When I think back on planning my wedding, one of the most joyful parts was shopping for the dress. There’s something magical about stepping into gowns you’ve only dreamed about, watching yourself transform in the mirror, and imagining the moment you’ll walk down the aisle. For me, the feelings I wanted to capture on my wedding day were clear: bold, romantic, feminine, a little sexy, with just the right hint of fairytale princess. Did such a gown exist? I wasn’t sure—but I was determined to find something close.
Along the way, I discovered that wedding dress shopping is not only about finding the one—it’s also about keeping an open heart, being prepared, and embracing surprises.
An Unexpected Beginning
My first real experience with wedding gowns wasn’t even for myself—it was when David’s Bridal invited me to take part in their Spring 2021 campaign. For the shoot, I wore designs from Galina, Oleg Cassini, Melissa Sweet, and DB Studio. Four gowns, four different silhouettes—two that I thought would be “so me,” and two I would have never picked for myself.
The funny thing? I fell hardest for the dresses I didn’t think were my style. That’s the first big lesson I carried into my own shopping journey: keep an open mind. The gown you least expect might just be the one that makes you feel like a bride.
Rethinking My Dream Dress
For years, I had pictured myself in a dreamy tulle ball gown. I adore my midi tulle skirts, so naturally, I thought that bigger would be better. But when I finally tried one on, I felt swallowed whole—the dress was wearing me instead of the other way around.
The surprise came when I slipped into an embellished halter tulle gown by Galina Signature. A halter neckline had never appealed to me, but suddenly, there it was—flattering, elegant, and supportive in ways I hadn’t imagined. As a plus-size bride, I was especially impressed with how it held me in place, lifting and shaping without sacrificing comfort. That gown shifted my perspective: sometimes the style you’ve never considered is the one that feels just right.
Start Early—Much Earlier Than You Think
If I could give one piece of practical advice, it would be this: start dress shopping at least twelve months before your wedding.
Most bridal shops, including big names like Kleinfeld and David’s Bridal, don’t keep racks of ready-to-wear dresses in every size. Instead, you’re trying on samples, and once you choose your gown, it has to be ordered, made, and shipped. Add fittings and alterations into the mix, and the timeline stretches quickly.
I made the mistake of waiting until six months before my wedding, and it was cutting it close. Supply chain delays didn’t help either. If I’d started earlier, I could have saved myself stress and had more room to breathe in the process. Lesson learned: the earlier you start, the smoother it goes.
Appointments Matter
Another essential step: always book an appointment. Bridal shopping isn’t like browsing at your local mall—consultants block out time specifically for you, pulling dresses in your size and styles that match your inspiration. Before you go, send over your measurements, mood boards, or even just a few photos of dresses you like. That prep work makes the appointment far more productive, ensuring you’ll have options ready when you walk in.
When I made my rounds—David’s Bridal, Kleinfeld, and Pronovias—I booked weeks ahead to secure my slots. It made the experience feel intentional, curated, and personal.
Shop for the Body You Have Now
It’s tempting to size down, especially if you’re hoping to lose a few pounds before the big day. But here’s the truth: shop for the body you have today. Wedding gowns can typically be taken in by up to four sizes, but adding fabric is far more difficult—and sometimes impossible. The last thing you want is to invest in a gown you can’t fit into.
Finding a dress that already flatters your current figure means you’ll feel beautiful no matter what, and any alterations will only enhance the fit. Wishful thinking shouldn’t determine the most important outfit of your life.
Choose Your Bride Tribe With Care
Who you bring with you can make or break the experience. Bridal salons often limit guests (during the pandemic, it was down to two), but even if the number expands again, quality matters more than quantity.
Bring people who love you, who will hype you up when you glow in a gown, but who will also keep it real about budget, style, and fit. Wedding dress shopping can get emotional—between tulle, lace, and price tags, it’s easy to get swept up. A supportive, honest entourage helps you see clearly and reminds you of what truly feels right.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, wedding dress shopping was more than just a task on my planning checklist—it was an experience that taught me patience, flexibility, and the joy of surprise. The dream dress isn’t always the one you imagined; sometimes, it’s the one you never saw coming.
If I could sum up my advice in one sentence, it would be this: stay open, start early, and trust the process. When you finally step into the gown that makes you feel like the truest, most radiant version of yourself, you’ll know it was all worth it.
