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What to wear bridal dress shopping? That’s the golden question every excited bride-to-be asks! Your bridal shopping experience should be filled with excitement, happy tears, and plenty of oohs and ahhs—not discomfort from the wrong outfit. Showing up prepared will help you focus on what really matters: finding the dream dress.
Lucky for you, I’ve crafted the ultimate guide on what to wear bridal dress shopping so you can make the most of this magical day without wardrobe mishaps!
What to Wear Bridal Dress Shopping: Start With the Right Undergarments
Bridal dresses have structure, intricate details, and delicate fabrics, so what’s underneath can make a huge difference in how they look and feel. Let’s break down the essentials.
1. Nude, Seamless Underwear
Your wedding gown is likely to be white or ivory, which means bright-colored or patterned underwear could show through. Stick to nude, seamless underwear that blends in with your skin tone. This ensures no awkward panty lines steal the spotlight from your dream dress.
2. Strapless or Convertible Bra
Since many wedding dresses have unique necklines—think strapless, off-the-shoulder, or illusion—you’ll want a bra that won’t interfere with the fit. A well-fitted strapless bra or a convertible bra gives you flexibility as you try on different styles.
3. Shapewear: To Wear or Not to Wear?
If you plan to wear shapewear on your wedding day, bring it along so you get an accurate feel of how your dress will fit. But don’t force it—if you’re uncomfortable, you might not need it!
4. Stick-On Bras or Nipple Covers
For backless, plunging, or illusion dresses, a stick-on bra or nipple covers can offer coverage without showing. This is a lifesaver if you want to see how a daring gown will actually look on the big day.
What to Wear Bridal Dress Shopping: Dress for Comfort and Convenience
Wedding dress shopping isn’t a quick errand—it’s a full-on event. You’ll be changing in and out of dresses repeatedly, so dressing appropriately is key.
1. Easy-to-Remove Clothing
Avoid complicated outfits that take forever to get off. Think flowy dresses, leggings with a comfy top, or anything that slips on and off effortlessly. The faster you change, the more dresses you can try!
2. Slip-On Shoes Are Your Best Friend
You’ll be standing a lot and stepping in and out of dresses, so comfy shoes are a must. Flats, slip-on sandals, or comfy low heels will keep your feet happy. If you plan to wear heels on your wedding day, bring a pair with a similar heel height to test dress length.
3. Layers for Temperature Control
Bridal shops can be unpredictable when it comes to temperature. A light cardigan or wrap can help keep you comfortable without adding bulk.
What to Wear Bridal Dress Shopping: Keep Hair and Makeup Simple
1. Natural, Light Makeup
You want to look and feel your best, but heavy makeup can rub off on the dresses. Stick with a natural, everyday look—just enough to make you feel fresh and glowing!
2. A Hair Tie or Clip
You’ll want to experiment with different hairstyles while trying on dresses. Some gowns look stunning with an updo, while others shine with flowing curls. Bring a hair tie to switch up your look easily.
3. Lip Balm and Hydration Are a Must
Shopping can take hours, and the last thing you want is chapped lips. Keep lip balm handy, and don’t forget a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
What Accessories Should You Bring?
1. The Right Shoes
If you already have wedding shoes, bring them! If not, wear a pair with a similar heel height to get an accurate feel of how your dress will sit.
2. Minimal Jewelry
Skip the oversized necklaces and statement pieces—delicate earrings or a small bracelet are perfect. Too much bling can distract from the dresses and get caught in delicate fabrics.
3. A Veil or Hairpiece (If You Have One)
If you’ve already picked out a veil or hair accessory, bring it along! Seeing it with different gowns can help finalize your decision.
The Entourage: Choose Wisely
Bringing your entire bridal party might sound fun, but too many opinions can be overwhelming. Stick to two or three trusted people—your mom, best friend, or maid of honor—to keep things stress-free.
Bridal Dress Shopping Survival Tips
- Stay Hydrated & Bring Snacks: You’ll need energy to power through multiple dress fittings. A protein bar or some nuts can keep you going!
- Take Notes & Photos: Some bridal shops allow pictures, while others don’t. If they do, snap some shots to review later.
- Keep an Open Mind: You may have a dream dress in mind, but don’t be surprised if you fall for something completely different.
- Schedule Appointments Wisely: Don’t cram multiple boutiques into one day—it can get exhausting fast!
- Know Your Budget: Stick to what’s financially comfortable so you don’t get heartbroken over a dress that’s way over budget.
Don’t Miss the Bridalsphere Giveaway!
Looking for more than just the perfect dress? Bridalsphere is giving away incredible wedding prizes! Sign up for our exclusive giveaway and earn extra entries for every action you complete. Don’t miss your chance to win dreamy wedding essentials!
For more details, reach out to us at hello@bridalsphere.com.