(From a Wedding Photographer Who’s Seen It All)
I’ve developed many tips for wedding dress shopping. Shopping for your wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding day. It’s the moment many brides dream about for years — stepping into the dress that makes them feel beautiful, confident, and completely themselves.
After photographing weddings for over 18 years, I’ve seen hundreds of gowns in every setting imaginable: windy beaches, elegant ballrooms, rustic barns, and deep redwood forests. And while every dress is stunning in its own way, there are a few practical things that can make a huge difference in how comfortable and confident you feel throughout your wedding day.
Here are three tips I always share with my brides when they’re shopping for their dream dress.
Disclaimer: These dresses are for examples of poses and the type of activity you’ll be involved in on your wedding day. These brides have never said they couldn’t do these type of activities, but rather made sure they could!
Wedding Dress Shopping Tip No. 1. Sleeves Matter More Than You Think
Sleeves are gorgeous. They add elegance, drama, and personality to a gown. But before you fall in love with that stunning long-sleeve lace dress, do one very important test.
Raise your arms above your head.
Yes, really.
Your wedding day will involve a lot more movement than most brides realize. You’ll be hugging guests, twirling on the dance floor, lifting your arms during portraits, and maybe throwing your bouquet. Some poses with your partner will naturally involve wrapping your arms around each other, or grazing the back of your partner’s head, jaw, etc.
If your sleeves are too tight or restrictive, it can make even simple movements uncomfortable.
When wedding dress shopping & trying on dresses, make sure to:
- Raise your arms fully overhead
- Hug someone
- Practice a little dance twirl
- Lift your arms like you’re tossing a bouquet
If the sleeves pull, pinch, or restrict movement, alterations may help—but sometimes the design simply isn’t built for flexibility.
You deserve to feel free, comfortable, and confident all day long.
Tip No. 2. Sit Down in Your Dress
This one surprises a lot of brides.
When you try on dresses in a boutique, you’re usually standing in front of a mirror admiring how the dress looks. But on your wedding day, you’ll be doing a lot more than standing.
You’ll be sitting while:
- Putting on your shoes
- Signing your marriage license
- Eating dinner
- Talking with guests
- Taking certain couples photos
And yes… you might even end up squatting low on the dance floor with your friends by the end of the night.
So when you’re trying on gowns, make sure to actually sit down in them.
Pay attention to:
- How the fabric folds
- Whether the dress wrinkles easily
- If the bodice digs into your ribs or waist
- Whether the skirt spreads comfortably when seated
Certain fabrics wrinkle more than others. Materials like satin, taffeta, and some crepes can crease quickly when you sit for long periods. While wrinkles are completely normal, it’s helpful to know how the fabric behaves ahead of time.
Your wedding day is long, and the more comfortable you feel sitting and moving in your dress, the more you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the moment.
Tip No. 3. Think About Your Environment
Your venue and surroundings can have a big impact on how your dress behaves throughout the day.
I always encourage brides to think about where their dress will actually be worn.
For example:
Lace in the Forest
If you’re getting married in the redwood forest, lace gowns can pick up debris incredibly easily. The forest floor is covered with redwood duff, pine needles, and tiny pieces of bark that cling to delicate lace patterns.
Once they get caught in the lace, they can be surprisingly hard to remove.
Beach Weddings
If you’re planning a beach wedding, lightweight fabrics are usually your best friend.
Sand can gather in certain materials and may stain delicate fabrics. Flowing fabrics like:
- Chiffon
- Tulle
- Soft organza
tend to move beautifully in ocean breezes and are easier to manage in sandy environments.
Structured Fabrics
Heavier fabrics like satin, mikado, and heavy crepe create stunning structure and elegance but can feel warmer and less forgiving in outdoor settings.
None of these fabrics are “wrong”—it simply helps to know how they interact with your wedding environment.
Bonus Wedding Dress Shopping Tip: Consider a Party Dress
Many brides today are choosing to have a second dress for the reception, often called a “party dress.”
There are several great reasons for this:
Freedom to dance.
Reception dresses are often shorter, lighter, and easier to move in.
Protect your ceremony gown.
Your ceremony dress will have fewer stains as the party continues and the liquor flows!
Two different looks.
It’s a fun way to show off two styles — elegant for the ceremony and playful for the reception.
I’ve seen brides change into everything from sparkly mini dresses to sleek modern gowns or a fun white jumper, and the energy on the dance floor always shifts when they do.
Tips for Trying on Dresses at Bridal Shops
To make the most of your bridal appointments, here are a few helpful tips:
Wear nude undergarments.
They disappear under most fabrics and help you see the dress more clearly.
Bring the right shoes.
If you already have heels for your wedding, bring them along to see the full look.
Move around.
Don’t just stand in front of the mirror—walk, sit, spin, and move your arms.
Take photos.
Sometimes dresses look different in photos than in mirrors.
Trust how you feel.
The best dress isn’t just beautiful—it’s the one you feel amazing wearing.
Now go out there and enjoy your wedding dress shopping experience! Don’t forget that most salons prefer that you make an appointment so that you have their best attention! Here are some of my favorite wedding dress stores: In Carmel/Monterey; Epiphany Bridal, Jo Lea Bridal, & Magnolia Bridal. In the Bay Area; Lost Gatos Bride & Bustle, Trudy’s Brides
Loving my work: Contact me here to book a free consult for your wedding day!
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