Dress shopping - squeeee!! Update

Good luck and have fun

i dont have any advice for you as not done the dress shop yet, but if they ask you for your budget say an amount under your budget so that you got a bit of room to play with

- Undies don't really matter as the dresses are usually so thick you can't seem your knickers through them, but would advise wearing a white/nude strapless bra

- Try on loads of dresses in lots of different styles. Firstly, its really fun! And secondly you might find a style that suits you that you didn't expect.

- Most places will have a range of sample sizes (though not in every design), so a size 16 shouldn't be a problem

- Be clear about your budget - if something is way out of budget, don't try it on if you can't have it

- Have fun, and don't stress if you don't find 'the one' on your first trip.

Can't think of anything else, but hope you have a great time!

Thanks Ladies

I hadn't thought about a strapless bra, I'll have to buy one as I need a few new bras since I've lost weight anyway. Hate bra shopping though, nothing seems to fit or they never have my size. My bridesmaid has booked me in to the clinique counter between shops, Ive just descovered, so will have full on make-up for the second shop.

You'll have a great time, it's really fun! Just be careful with the make up thing - some places are very particular about make up rubbing off onto the dresses - so maybe do the Clinique counter after your appointments. Other than that, try on things that you would never even think you would suit - the dresses look so different when they are on you, then when they are on the hanger! Have fun!

Not 100% sure if it's your first trip shopping for your dress but if it helps, have a peep at a recent blog post we wrote for brides visiting a bridal salon for the first time.

First time visit to a bridal salon? Not sure how to prepare or what to take with you?

A few simple steps you can take to help you get the most out of your visit and make it an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Link: http://wed.li/PfwjFs

Good advice, thanks.

Stating a little below my budget is a good idea, I hadn't thought of that.

How much do certain alterations cost does anyone know? I obviously don't know what I'd need yet but I'd like a lace-up back and straps and the length would probably be out I'd have thought. Could i order a dress with straps and lace-up back in the total cost then any size alterations would be on top, or would straps and it's back be considered alterations from the off, and something that only be done retrospectively IYGWIM?

If you're not keen on standing about in your pants I front of strangers (I wasn't), then wear leggings or thick tights. You can keep them on to try the dresses without really affecting the look of the dress, unless it's tea length, and it gives you aka bit of modesty!

Have fun! X

Well I had a fab saturday trying on lots of dresses. It got to the point that I was no longer shy standing in the changing room in front of a large mirror in my undies and bridal shoes! (I was wearing black, the shoes were white, it wasn't nice) but the ladies that helped me in and out of the dresses were lovely. They've seen it all before.

The first dress i tried on wasn't right for me but I think I've found 'The one' and it was only the second dress! As I didn't have much to compare to at first I just thought it was beautiful, but then I kept comparing all other dresses to it. They put a veil on me, a tiara and some flowers to hold and when my mum put the veil over my face 'just to see' - I cried! (TBH I cry at DIY SOS I'm so soft. LOL)

I went in wanting a plain dress with straps and maybe a long veil and came out loving a strapless sparkly number with a short veil. Ha ha

We went to the clinique counter anyway (They were fab) and I wasn't told to remove any makeup by the next dress shop so that was nice.

The dress I think is 'the one' is an Alfred Angelo 2136.

I've got another shop to visit next weekend so if nothing compares to it, it's THE ONE!

I found myself quite emotional the rest of the day, I think wearing those dresses has finally made it real for me and now I just can't wait to marry my h2b

Thanks for all your advice guys.

Glad you had a fab time!

Had a look and the dress is absolutely gorgeous. I love the detailing and it's very elegent.

See how you go next weekend and I'm sure you'll then know if it's the one. How exciting!

Hi Lannyb! **Waves**

I'm a Colchester gal, so went to Abigail's Collection and The Wedding Shop - both on Colchester high street. I'm going to a little Witham one next weekend on a recommendation from a friend. I was thinking I'd need to go to Chelmsford too maybe but if this is 'The One' then I'll not bother. (Also have to bear in mind opening hours for fittings down the line too).

Where abouts are you going? You'll love it. I totally got over my wobbles about being in my undies once the dresses kept coming! Some are pretty heavy though.

Let me know how you get on, exciting stuff.

I may still need to go to Chelmsford too.

Ooooh I'm so excited now! I'm off to Ipswich dress shopping this week, have 4 appointments over 2 days and have appointments in Colchester in a couple of weeks too. Stoice how did you find Abigails and the wedding shop? I'm booked in for those 2 in a couple of weeks x

They were both lovely KarenJane. Abigail's give you purple little discs to put over hangers of dresses you want to try on and the wedding shop just picks out what you like to try after discussing what you're after. I found it all quite emotional really. (but then I cry at everything!)