Who you bring wedding dress shopping matters, so keep your bride tribe to 2–4 trusted people and bring a maximum of four trusted companions. Choose best friends or family members who understand and respect your personal style, since too many opinions can make the appointment more stressful. Bring guests who will speak positively and help enhance this experience for you. Guests who lean towards criticism, negativity, and jealousy should probably sit this one out.

Choosing your wedding gown for anyone other than yourself is the fastest path to regret. Finding your dream gown is a big deal, and the final decision should reflect what you love most. We can honor the vision your loved ones had for you for a moment, and then move onto choosing what you love and feel most beautiful in, and want to wear for your special day. For bride's with ultra opinionated parties, we suggest shopping alone to eliminate worry, and some brides find it easier not to second guess themselves when outside opinions are limited. If you fall in love with a dress, you do not need to keep looking just to please other people. Bring your guests back for a first look at final reveal once you've found what you love.

Wear your hair and makeup similar to how you might do so on the big day. Wear neutral, seamless undergarments so the focus stays on the dress and you can better judge fit. Feeling confident in yourself and highlighting your best features is more important than you might realize, and it helps you feel comfortable throughout the appointment. Eat a light meal beforehand so you don't arrive on an empty stomach. There's nothing that will ruin your bridal gown shopping experience faster than coming straight in after a rolling out of bed. Once you've found the gown, we'll dress it up with bridal accessories including veils and jewelry, while keeping wedding shoes in mind as a later budget item since some gowns are tried on gowns barefoot.

On the note of releasing the idea of perfection, here's another news flash: the elusive “one” doesn't exist. There isn't one wedding dress out there that's perfect for you. There are likely several or even many dresses that could feel like “the one”. Keeping an open mind matters, because many brides end up loving styles they never expected to choose. The caveat to trying on a plethora of wedding gowns is that: the more you try on, the more you could potentially envision for your walk down the aisle. Release the idea that there is one wedding dress out there that you're fated to find. Focus on what makes you feel beautiful; what feels flattering on you, though your body type can inform fit without controlling the choice; what makes you feel confident and special. Focus on what feels like magic in your soul, and what lights you up; what reflects who you are now. Focus on how you want to present yourself and what your love story will say. We tend to think your fiancé will think you light up their world when you walk down the aisle, no matter what you're wearing!

Happy tears are welcomed and encouraged during this process. Throw out the logic, and let yourself be truly present in this moment. Be open-minded as you search for the gown that you'll walk into this new chapter in, because many brides end up loving a dress that looks nothing like their pinterest board. Allow your body and intuition help guide you in your decision. A trusted stylist or bridal consultant can also help you compare options without overthinking. Fixating on small details between this dress and that dress will ruin the magic. What's most important is how you feel. If you quiet the room and listen closely, your gut will tell you everything you need to know.

Tradition and fashion advice historically might suggest that a pear figure body should wear an a-line skirt to conceal the hips. It might say if you have an athletic figure, you shouldn't wear a mermaid silhouette. Bridal sizing often runs small, so focus on fit and how the gown helps you feel comfortable rather than the number on the tag. "Ivory isn't white" they'll say. "You have to wear a veil," "you won't be able to dance in that," "a high neck is only for certain venues," "a plunging neckline isn't sophisticated," "A-line wedding dresses flatter most body types." We've heard it all. And we're asking you to tune out the noise. Elegance can be an attitude. Femininity isn't tied to lace or intricate detailing. Many brides opt for non-traditional styles including black sheer lace gowns or colorful gowns, while others choose long sleeves for the season or setting. Focus on creating a look that you love and feel beautiful in. You won't regret listening to your own voice.