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Designer Bridal Gowns and Wedding Dresses

Lace Bridal Gowns

Little White Dresses

Gowns Under $1,000

Designer: Maggie Sottero

9 Shopping Tips for Choosing Your Dream Bridal Gown

Picking your perfect look for your big day is an exciting but overwhelming decision. We want to ensure you are able to discover the dress of your dreams; you deserve to find an ensemble that will make you stand out from the crowd and wow your groom as you walk down the aisle, and we have a huge selection of gowns that perfectly fit your discerning criteria. Follow our 9 tips on shopping for your dream dress and you’ll be stepping into your perfect gown in no time!

1. Look for a design that suits your personality.

It’s easy to get swept up by the countless styles available to brides these days, and this is your moment to wear a gown that makes you feel beautiful and confident. A great way to ensure you feel radiant on your big day is to find a design that fits your personal style and personality.

Choose a silhouette that both flatters your figure and ticks your boxes of personal style preferences. If you generally gravitate towards modest, loose-fitting clothes, chances are you won’t feel comfortable in a figure-flattering mermaid silhouette. Perhaps a bohemian sheath would be more fitting to your style?

If you love a flair for the dramatic in your day-to-day life, go wild in a princess style ball gown! Whatever style you choose, you’ll want to make sure you feel like the best version of yourself!

2. Spend smart!

If you are on the lookout for a stunning style, don’t be fooled into thinking you need to spend a fortune on your ensemble. The Wedding Shoppe carries a great selection of gorgeous pieces for under $1,000. Designers such as Alfred Angelo, Enchanting by Mon Cheri, Blu by Mori Lee, and Allure Romance offer a great variety, perfect to fit your taste and budget.

Use the extra cash you save on your dress and treat yourself to a beautiful headpiece or special jewelry for your big day! Setting a realistic budget is crucial. If you are hoping to spend no more than $1,500 on your outfit, remember that additional costs will likely arise, including taxes, alterations, and shipping.

Don’t forget you’ll also be purchasing accompanying pieces, such as a veil, shoes, and accessories, so be sure to factor those additional items into your budget so you’re not left in a bind.

3. Pick a look that fits your venue.

Throwing an outdoor bash on the beach? Check out our gorgeous tea-length styles, or opt for a flowing and ethereal sheath design sans train. For a ballroom or church event, you could get decked out in an elegant and classic A-line style. If you’re planning a contemporary and urban fete, be sure to check out Hayley Paige’s line of chic and cutting-edge pieces.

No matter where you’re throwing your big bash, the Wedding Shoppe is bound to carry the perfect piece for your celebration.

4. Costume change, anyone?

! If you are hoping to make a second grand entrance at your reception, consider a fun and flirty Little White Dress. These cocktail and knee-length designs are ideal for dancing and mingling with your guests, and many of the Wedding Shoppe’s selections are an affordable second option. Don’t break the bank on your reception ensemble and shop the adorable, affordable pieces by Encore by Watters and Enchanting by Mon Cheri.

5. Check out our online selection!

If you have tried shopping at a bridal salon but haven’t found your perfect style yet, or simply enjoy shopping from the quiet and comfort of your own home, be sure to browse our online selections. Some of these designs aren’t available in our store, so you’ll find a large selection on our website.

A handy tip for getting your sizing just right is to try on similar styles by the same designer to find the best possible fit for your online order. Once your dress has been delivered, bring it to a trusted seamstress for alteration suggestions that will achieve the ultimate fit.

We are also able to offer a 50% refund on all online bridal gown purchases (unlike so many other online bridal stores), giving you peace of mind when you place your order.

6. Include loved ones in the process.

Whether you are shopping for your bridal wardrobe in person or online, be sure to include your closest ladies in your search. This is a great time to include your favorite people as you all celebrate a very momentous occasion in your life, and those near and dear to you will want to be a part of it. If you have bridesmaids or a mother-in-law who lives far away, consider Skype-ing them in for your salon appointment! It’s a great way to include those who can’t make it out, and will make this huge decision a little bit easier.

7. Our team is here to help—ask us anything!

We are proud of the exceptional customer service we provide to our customers, and we are happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Our in-store sales consultants are experts in all things wedding-related and want to be sure you find everything you are looking for at our store. If you’re shopping online, don’t hesitate to reach out to ask us any questions about an online purchase, too! Call, email, or chat!

Whether you are shopping from near or far, we want to make sure your experience is impeccable and enjoyable from beginning to end.

8. Stay in the know with what’s new.

If you aren’t following us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or our other social media channels, be sure to add us! We often post updates on fresh inventory, inspiring photos, and keep you informed of any sales or savings going on--including exclusive deals just for our fans

Keep up-to-date with bridal trends by checking out the Wedding Shoppe’s blog, too. You’ll be able to stay in the know about all things related to wedding planning, current trends, and more.

By following along, you’ll know everything you need to know about planning your nuptials and perhaps you’ll even be linked to your dream dress along the way!

9. Give it time!

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are bridal gowns. Be sure to plan ahead and shop for your attire well in advance. Because brides generally need 2 or 3 dress fittings, you’ll want to shop for your outfit about 8-12 months before your nuptials. It will take about 16-20 weeks for your gown to arrive after you place your order, so allowing ample time for shipping, alterations, and fittings is important. The earlier you start shopping, the less stressful the entire experience will be.

That being said, it is absolutely possible to expedite the whole process, however you’ll likely be left with a smaller selection of designers, and you may have to pay an additional rush fee to receive your order more quickly. Be sure to speak with Customer Service if you need to order your outfit in a rush, and we’ll help to point you in the direction of suitable styles and designers.

No matter what your budget or style requirements may be, the Wedding Shoppe has the dress of your dreams waiting for you. Many of our gorgeous designs are available to order online, or stop by our store to try on styles that can only be exclusively ordered in person.

We are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have throughout the process of shopping for your ultimate gown, and we can’t wait to help you find the dress that was meant just for you!

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