What to Wear When Trying on Wedding Dresses

Embarking on the journey to find your dream wedding dress is an exhilarating chapter in your wedding planning book. This moment is all about you—your style, your dreams, and the magical gown that will make you feel like royalty on your special day. However, the experience can be just as overwhelming as it is exciting. To ensure you have the smoothest, most enjoyable dress shopping experience, it's crucial to wear the right attire and bring essential items while leaving some things at home. This guide will walk you through what to wear to try on wedding dresses and what you might consider leaving behind, including tips on choosing the right undergarments for wedding dress shopping.

What to Wear to Try on Wedding Dresses

To ensure the dress shopping experience is as enjoyable and efficient as possible, wearing the right clothes and accessories to your appointments is key. Here’s a detailed guide on what to wear when trying on wedding dresses, helping you move seamlessly in and out of gowns while getting a true feel for each one’s potential.

Wear Comfortable, Easily Removable Clothing

Choosing the right outfit for dress shopping can significantly enhance your experience. Opt for clothing that is easy to change in and out of, such as leggings or yoga pants paired with a loose-fitting top. This not only makes transitions quicker between gowns but also keeps you comfortable during what can be a lengthy process. Comfortable clothing helps reduce any stress or discomfort, allowing you to focus solely on how each dress feels and looks on you.

Choose Nude or Seamless Underwear

The right undergarments are crucial when trying on wedding dresses. Nude or seamless underwear is recommended because it remains invisible under most gowns, ensuring that the focus stays on the dress’s design and fit, not on what’s underneath. This type of underwear helps give a true idea of what the dress will look like on your big day, without any distractions or unwanted lines.

Bring a Strapless Bra or Supportive Undergarments

Undergarments play a pivotal role in shaping how a dress fits and looks. For gowns with strapless or low-cut designs, a good strapless bra can make a significant difference. Additionally, bring any other supportive undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day to ensure the dress fits well with them. Whether it's a bustier, a corset, or specialized bridal shapewear, having these items with you can help you accurately judge the fit and silhouette of each gown.

Wear Minimal Jewelry

When heading out to try on wedding dresses, less is more regarding jewelry. Wear minimalistic pieces to avoid snagging delicate fabrics or overshadowing the gowns themselves. Small, simple earrings or a thin bracelet can be enough. This approach keeps the focus on the dress and prevents any accessories from interfering with the zippers or lace of the gowns you're trying on.

Consider Your Hair

Your hairstyle can affect how a wedding dress looks, particularly around the neckline and shoulders. If you have long hair, bring a hair tie or clip to pull it back during fittings. This simple step helps you get a clearer view of the upper part of the dress, ensuring that intricate details like lace patterns, necklines, or shoulder designs are fully visible and appreciated.

Bring a Trusted Friend or Family Member

The opinions of a trusted friend or family member can be invaluable during your dress shopping experience. Choose someone who understands your taste and can provide honest feedback. It’s important that this person supports your vision and can help you make decisions without imposing their own preferences too strongly.

Research Dress Styles Beforehand

Having a clear idea of what styles, cuts, and designs you are drawn to can streamline your shopping experience. Before your appointments, spend some time researching different wedding dress styles and identifying what you like and don't like. This preparation will help you communicate more effectively with the bridal consultant and focus your search on gowns that truly meet your expectations.

Bring Inspiration Pictures

Bring along photos of dresses you admire, whether they’re from magazines, Pinterest, or Instagram. These images can help convey your vision to the bridal consultant, who can then select dresses that align with your style preferences. Visual aids can be extremely helpful in bridging communication gaps and ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Wedding Dress Shopping Outfit: FAQs

Navigating the world of wedding dress shopping can be as daunting as it is exciting. To help ease the process and clarify common concerns, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about what to wear when you're searching for your perfect wedding gown.

Can I bring my own shoes to the wedding dress fitting?

Absolutely! If you already have your wedding shoes or a pair with a similar heel height to what you plan to wear, bring them along. This will help you see how the dresses fall with the shoes and make it easier to adjust hem lengths if necessary.

What types of undergarments are best for trying on wedding dresses?

Nude, seamless underwear and a good strapless bra or other appropriate shapewear are essential. These undergarments help provide a smooth silhouette and ensure that nothing distracts from the dress itself. If you plan to wear special shapewear or a particular style of bra on your wedding day, bring those along to see how they work with different gown styles.

What kind of makeup should I wear to my wedding dress appointment?

Wear light, natural makeup. This is beneficial for a couple of reasons: it prevents makeup from transferring onto the gowns and gives you a better idea of how you’ll look on your wedding day. You don't need full bridal makeup, but a touch of foundation, some mascara, and a neutral lip color can enhance your confidence as you try on various dresses.

Should I bring any specific types of jewelry to the wedding dress appointment?

While minimal jewelry is recommended to avoid snagging delicate fabrics, bringing a few key pieces that you plan to wear on your wedding day can be helpful. For instance, if you have a special necklace or set of earrings picked out, seeing them with the gowns can influence your decision, especially when considering neckline styles.

What colors are best for undergarments when trying on wedding dresses?

Stick to nude or skin-toned undergarments, as they are the least likely to show through the dress materials. Make sure these are seamless to avoid visible lines. If you are trying on sheer or lace dresses, ensure that your undergarments are as discreet as possible to get a true sense of the dress’s look and fit.