Wedding planning should be exciting, not stressful. Our bridal experts shared their top 10 wedding planning tips to ensure that your ceremony is a dream come true.
1. Start Planning Early
It’s never too early to start researching and wedding planning. Decide the type of wedding venue, budget, and location that fits your style. Many venues will be booked far out in advance especially if you're planning on getting married during a popular season so it's important to keep that in consideration. Many couples will book their venue first but when it comes to dress shopping, brides are normally advised to shop for wedding dresses 6-8 months in advance because special ordering a dress usually takes 4-6 months. Avery Austin offers you more flexibility with our in-stock dresses and 8 week special order delivery. With that in mind, it's a good idea to start trying on wedding dresses through our Try-at-Home program at least 4-5 months before your wedding so you have plenty of time to try on different styles and get your dress in time for any alterations or bridal portraits you may need.
2. Set a Dress Budget
Determine your dress budget before you start shopping. This way, you can filter out options and focus on styles that fit your wedding budget and theme. Our assortment of wedding dresses under $1000 makes it simple to find the dress of your dreams without breaking the bank. For your leading ladies, we have lots of stunning bridesmaid dresses under $100 that flatter every figure.
3. Try on Dresses
Not sure which dress silhouette is right for you? Our Try-at-Home program allows you to select 1-3 bridal or bridesmaid gowns to try on in the comfort of your home. All you have to do is build your dress sample box with up to three dresses, $10 per bridesmaid dress and $15 per bridal gown (shipping included). After you have received your sample dresses and tried them on, send them back within seven days by dropping them off to your local FedEx. Place your order on our website and for any bridal Try at Home purchases, we’ll send you a discount code (up to $45) to apply to your order.
4. Try Your Dress on with Undergarments & Shoes
To get the full picture of what you will look like on your wedding day, be sure to try on your dress with the appropriate bra, shapewear, and undergarments to get the most accurate fit. Try to wear light-colored briefs so you do not see dark fabrics through the wedding dress. You may also consider wearing a slip underneath your bridal gown. And now it’s time to find the perfect pair...for your feet! Wearing high heels or flat sandals can make a difference in the way you look and the way your dress fits. If you’re wearing pumps or wedges, you’ll need a few extra inches at the bottom of your dress. If you’re going barefoot at the beach, you’ll want to make sure you have your dress altered properly so you do not trip. Even if you haven’t found the exact pair of shoes just yet, it’s always best to have an idea in mind.
5. Shop Online for Bridesmaid Dresses
Bridesmaids don't live nearby? Make shopping easy for everyone and choose bridesmaid dresses online at Avery Austin! Getting your maids to be in the exact same place at the exact same time can be difficult, especially if some members of your bridal party live out of state. Whether you have plenty of time to find the perfect bridesmaid dresses for your “I do” crew or you need them in a hurry, online shopping is the way to go. We offer a variety of trendy silhouettes and colors to make your maids feel beautiful.
6. Ask for Opinions
When it comes to wedding dress shopping and you can’t decide between one or more styles, you may want to seek out the opinions of your best friends or family members. Same goes for wedding venues, decor, or the guest list. But, proceed with caution. Sometimes, too many opinions can lead to arguments and added stress. Listen to what everyone has to say, but try to make the final decisions yourself. As long as you set boundaries, everything will go smoothly!
7. Meet Your Vendors in Person
We recommend meeting your vendors in person or video chatting with them. Before hiring anyone for your wedding day, you want to verify that they are trustworthy, reputable, and not going to take advantage of you. Make sure to get contracts from everyone you work with, and watch out for hidden fees (assembly fees for equipment, travel costs, etc.) that may not be discussed.
8. Personalize Your Ceremony
Find inspiration online (we love Pinterest!) or from other weddings you have attended, but remember that it is your special day. It should be different and exactly how you want it to be. Add unique touches to your decor with DIY projects. If you’re crafty, you might want to create the centerpieces for your tables or party favors for your guests. Whatever you decide to do, do not leave any last minute projects until the wedding day to complete. This will only add unnecessary stress, and you don’t want to take away time from getting ready and taking photos.
9. Have a Back-up Plan
This is especially important for outdoor weddings. Mother Nature is a force to be reckoned with, and while we can wish for sunshine on your wedding day, you just never know what can happen. If you are planning a beach ceremony or a wedding in a park, we suggest also choosing an indoor location as a back-up, such as a nearby restaurant, hotel, or your place of residence. If that is not an option, you can always set up an outdoor tent to keep guests and food dry and safe.
10. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff!
A lot of time, money, and energy goes into wedding planning, but at the end of the day, some things may not always go according to plan. If the band shows up twenty minutes late or the caterer forgets the silverware, try not to panic. Be flexible, find a solution, and enjoy the moment. One day, you'll look back on it all and smile and laugh. Don’t let one small hiccup spoil the most important day of your life!