Congratulations on your engagement! What an exciting and special time for you! So you’ve said yes, but where to start on finding ‘the one’?

Our first top tip for finding your dream wedding dress is to do your research first. A great way to do this is to create a Pinterest board, which you can then share with your bridal consultant when you go for your first appointment. If you don’t know where to start, our suggestion would be not to over think what suits you and what doesn’t, but just pin whatever you are drawn to. Don’t be bamboozed by all the choice, a good bridal consultant will help guide you in the right direction once they have got to know what you are looking for.

On your first appointment, try to relax. It can be a little nerve wracking seeing yourself in a wedding dress for the first time, but the right boutique will make you feel calm, relaxed and comfortable. We love having a laugh and a giggle with our brides, and making this process as relaxed, special and fun as possible. When you arrive at Dress Dreams, we will sit down with you and offer you a glass of fizz, a cup of tea (or a calming camomile tea if needed!) and have a good chat. This helps to put you at ease; helps you to get to know us and us to get to know you; and helps us understand your vision for your wedding. Our goal is to help you find a dress that reflects your character, personality, body shape and venue, a dress that you not only love but that makes you feel incredible.

If you haven’t tried on any dresses before, we would recommend trying on a variety of styles and shapes, so that you know you have tried everything and will not be wondering what if once you have made a decision. A good bridal boutique will give you the time to do this.

Whilst it is lovely having your tribe with you, we find bringing too many people with you to your appointment can be confusing. Remember people usually like what they like and their taste may be different to yours. Stay true to what you know suits you and what makes YOU feel good. We have a lot of girls who come to us (secretly!) on their own, to do a bit of research and trying first, then come back with their Mum or best friend and show them a few of their favourites. This works really well as your guests know that you already like the dresses you want to show them.

When you do find your dress, try not to keep looking! There is so much out there now, it is easy to get your head turned, but remember you chose the dress that suits YOU and makes YOU feel amazing.