DRESS SHOPPING

emzibob

Hi Ladies,

looking for some advise as about to start the dress hunt these may seam like silly questions but here goes :

Should I wear or bring heels?
Do I need to have sucky in underwear on as I call it?
Are you supposed to wear a strapless bra?

Any advice on what best to wear when shopping or shop etiquette is greatly appreciated from a scardy cat bride, thanks!!

Pistachios & cream

I think the answers to most of your questions are 'if you want to'

I had my wedding shoes so i brought them with me however most shops have shoes you can use to try on.
I never bothered with sucky in underwear and i was trying on lots of sheath type dresses. Just wear underwear you are comfortable with another person seeing as many shops put the dresses on you.

If you are looking at strapless dresses than do wear a strapless bra otherwise a normal one is fine.

Do not wear fake tan. Lots of bridal shops ask you not to as it can get on the dresses.
Best of luck with it and i hope you find your dream dress

emzibob

ahayes84 wrote: »

I think the answers to most of your questions are 'if you want to'

I had my wedding shoes so i brought them with me however most shops have shoes you can use to try on.
I never bothered with sucky in underwear and i was trying on lots of sheath type dresses. Just wear underwear you are comfortable with another person seeing as many shops put the dresses on you.

If you are looking at strapless dresses than do wear a strapless bra otherwise a normal one is fine.

Do not wear fake tan. Lots of bridal shops ask you not to as it can get on the dresses.
Best of luck with it and i hope you find your dream dress

Thank you!!
not looking for strapless so i'll go with a normal bra, it's the seeing me in underwear bit thats worrying me tbh I have some bad scars on my stomach from an open surgery that I'm self conscious about and thought sucky in undies would cover them so i'll see how brave I'm feeling on the day haha Thanks again for the advise

littlenubbin85

Hi emzibob,

Depending on the bridal shop, they may or may not go into the changing rooms with you. The one that I got my dress in the shop assistant didn't. I didn't wear a strapless bra as like you I knew I didn't want a strapless dress. I did wear sucky in underwear though and to be honest, it was a more comfortable experience than I was expecting.

No need to bring shoes with you either as they will have shoes that you can try on also. Agree with the no fake tan and no heavy make-up either.

fits

I brought shoes and shapewear. The shoes in the shops often are too high or don't fit me so bringing my own allowed me to get a better idea of what the dress might look like.

Also wear nude underwear.

fits

I brought shoes and shapewear. The shoes in the shops often are too high or don't fit me so bringing my own allowed me to get a better idea of what the dress might look like.

Also wear nude underwear.

PhoenixParker

fits wrote: »

I brought shoes and shapewear. The shoes in the shops often are too high or don't fit me so bringing my own allowed me to get a better idea of what the dress might look like.

Also wear nude underwear.

I actually deliberately wore brightly coloured underwear so I'd have an idea of how see through each dress was. . . .

CorkClaire82

I thought I didn't want a strapless dress either and that's what I got. Also while some dresses have straps of sorts it might be sheer so I'd wear strapless bra to be honest.

It's a lot less daunting that you imagine, I thought I'd hate it but it was fun

fits

I am the least bridey person ever and I absolutely LOVED dress shopping. I mean how could you not love trying on the finest expensive gowns??

bee06

I went to about 10 different shops and I think the person was in the room when I was changing in one of them. The rest let you get into the dress alone and will tie up the back when you're ready.

I brought shoes for the first shop but it was a pain taking them on and off so I just stood on my tippy toes toes the rest of the time.

I bought a strapless bra especially but ended up forgetting it a few times. Wore a purple bra to one appointment and tried on a backless dress. Looked great

Take a bottle of water because getting in and out of the dresses can be surprisingly tiring. And as someone else said, don't wear fake tan.

spottybananas

I brought heels because some shops had manky old fashioned things I'd never wear and didn't help at all with picturing the overall look. And I knew what height shoes I wanted so it was easier to bring ones the same height.

Strapless or not strapless bra doesn't really matter, most dresses have good structure themselves. I only went to one shop where the b!tch assistant came into the dressing room with me, all the rest just zipped them up when I was ready. I'm an adult, I don't want or need a stranger helping me into clothes.

I didn't find it tiring, but I wasn't trying on heavy dresses. I found it better to have my hair some bit done, along with some eye makeup, to give me an idea of what I'd look like, I found it tough to judge when I looked crap and was trying to focus on the dress.

Bring a diary to make notes of dresses/styles.

fits

I actually appreciated the help getting into dresses! I wouldnt think it bitchy at all! they're complicated constructions at times, so much easier to have help.

spottybananas

fits wrote: »

I actually appreciated the help getting into dresses! I wouldnt think it bitchy at all! they're complicated constructions at times, so much easier to have help.

No she was just a b!tch as well as wanting to come in with me. The ones I was looking at weren't complicated, all very light with zips so very easy to step into, she really had an attitude of not trusting me to put the dress on without damaging it.

I meant to say too, you don't need shapewear from the point of view of the fit of the dress, as most are constructed to support you very well, even light ones (other than like bias cut satin etc).

Faith

Definitely bring a bottle of water! The shops are warm and many of the dresses are insanely heavy. I didn't bring one to the first shop I went to, and I was totally dehydrated afterwards.

Toots

I wore shapewear and a white plunge-type bra. I knew I would be wanting straps, so I figured that would suit most neckline types (it actually transpired that I didn't need to wear a bra under the dress I chose, because there was boning in it).

I knew I'd be wearing flats, so I wore runners. Most of the dresses in the shop are all the one length, so if you have a rough idea of what height heel you'll be wearing on the day, just wear any shoe of a similar height. When you actually pick your dress and go for fittings, you'll need to have your shoes, because they'll need to know what length to alter it to.

As regards 'etiquette' I suppose don't go in reeking of BO :pac::p but on a serious note, the shops often don't like if you go in with fake tan or heavy makeup - it can transfer to the dresses. Oh and +1 for Faith's suggestion of a bottle of water! I'd also say bring a granola bar or something in your bag, especially if you're going around a load of different shops, cos it can be very tiring. There was a country pub next door to where I got my dress, and every time we were down for a fitting, myself, my mum and the bridesmaids would all be in afterwards gasping for a cuppa and some sandwiches!

emzibob

Thanks Ladies!

All great suggestions I'm not as nervous now, no tan and simple make-up with easy to change out of outfit, heels in the bag, good fitting undies, bottle of water at the ready and I should be good to go! starting to get excited now

PhoenixParker

I'd throw in a light robe or cover up if you're not going to be carrying stuff too far.
It can be handy in the shop if you want to nip in and out of the changing room a bit but don't want to go through the hassle of getting fully re-dressed.

Also, if you're Dublin based I'd recommend visiting Oxfam Bridal first. (Barnados Dun Laoghaire might be good too, but didn't make it there myself).

I was unimpressed with it as a shop tbh and the lady who was there on the day was BAT**** crazy (to put it mildly), BUT she did give us basically the free run of the place. It was brilliant to be able to basically start at one end of the rack and work to the other, try on every style & variation they had, just to see and not have any pressure or sales talk or anything. By the end of an hour there, I had a much clearer idea of what I wanted then I got in the first shop I went to.

kildareash

The last shop I went to told me to loose the bra as all the dresses had support built in. Was actually the most comfortable I was trying on the dresses. I actually don't own a strapless bra as I never wear anything that requires one, so I was trying to push the straps down into the cup so they wouldn't be seen etc.

+1 to whoever suggested have your hair slightly done. I just did hot rollers for 3 out of 4 appointments and it did help. The one place where I just went with my hair straightened I cldnt get a Good visualisation of headwear.

Don't let the shop assistants talk to into loads of alterations, unless they are the ones doing the alterations. Often it's not possible to add on straps or whatever they have said.

Happy shopping

emzibob

thanks for all the tips ladies! water was definitely one of the best i was parched!! had to loose the bra all together in some of the dresses and quickly got over my nervousness was in and out of dresses no bother by the end. I've even narrowed it down to two top contenders! just a big decision to make now as the most amazing dress on me was nothing like what i wanted in my head, but the dress in my head didn't get the same reaction by team bride.... going back to retry to make the final decision.. eek!! thanks again girls

Toots

That was exactly what happened to me, the dress I chose was one that I only tried on for the laugh because I thought it looked ridiculous on the hanger! And the one that I'd seen on the mannequin that I thought was 'the one' actually looked horrible on me.

emzibob

Toots wrote: »

That was exactly what happened to me, the dress I chose was one that I only tried on for the laugh because I thought it looked ridiculous on the hanger! And the one that I'd seen on the mannequin that I thought was 'the one' actually looked horrible on me.

This is my dilemma the one that got actual tears from my bridesmaid is the total opposite to what i thought I wanted its very simple but looks amazing on me, the dress that is very OTT and full of detail looks amazing too but maybe not as good on me if that makes sense. I guess in my mind a wedding dress should be full of detail but in reality that means the dress gets the focus more than the bride. So do I go for the stunning dress or the dress that I look stunning in????

Pistachios & cream

emzibob wrote: »

This is my dilemma the one that got actual tears from my bridesmaid is the total opposite to what i thought I wanted its very simple but looks amazing on me, the dress that is very OTT and full of detail looks amazing too but maybe not as good on me if that makes sense. I guess in my mind a wedding dress should be full of detail but in reality that means the dress gets the focus more than the bride. So do I go for the stunning dress or the dress that I look stunning in????

Definitely go for the dress you look stunning in. You don't want it to be a case of the dress wearing you rather than you wearing the dress

fits

I am a big fan of a simple dress too. I do love the intricate complicated creations but they didnt suit me at all. I felt like my head was disconnected from my body in them. And remember you will have a bouquet, jewellery, things in your hair, and a smile too.

Toots

emzibob wrote: »

This is my dilemma the one that got actual tears from my bridesmaid is the total opposite to what i thought I wanted its very simple but looks amazing on me, the dress that is very OTT and full of detail looks amazing too but maybe not as good on me if that makes sense. I guess in my mind a wedding dress should be full of detail but in reality that means the dress gets the focus more than the bride. So do I go for the stunning dress or the dress that I look stunning in????

Which one did you FEEL better in?

ilwk

Emzibob it's great that you have it narrowed down to two!! I had the exact same dilemma and went solo to try them both on again.... I had nobody talking in my ear and it helped me make the best decision for me. I picked the simple dress but I feel a million dollars in it!! Cant wait to try it on again!!

emzibob

Toots wrote: »

Which one did you FEEL better in?

the simple one felt amazing on coz my figure looked amazing in it, the over the top one just looked more (in my head) what the dress should look like so my plan is to go back and try that one on again and see how it really looks on me as I have a feeling it will actually be too much dress and not enough me, I'm only 5ft 3!

Neyite

emzibob wrote: »

the simple one felt amazing on coz my figure looked amazing in it, the over the top one just looked more (in my head) what the dress should look like so my plan is to go back and try that one on again and see how it really looks on me as I have a feeling it will actually be too much dress and not enough me, I'm only 5ft 3!

Do remember that you'll have accessories on the day, and the works probably when it comes to your hair, your makeup and tan even. So a simple dress will probably look quite 'dressed' once you factor in those.

I got my dress (which was the TOTAL opposite of what I initally wanted) purely because it makes my figure look terrific.

Toots

emzibob wrote: »

the simple one felt amazing on coz my figure looked amazing in it, the over the top one just looked more (in my head) what the dress should look like so my plan is to go back and try that one on again and see how it really looks on me as I have a feeling it will actually be too much dress and not enough me, I'm only 5ft 3!

I think that's a good idea. My advice is to go with whatever dress makes you feel best, because what'll really make a dress stand out is a bride who's feels amazing in it

emzibob

Thanks Ladies for all the advise!

I went back and tried the OTT dress on and while I still think it's a stunning dress it just doesn't make me look as good as the simpler dress! so dress bought and it looks amazing I can't wait to wear it

Pistachios & cream

Congrats. It's great to have that job done.

Milly33

Ah congrats you found one!! well done to you

pooch90

Aw that's great,its such a good feeling to have the dress sorted.
My dress I only tried on cos it hadn't been tried on by anyone else yet as it was new to the shop.
I felt lovely in it but when I came out,the 3 bridesmaids all made faces but I knew it was the one.
It was a satin dress with a pink sash then a lace overlay dress. The pink sash looked like your midriff but I ordered it with an ivory sash. Don't think the BMs could see past the pink but we put a belt over it and they finally got it.
I think its all about the feeling.

Plus at the wedding,when I was boiling,I took the lace overlay off and could dance my socks off in the satin dress. Everyone thought I had bought two dresses!!

pooch90

It was the full length version of this one.

Robyn_14

This is fab Pooch!

Milly33

uhh that looks loverly pooch so pretty...Still haven't found one yet the joy

jaja321

I've finally made a decision re mine, really glad to have that done now :-)

westernlass

I found mine last week but not paid yet. It's way more than planned to spend but I love it. I have been looking at Chinese websites and wondering but no I'm only doing this once

emzibob

Thanks ladies I have to say I really love the dress and can't wait to wear to it now, it was just panic of having it found it so quick I think that made me indecisive!

Pooch that dress is fab!!

pooch90

Milly33 wrote: »

uhh that looks loverly pooch so pretty...Still haven't found one yet the joy

YOu'll get there.
I spent over 6 months on the hunt but I thought I had found my dress in most of the shops!!
It's funny because the dress ended up being one I only tried for a giggle and the shop I bought it in was one I only went to because it was the closest to home and I felt I should go.

knope2016

pooch90 wrote: »

It was the full length version of this one.

Pooch, that dress is fab! Do you have a name for it or anything? Would just love to see a pic of the full length one!

Getting married in Sept 2016, haven't started trying on or anything, have a few pounds to lose before I start!

stargazer 68

Im going shopping - well looking - tomorrow with my sisters. Not looking forward to it to be honest!

fits

Dovies wrote: »

Im going shopping - well looking - tomorrow with my sisters. Not looking forward to it to be honest!

Wahat?? When else do you get to try on $$$$ dresses. Its great. Try on everything and have a laugh. I loved it.

stargazer 68

fits wrote: »

Wahat?? When else do you get to try on $$$$ dresses. Its great. Try on everything and have a laugh. I loved it.

I know - just the thought of the style that I want looking awful on me and then completely being stuck!!

fits

Dovies wrote: »

I know - just the thought of the style that I want looking awful on me and then completely being stuck!!

Is it your first trip? If so be prepared to look ridiculous in some of them and laugh it off. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. I loved it though. I never really got to play dress up much as a kid for some reason so I really enjoyed it.

stargazer 68

fits wrote: »

Is it your first trip? If so be prepared to look ridiculous in some of them and laugh it off. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. I loved it though. I never really got to play dress up much as a kid for some reason so I really enjoyed it.

Yes it is. However this is both of our 2nd marriage and we have grown up children so I dont want the traditional long dress, ballgown etc. So if the style I do want doesn't suit me it will be back to a very large drawing board. My sisters will be brutally honest luckily or unluckily depends on how you look at it!

pooch90

knope2016 wrote: »

Pooch, that dress is fab! Do you have a name for it or anything? Would just love to see a pic of the full length one!

Getting married in Sept 2016, haven't started trying on or anything, have a few pounds to lose before I start!

It's a benjamin roberts dress, dunno about name of style though.

This was the back of the dress https://www.dropbox.com/s/b42d7jo3jlho00t/Mark%20McGuire%20Photography%20%28171%20of%20612%29.jpg?dl=0

andreac

Have my first dress appointment on 6th June. My wedding not until August next year but im dying to start trying on dresses just to see what style suits me. Hoping to get a few more lbs off between now and then.

Anyone been to Fiona Todhunter? Thats where im booked in to go.

noanoa

Got my dress last weekend also. Cant believe its done now, also went over budget!
I loved dress shopping at the start but then I started to get worried as I didnt like the traditional wedding dresses.
I picked the dress on Friday then spent the weekend worrying I made the wrong choice but ran in Tuesday again and I'm 100% sure I made the right decision.

stargazer 68

fits wrote: »

Is it your first trip? If so be prepared to look ridiculous in some of them and laugh it off. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. I loved it though. I never really got to play dress up much as a kid for some reason so I really enjoyed it.

Was out with the OH family last night - haven't seen his siblings and their kids since before we got engaged. They were all so excited last night hearing about the plans etc. Want to book their hotel rooms now (not until Aug 16!) so am feeling a bit more excited about shopping later!

Rose35

I am also going to start the dress shopping soon, 12 months to wedding!!!! Just wondering what is the usual deposit required to secure dress, looking at other threads it seems to be 50%, although one other poster said she paid hers off in installments, can someone shine some light on this for me please?

Neyite

Mine was 50%