20 Must-Read Wedding Dress Shopping Tips

Searching for the perfect wedding dress? We reached out to BG's Instagram fanbase (66,000-strong and counting) to share their candid gown shopping advice; after all, the best insight often comes from others who have very recently been in the same situation as you. Check out their helpful survival tips!

Photo Credit: Ina Pandora Photography

How to Prepare

"Do your research! Look online for inspiration beforehand, and find stores that carry designers that you love and are within your budget. Have an open mind, but go to your appointments with at least an idea of your likes and dislikes." —@sjerstinhope
"Wear proper undergarments, and do your makeup. I also brought a pair of heels along with me." —@nanaloo16
"Don't be afraid of going custom! It can be an incredible experience. There won't be any need to pay for costly alterations because your dream dress will be made to measure; plus, it will be one of a kind." —@anabellapoletti
"Don't forget your accessories, and enjoy the process — it passes by in a flash." —@genteel_approach

Who to Bring

"Bring a small entourage of loved ones who respect your budget and whose taste you trust." —@lipsdontlie_81
"Do not go shopping with a large group — there will be too many opinions. Go during the week when they first open for the day, if you can. The stores will be quiet, and you'll have a relaxing and enjoyable experience with your small group." —@cuteliljess10
"I went by myself just to look around and ended up finding my dress. I wasn't trying to please anyone else. It just came down to how I felt and looked in that gown. At the end of the day, the one person who has to love it is you!" —@laurenrose88

During the Appointment

"Figure out which silhouette you like best on your body, and go from there... it's best to give all styles a try before you say 'no' to them because they will fit your body differently than the models in magazines." —@chicago_culinary_couple
"Listen to the sales assistant, who can recommend a dress to suit your shape. I'm so glad that I took her advice. I ended up with a completely different style than I had imagined but it was the best choice." —@zoe_006
"As a former bridal stylist, it was helpful when ladies would tell me about themselves and the vision they had for their wedding. It's good to let your consultant know what you're looking for, but also to be open-minded and let your consultant pull options based on what you tell them. They know the dresses they have in stock, and they want what you want: to find a style you're so ecstatic about that you never want to take it off. It's a great feeling to see a bride glow when she finds her gown." —@fellowstargazer
"Speak first! When you come out of the dressing room, face the mirror and tell your entourage what you think of the dress. You certainly want to hear their opinions, but your opinions matter the most. And don't be afraid to tell someone, 'I know this isn't your favorite, but I really love this dress!' Your family and friends love and respect you and will be happy with your choice if you are." —@carissa_dawn
"It's all a process of elimination — color, style, and fabric. Listen to the consultant, and stay true to your dream." —@pollybrowne1

Expect a Few Surprises

Photo Credit: Ina Pandora Photography "Try on everything — you may be surprised to find that the dress you end up with isn't what you initially thought you wanted." —@meghancbishop
"I came away with something I wouldn't have even thought to try on; the dresses can look so much different on than they do on the hanger! Oh, and don't try on more than ten styles, as they start to merge into each other." —@teachergem1
"I went in with a list of likes, maybes, and nos. By the end, I was surprised by the silhouette and style that I chose, and a few items on the list had totally swapped places. I let my first consultant help guide me to what worked best for my body type. By my next few appointments, I was a pro at narrowing down the choices to only what I knew would flatter me. However, every dress is different, so don't be afraid to try on another fit-and-flare if you've been burned by one before." —@fromjersey
"Be open to different fits and styles. Also, it's important to stick to a budget. And you can say 'yes' to the dress on your first day!" —@sam_huiz

Ultimately, You Need to Go With Your Gut

"Pick the dress that you like...not your mother, not your sister, not your best friend. Don't try to please everyone else. It's your day, so do what you want. This rule applies to every part of the wedding planning process." —@gigeemarie
"Don't listen to anyone who says you can't wear white. You can wear any color your heart desires. It's your dress and your day." —@princesscouturetutu
"Be true to yourself. So many dresses I tried on were beautiful but just weren't 'The One.' I finally found the perfect dress in my price range after lots of shopping around! Don't be shy to say you don't like something." —@kiramaebelle
"It's all about going with your gut. If you try on too many dresses after you've already found 'The One,' then you'll just end up confused and overwhelmed. There's plenty of fish in the sea, but why go searching if you've already found your soulmate?" —@mirelleshimmy