Shopping for your wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning!
If you’re working on changing your body composition as you prepare for the big day, you might be wondering how to confidently navigate dress shopping. The good news? With some thoughtful planning, you can choose a gown that makes you feel amazing while working on your fitness goals.
Coming Up With Your Timeline
Most brides start shopping for their dream dress 9 to 12 months before their wedding day, aiming to place their order about 8 months out. Alterations typically begin 2 to 3 months before the wedding, and final fittings are usually scheduled around 2 weeks prior. Keeping this timeline in mind, it’s helpful to set realistic body composition goals. Planning for a wedding can be stressful, and adding a strict diet and unrealistic exercise regime on top is going to add far more pressure on you than you need.
When you have set those goals, plan to have most of your progress achieved about a month before your final fitting. This allows your seamstress to work with measurements that are as close as possible to your wedding-day size. Scrambling 3 months out to cut weight is not the vibe. This is the time when you should be focused on the finishing details and saying, “Wow, I am marrying my best friend soon, how cool is that?!”
Now that you have your timeline set, here are some helpful tips to guide you during your wedding dress shopping process:
1. Order the Right Size for Now
Even if you’re expecting changes in your body composition, it’s best to order your dress in your current size rather than sizing down. Dresses can be taken in more easily than they can be let out, ensuring the best final fit.
2. Communicate with Your Consultant
Be open with your bridal consultant about your fitness journey. They can recommend dresses and styles with flexibility in alterations, like corset backs or flowing silhouettes.
3. Prioritize Comfort and Confidence
Your wedding day is about celebrating love and joy—not numbers on a scale. Trust that no matter your size or measurements, you are going to look radiant and beautiful. Choose a dress that makes you feel confident right now, and let your glow do the rest!
Final Thought
Remember, your wedding dress should be a reflection of your unique beauty and style. With the right planning, you’ll feel comfortable, confident, and stunning as you walk down the aisle—no matter where you are in your fitness journey.