It’s a dream for many brides to finally have the wedding dress they’ve always wanted. So having your own “say yes to the dress” moment is definitely a fairytale wish come true. However, we’ve come across one too many stories about brides who ended up being very disappointed – either they were forced to buy a dress they didn’t really love, the details weren’t executed properly, they’ve had second thoughts, and the like. It honestly is a lot of pressure to get THE DRESS right. We see you, brides!
While this definitely isn’t a situation we want you to be in, just in case you experience a wedding dress faux pas, we hope these solutions will help you out!
If you got a ready-to-wear dress from a boutique or bridal salon, make sure to review your contract regarding returns, exchanges, or additional alterations. If there are available solutions provided by the bridal salon, go ahead and act fast. Find a remedy for the details that need fixing, while they can still be fixed.
If you’re having your dress customized and you’re not seeing the results you want, openly communicate your concerns with your designer. We know that designers also have their own points of view, but you must also collaborate with them in order to get the output that you really want. Your input and opinion matters!
Another option is to have the dress rented, so you can get a bit of your investment back. You can even put your dress up for sale, and it may find a home with a bride who would end up loving it. You can also opt to rent a dress yourself. There are many high-quality rental options for a fraction of the price of a custom gown. If you’re open to it, you can use your original dress as a reception dress, after-party dress, or a preparations photoshoot dress, so it won’t go to waste.
One graduate bride from our community gave a wise tip: “Try on your dress when you’re not stressed. Practice walking and sitting down in it. Take photos while wearing the dress.” It’s true that sometimes our thoughts can easily get clouded by stress and decision fatigue! With so many things needing your attention, you can’t help but doubt some of the decisions you’re making or have difficulty deciding after the many decisions you’ve already had to make. So, try to calm down first. Take a deep breath. And try on your dress with a clearer mind.
If you are genuinely unhappy with your dress after sitting with your feelings and doing some careful reflection, it may be time to cut your losses. Think of how much buying a new dress will impact your budget. Talk to your soon-to-be spouse and evaluate if you are willing to spend a little more for a new dress. After all, that’s the outfit you’ll be photographed wearing the whole day of your wedding. You can either go for a ready-to-wear option so you can immediately see a finished product or find another trusted designer who can really match your style.
Finding the right dress is an emotional journey, and it’s also quite an investment. So, before you “say yes” make sure you’re truly happy! Wear a dress that speaks of your personal style and is something that you will sincerely love. Good luck on your search, dear brides!