9 common mistakes to avoid when choosing a wedding dress for your big day
Choosing your wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning, but it can also be a bit daunting. At Midnight Elegance in Aberdeenshire, we are committed to making your wedding dress shopping experience seamless and enjoyable. To help you avoid common pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of mistakes to avoid when choosing a wedding dress to help you stay on track and find your dream gown.
1. Shopping too early or too late
Starting the search too early can lead to indecision and confusion, while wedding dress shopping too late may result in limited choices and insufficient time for alterations. Confirm your wedding date and venue before booking, ideally 12-18 months prior to allow for gown delivery and alterations. This timeline allows for a comfortable 6-9 months for delivery and ample time for any necessary alterations.
2. Not having a clear wedding dress budget
Failing to establish and communicate a wedding dress budget can lead to falling in love with dresses that are out of reach financially, causing unnecessary stress and disappointment.
It gives people a funny feeling to talk about money sometimes but it’s something we’ll always ask: “What’s your budget?”
Why? Because ultimately everyone has a budget. And the reason we ask is that we want to help you in your journey to discover the dress that is magnificently you at a price point that works for you also.
Before you arrange your wedding dress shopping experience, have you discussed a budget with the person who is paying for the dress (or have you considered this yourself if it is you)?
We certainly don’t want you to feel disappointed if you fall in love with a dress you can’t afford so being clear on your wedding dress budget is important for a smooth, stress-free wedding dress shopping experience.
For your information and guidance, our wedding dresses range in price from £1000-3000 with the majority of the gowns in our boutique sitting in the middle of that range.
So when we ask what your budget is – let us know. We’ll be delighted to show you a range of options that works for you and for whoever is paying the bill!
3. Ignoring the wedding venue and theme
Choosing a wedding dress without considering the venue and overall theme of the wedding can result in a gown that feels out of place.
So first of all, confirm your wedding date and venue before booking a wedding dress shopping appointment.
And tell us about your venue and ideas for a wedding theme when we meet.
Because this is where our expertise shines!
We consult closely with brides to understand their venue and style, working together to find the perfect dress for your special day.
From elegant ballrooms to intimate gardens, our boutique has a dress for every setting. Whether you’re getting married on the white sands of a tropical beach or in the sprawling gardens of a grand French chateau, you’ll find the perfect dress to suit both your bridal style and your wedding destination.
From nature-inspired elegance to magical romance, we’re dedicated to bringing your vision to life. Whether you’re enchanted by glistening winter wonderlands, the cosy embrace of autumn foliage, the vibrant blooms of spring, or prefer a timeless and elegant style, we’ve got the perfect gown for you.
4. Bringing too many people to your wedding dress appointment
Having too many opinions can be overwhelming and confusing. It’s best to bring a small, trusted group wedding dress shopping who understand your style and preferences. Select a supportive entourage for honest feedback during your appointment.
5. Trying on too many wedding dresses
While it’s good to explore options, trying on too many dresses can lead to decision fatigue and confusion.
It’s important to focus on quality over quantity. We recommend against trying on an excessive number of dresses solely for the sake of it. Brides who have visited other wedding dress shops frequently share that it can lead to confusion and overwhelm.
Instead, trust your stylist to present you with suitable options and collaborate with you. Our skilled stylists at Midnight Elegance possess the expertise to assist you in finding your dream dress so you can leave your wedding dress appointment having found ‘the one’.
6. Buying a dress that doesn’t fit now
Purchasing a dress in the hope of losing weight can be risky. It’s better to buy a dress that fits your current body and plan for alterations if needed.
At Midnight Elegance, we’re on a mission to provide a luxurious and diverse selection of wedding dresses tailored for every beautiful bride who walks through our doors. Our curated collections are more than gowns; they’re a celebration of individuality, many designed specifically for our curvy brides.
From sizes 8-28, we take pride in offering dresses that go beyond mere elegance. Our commitment to perfection shines through intricate details like corsetry, bust cup sizes, and dress proportions meticulously designed to embrace the curves of every figure. The result? A perfect fit that enhances your natural beauty, ensuring you radiate confidence on your special day.
7. Not considering comfort
Choosing a dress solely based on looks without considering comfort can lead to an uncomfortable wedding day. Ensure you can move, sit, and dance comfortably in your dress.
Mistakes to avoid when choosing a wedding dress
8. Disregarding expert advice
Ignoring the recommendations of experienced bridal consultants can mean missing out on valuable insights that could lead you to your perfect dress.
Our dedicated stylists are here to understand your style, your inspiration, your wedding details, and your love story, curating a collection of dresses that are authentically and wonderfully YOU.
At your bridal consultation, you can expect us to ask lots of questions to select a range of fabulous gowns for you to try on. We love hearing about your love story; your wedding date, venue and theme, and your inspiration. And when you’re not sure what suits you, we work with you to get it just right. We’ll help you discover YOU and your bridal look.
Meet Emma, one of Midnight Elegance’s experienced stylists. “I love supporting a bride to find THE dress. A gown for a winter wedding in a Scottish castle is very different from a destination wedding dress, but my job is to guide a bride towards the right choice. I start by asking lots of questions to help select a range of fabulous gowns for you to try on. I love hearing about your love story; your wedding date, venue and theme, and your inspiration (from social media, Pinterest searches or magazine reads).”
9. Overlooking the cost of alterations
Failing to account for the potential costs of alterations can blow your budget. Always consider these additional expenses when choosing your dress. We’ll be happy to guide you in this.
Following these guidelines to avoid these common wedding dress shopping mistakes will help ensure that your dress shopping experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, allowing you to focus on the joy of finding the perfect gown for your special day.
Have questions or need more information? Contact our friendly team at Midnight Elegance, and we’ll be delighted to assist you with all your bridal needs.