourself heartbroken over a dress you can’t afford. Additionally, unexpected costs such as alterations, accessories, and preservation can add up quickly.
How to Avoid It:
- Establish a realistic budget and communicate it with your bridal consultant.
- Consider extra costs like tailoring, veils, shoes, and undergarments.
- Be upfront about your price range to avoid trying on dresses outside your budget.
2. Trying on Too Many Dresses
Trying on too many dresses can lead to decision fatigue, making it difficult to settle on the one you truly love. Brides often second-guess their choice when they’ve tried on too many options, making the decision-making process stressful rather than enjoyable.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you try on too many dresses, leading to indecision and second-guessing.
How to Avoid It:
- Start with a shortlist of styles you love.
- Limit your options to 5-7 dresses per appointment.
- Trust your instincts—when you find the one, stop looking!
3. Ignoring Your Wedding Theme & Venue
A dress should complement the overall theme and setting of your wedding. A voluminous ballgown may not be the best choice for a beach ceremony, while a lightweight boho dress might feel out of place in a grand ballroom. Choosing a dress that doesn’t suit the setting can lead to discomfort and aesthetic mismatches.
How to Avoid It:
- Consider your venue and wedding aesthetic before choosing a dress.
- Think about comfort—will the dress be practical for the setting?
- Align your dress style with the formality of your wedding.
4. Shopping Too Early or Too Late
Shopping too early can be risky if your tastes change over time, while shopping too late can cause panic and limit your choices. Some dresses take months to be made, and rush fees can be costly. Ordering too early can lead to regret if your style preferences change, while shopping too late can cause unnecessary stress.
How to Avoid It:
- Start shopping at least 6 months before your wedding to allow time for ordering and alterations.
- Avoid shopping before setting a wedding date and venue to ensure your dress matches the occasion.
If you're on a tight timeline, we’ve got you covered! At Lula Bridal, we can rush your dress order at no extra fee and have it completed in about 10 days. Just contact us at info@lulabridal.com, and we’ll make sure you get your dream dress on time.
5. Not Being Open to Different Styles
Brides often arrive with a rigid idea of their dream dress, only to find that it doesn’t flatter their body type. Sometimes, the perfect dress is one you never expected to love.
How to Avoid It:
- Try on different silhouettes to see what flatters your shape.
- Be open to expert recommendations—bridal consultants have experience finding the perfect fit.
- Don't dismiss a dress just because it looks different on the hanger.
6. Forgetting About Comfort
A wedding day involves hours of standing, walking, and dancing, so comfort should be a priority. A too-tight bodice, itchy fabric, or overly long train can make for a miserable experience. Your wedding day is long, and if your dress is too tight, heavy, or restrictive, it can affect your enjoyment.
How to Avoid It:
- Move around in the dress before committing—sit, walk, and dance.
- Choose breathable fabrics and consider the season and venue.
- Avoid dresses that require constant readjustment.
7. Overlooking Alterations
A wedding dress rarely fits perfectly off the rack. Many brides underestimate the importance of alterations and forget to budget both time and money for necessary adjustments. Most wedding dresses require alterations to achieve a perfect fit, yet some brides don’t account for this in their budget or timeline.
How to Avoid It:
- Set aside at least 10-15% of your dress budget for alterations.
- Schedule fittings well in advance—typically 2-3 fittings are needed.
- Wear your wedding shoes and undergarments during fittings.
8. Letting Too Many Opinions Influence You
Bringing too many people to your dress appointment can create confusion. While advice is helpful, conflicting opinions can make it hard to follow your own preferences. Bringing a large entourage can lead to conflicting opinions, making it harder to decide.
How to Avoid It:
- Limit your shopping group to 2-3 trusted people who understand your style.
- Focus on what makes you feel beautiful, rather than trying to please others.
- Remember, it’s your dress and your moment!
9. Not Considering the Dress for Travel (If Having a Destination Wedding)
If you’re getting married abroad, your dress needs to travel well. A heavy, intricate gown can be difficult to transport, leading to stress and potential damage. Some dresses are harder to transport, especially if you're having a destination wedding. See our Dress Storage options.
How to Avoid It:
- Choose lightweight fabrics if you’ll be traveling.
- Invest in a quality garment bag.
- Check airline policies on carrying a wedding dress onboard.
See our How to Plan a Destination Wedding Without Stress guide for details.
10. Forgetting About Accessories
Your dress is the star of the show, but accessories complete the look. Overlooking accessories until the last minute can lead to rushed decisions that don’t complement your gown. A stunning dress deserves the right accessories to complete the look.
How to Avoid It:
- Choose accessories that enhance, not overpower, your gown.
- Consider how your hairstyle and veil will complement the dress.
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Break in your wedding shoes before the big day to avoid discomfort.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your wedding dress should be a joyful experience. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll feel more confident in your decision and ensure that your dress perfectly complements your wedding day vision. Take your time, trust your instincts, and most importantly—choose the dress that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
