With so many choices ahead, it helps to know exactly where to start and how to approach the process with clarity and confidence. After more than a decade working with brides — plus countless conversations during fittings and alterations — here are the insights that truly make a difference.
1. Begin with the vision of your day
It seems obvious, but first have a good think about how your wedding day is going to look and feel. Your venue and the time of year is the backdrop to the whole day and it will certainly inform parts of how you’ll choose your dress.
Your wedding dress will be both an emotional and practical choice in most cases, so weigh up what’s most important to you.
Think about practicalities as much as aesthetics:
“I run hot, and I’m getting married in July, so I can’t wear anything I’m going to bake in”
“We’ve chosen a black tie theme with a cocktail hour in December. A high- glamour dress, possibly with sleeves could work well”
“I’m having a Brighton City Wedding; I’ll need to consider walking around town and between venues, so a smaller train or option to bustle is essential”
..and so on!
A real wedding example:
My own wedding was at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton and we then hired the Ginger Fox pub in Henfield. My wedding dress needed to be opulent and pretty enough for the ceremony, but not so big that I would be swiping drinks off the table in our reception. The solution was an embroidered and embellished top with a beautifully draped satin chiffon skirt which had tons of movement but not a ton of volume. I loved wearing it, I was comfortable and I didn’t want to ever take it off!
2. Choose your bridal boutique wisely
Not all bridal shops are created equal.
Research designers, price ranges, lead times and reviews so your visit feels aligned with your style and expectations.
Most wedding dress shops now charge for weekend appointments, so make your time count. Select the place that excites you the most — the one whose dresses and atmosphere speak to your vision.
And if you find your dress at The Bridal Atelier (we hope you do!), your journey continues with fittings, styling sessions and personalised support right through to your wedding day.
3. Shop with intent — ideally around 12 months out
A year before your wedding is the sweet spot.
It gives you:
Time to order your gown
A smooth alterations schedule
The chance to try dresses in weather somewhat similar to your wedding season (trust me — imagining a July heatwave in January is almost impossible)
4. Bring the right guests to your wedding dress appointment
Your first dress appointment sets the tone, so bring the people who lift you up — the ones who understand your vision and cheer you on.
For your initial appointments, you’ll need your most supportive people who are going to be able to get on board with your vision and be your very best cheerleaders when you find that perfect dress. We recommend bringing about three people max.
I secretly rate the bride who does a lone first visit, in order to really listen to her own thoughts and opinions first, and then later sharing the favourite dress with her most important people.
5. And finally… plan a little celebration
If you follow these steps, prepare for success.
Finding your dress is a milestone — mark it! Whether it’s lunch, bubbles or a walk by the sea, give yourself a moment to enjoy it. Your wedding-dress journey has officially begun.
