Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Dream Wedding Dress: Tips from a Pro Wedding Planner

Ready to take on the quest for your dream wedding dress? As a seasoned wedding planner, I've guided countless brides through this magical journey. With a blend of timeless advice and insider tips, this guide is crafted to make your wedding dress shopping experience as joyful and fulfilling as when you said “yes”!

1. Discover Your Wedding Dress Inspiration

Begin your search by diving into the world of bridal fashion. Utilize platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and bridal blogs to gather images of dresses that speak to you. Look for patterns in your choices - are you drawn to lace, simplicity, or dramatic silhouettes? These clues are your first step towards pinpointing your dream dress. Take a look at your Pinterest board, you m ay already have a certain style you have been pinning and didn’t even realize it!

2. Align Your Dress with Your Wedding Theme and Venue

Your wedding dress should reflect the overall vibe of your big day and you. A beach ceremony calls for a breezy and light gown, while a ballroom extravaganza warrants a more dramatic silhouette. Let the location and theme of your wedding be a guide in selecting a dress that complements the setting perfectly. doesn’t mean you can’t wear a ballgown to the beach if that’s what you end up doing, but just a helpful tip you don’t know where to begin. The right fabric can transform your look. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon and silk are ideal for a soft, romantic feel, while structured materials like satin add sophistication. Consider lace or beaded details for an added touch of elegance.

3. Choose a Dress That Celebrates Your Body Type

Every bride deserves to feel stunning on her wedding day. Identifying your body type - be it hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle, or inverted triangle - is crucial to finding a dress that highlights your beauty.

Showcase Your Best Features- Emphasize your favorite features with a dress that accentuates them. A figure-hugging mermaid style for hourglass figures or an A-line dress for pear shapes can make you feel like royalty.

Achieve Proportion and Harmony- Selecting a dress that balances your proportions is key to achieving a harmonious look. A-line dresses, V-necklines, and strategic draping can flatter various body shapes.

Hourglass shaped body? Try on one of these below!
- Wrap Dresses
- A-Line Dresses
- Mermaid or Trumpet Gowns
- Fit-and-Flare Dresses
- Belted or Cinched Dresses
- Corset-Style Dresses
- Bodycon Dresses
- Off-the-Shoulder Dresses
- V-Neck and Sweetheart Necklines
- Halter Neck Dresses

Pear shaped
- A-Line Dresses
- Ball Gowns
- Empire Waist Dresses
- V-Neck or Sweetheart Necklines
- Off-the-Shoulder or Cap Sleeve Styles
- Ruching or Draping
- A Structured Bodice
  Avoid Mermaid or Trumpet Styles: While mermaid or trumpet-style dresses can be stunning, they tend to accentuate the hips and thighs, which may not be ideal for pear-shaped figures.

Apple shaped
- Empire Waist Dresses
- A-Line Dresses
- V-Neck or Sweetheart Necklines
- Drop Waist Dresses
- A Structured Bodice
- Flutter or Cap Sleeves
- Embellishments and Details around neck
  Avoid Sheath or Column Dresses: Dresses with a sheath or column silhouette may accentuate the midsection, which is typically not ideal for apple-shaped figures.

Rectangular
- Ball Gowns
- Mermaid or Trumpet Dresses
- Fit-and-Flare Dresses
- Belts or Sashes: Adding a belt or sash at the waistline can help to define the waist and create the illusion of curves.
- Sweetheart or V-Neck Necklines
- Peplum Detailing at the waistline
- Ruching or Draping
- Avoid Straight, Box-Like Silhouettes: Dresses with straight, box-like silhouettes can accentuate the rectangular shape of the body and may not be as flattering. Instead, opt for styles that add volume and definition to the waistline.

Inverted triangle
- A-Line or Ball Gown Silhouettes
- Empire Waist Dresses
- V-Neck or Scoop Necklines
- Off-the-Shoulder or Cap Sleeve Styles
- Details and Embellishments: around the waistline
- Ruching or Draping: around the waistline
- A Structured Bodice
  Avoid Mermaid or Trumpet Styles: While mermaid or trumpet-style dresses can be stunning, they tend to accentuate the shoulders and may not be as flattering for inverted triangle body shapes.

4. Undergarments: The Foundation of Your Bridal Look

Invest in quality undergarments that enhance the fit of your dress. A well-chosen bra and shapewear can streamline your silhouette, ensuring you look flawless from every angle. Also tend to be more comfortable the higher quality you buy. don’t skimp on this as you’ll be wearing this all day! A lot of brides tend to forget about this and buy something at Target the day of their fitting. Do some research and please do it way before your first fitting!

5. Keep an open mind

I can’t say this enough. Keep an open mind and try on a diverse range of dresses. Surprisingly, a style you hadn't considered might end up being your dream dress. This was absolutely true for me and many people I know. You may not love it on the hanger, but when you put it on…it may be THE dress.

The Final Verdict: Trust Your Gut

Ultimately, the perfect dress is one that makes you feel confident and beautiful. When you find a dress that makes your heart sing, you've found "the one. Using these tips will be the start of finding the PERFECT dress for you! If you want to have a change for rehearsal, I say DO IT! This Party is for you and your forever always.

My next Blog will be going over local shops in Cincinnati that I’ve worked with and recommend. If you’re a local or live near Cincinnati be on the look out for that one! I’ll be talking about pricing, locations, styles and so on!

Are you ready to experience these benefits and more? We invite you to explore our website further to learn about our services, view our portfolio, and read testimonials from couples who have entrusted us with their special day. When you're ready to begin your wedding planning journey with Amber Hansen Events, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to make your dream wedding a reality. Check put our social media accounts below as well as our website!