When a bride dreams of her wedding day, she dreams of the perfect wedding dress. It’s one of THE most important decisions that she will make when it comes to her wedding day. For many brides, just the idea of dress shopping and the endless possiblities can be overwhelming. With these 5 tips for choosing the perfect wedding dress, this exciting yet sometimes stressful adventure just got a lot easier.

Maureen Chandler from Blush Bridal Boutique in Haymarket, VA is THE bridal gown authority with years of experience and a LOVE for all things bridal.   She also happens to be the brains behind these great dress shopping tips. She dreamed up and opened her bridal boutique to give each bride a positive, memorable experience full of options, elegance, and fun. Here is a little peek into her amazing boutique. It’s so full of wedding goodness!

Tip #1 ~ Trust Your First Instinct
There is no rule that says you can’t buy the first wedding gown you try! Maureen explains that 75% of her brides end up buying the first dress they try on even though they sample numerous gowns thereafter. Don’t be afraid to buy that dress if it’s love at first sight! You may save yourself a lot of time.  And who has extra time?  You have a wedding to plan!

Tip #2 ~ Get Creative
Dress and shoe customizations can be a lot of fun! Lowering the back of a dress, adding sleeves and belts, or clipping a gorgeous ornament to a shoe can be the touch that makes your dress or shoes PERFECT! If you find a dress you love but it’s not quite “The One”, ask about making some changes. The dress above has an added belt while the shoes below have a gorgeous rhinestone clip.

Tip #3 ~ Start Shopping Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to go dress shopping. Boutique dresses are made to order and therefore take time! A dress can take up to 4-6 months to arrive after the initial order and then it’s time for alterations. It’s best to start shopping 9 months to 1 year prior to your big day.

Tip #4 ~ Trust Your Sales Associate
In reputable bridal boutiques, the sales staff are trained to help you find that perfect dress. They are able to pull dresses that are going to flatter your body type while also listening to your preferences. Don’t be afraid to try something that you may not have originally considered.

Tip # 5 ~ Visit a Boutique First
There are a lot of choices when it comes to purchasing your wedding dress. There are large chain stores, online shops, and local bridal boutiques. Try the boutique first! You will get high quality options that larger chains don’t carry and specialized, one on one attention that online shops don’t offer. Finding that perfect dress is a major part of your wedding experience, you don’t want to skimp on quality and service.

If you are currently looking for a gown, be sure to stop by Blush Bridal Boutique. You will certainly see Maureen, her amazing staff, and you just may see Buka too!