A Guide to Dress Shopping with Your Future Spouse

Are you newly engaged? Ready to go wedding dress shopping? You might be considering bringing your future spouse along for the ride. Many couples leave the old superstition behind and go wedding gown shopping as a pair. Couples find dress shopping together useful because it can be a fun and bonding experience for them.

However, some brides prefer to shop separately to create more of a traditional experience. No matter which route you choose, it is crucial to keep the following tips in mind when wedding gown shopping with your future spouse!

Involving Your Partner in Your Wedding Gown Shopping

Involving your partner in wedding planning is a great way to strengthen your relationship and ensure that both parties have personal touches included at the wedding celebration. From choosing the venue and wedding colors to picking a signature cocktail and sampling the menu, wedding planning is a team effort.

This can also be the case when it comes to wedding dress shopping. Brides are beginning to buck the tradition of not seeing the gown before the wedding and choosing to instead shop as a couple.

Many couples will enjoy wedding gown shopping together but, for others, buying with their friends or family may be part of the thrill of getting married. It really is up to you! If you and your spouse-to-be want to select your wedding gown together, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Here are our tips for wedding gown shopping with your partner.

Consider the Element of Surprise

By now, you are probably leaning toward turning your wedding gown selection into a couples’ shopping trip. However, if one or both of you are feeling like you want to keep the selection a complete surprise until the wedding day, it might be best not to have your spouse tag along to the bridal boutique.

Shopping solo or with your bridesmaids may be more suitable for you. If your spouse wants to know what gown you’ve chosen, but you want to keep it a surprise, play a fun guessing game. Show your partner three or four wedding gowns you’ve chosen and test their style knowledge—it’s up to you if you spill the beans or keep it a secret until your wedding day!

There are a few more reasons to keep the wedding gown a surprise. If your spouse-to-be wants a surprise on the wedding day, or if you’re going to have first-look photographs as part of your wedding day photography, keeping the gown a secret is key.

Keep an Open Mind

Even if you’re positive that you want to go wedding gown shop with your spouse, keep in mind that things may change along the way.

The best thing to do is go into wedding gown shopping with an open mind and be willing to consider other styles or designs than what you originally had in mind. You might even be surprised by what your partner chooses!

If you have a specific wedding dress style or designer in mind, be sure to bring pictures of gowns with you when shopping. This will help your spouse-to-be get an idea of the look and feel you are going for.

However, if you’re open to trying new styles, be sure to keep an open mind while wedding gown shopping. Your wedding dress consultant is experienced in knowing what will look good on you and has some great ideas to share.

Talk about Budget Ahead of Time

It is crucial to discuss the budget with your spouse-to-be before wedding gown shopping.

This will help avoid any surprises or disagreements when it comes time to try on (and later purchase) a wedding gown. Many wedding gown shoppers have no idea of the cost of a dress, so it is best to lay ground rules before hitting the shops.

And remember, there is plenty you can do to find a couture dress or a designer gown that fits your budget!

Be Honest About Your Preferences

While it is essential to keep an open mind, you also want to be honest about your preferences with your partner. Perhaps you are hoping to choose something that shows off your legs but they have always pictured you in ball gown style; it is best to let your future spouse know.

The same may be said for wedding dress designers. If you’ve always wanted to wear a stunning wedding gown, but your spouse-to-be doesn’t want you to spend the extra money, be upfront about your tastes and financial restrictions. If you don’t like any of the designs or manufacturers, let them know. This can aid in narrowing down the wedding gown selection process.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or disagree on a particular dress, take a step back and reassess. Wedding planning can be stressful, but it should be enjoyable too!

Bring Pictures of the Wedding Venue

Wedding dress shopping is a lot easier when you have an idea about the wedding venue. Your chosen venue can primarily determine the kind of wedding you have.

For example, if your wedding will be on the beach, you may prefer something light and airy to a long-sleeved gown.

The same goes if you’re not quite sure what kind of wedding you want, or if your spouse-to-be has different ideas than you do, bringing pictures of the wedding venue can help your bridal consultant find a middle ground.

Research Ahead of Time

When shopping with your future spouse, knowing what you are looking for before stepping into the bridal boutique is vital. If you don’t have a specific style in mind, browsing wedding magazines and Pinterest together can give you some ideas.

If you’re looking for a unique wedding gown that isn’t readily available off the rack, doing some research ahead of time to find a wedding gown designer is critical.

Some bridal boutiques offer custom couture wedding gowns from talented designers who will work with you to create the perfect dress for your wedding day. This takes the guesswork out of wedding gown shopping and ensures that you will be walking down the aisle in a wedding dress that is uniquely yours.

Viero Bridal is one such bridal boutique, offering wedding gowns of the latest fashion and custom couture wedding gowns. With locations in New York City, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles, we are sure to have a wedding gown that will suit your individual style, or we can help you design one.

The Final Decision is Yours

At the end of the day, the final decision about your bridal gown is yours alone.

Even if your spouse-to-be has strong opinions about the gown you should choose, it is ultimately up to you what wedding dress you wear on your big day.

This is a significant decision, so be sure to take your time and make the choice that best suits you and your fiance.

When wedding planning, many decisions need to be made. But, when it comes to wedding gown shopping, there is no wrong way to do it—as long as you and your spouse-to-be are happy!

Viero Bridal

Viero Bridal is the perfect place for couples looking for wedding gowns together. With a wide range of the latest fashion styles, as well as custom couture wedding gowns, brides will be sure to find the perfect dress for their big day.

Whether you decide to shop with your bridal party or alongside your future spouse, wedding gown shopping can be a fun and exciting experience. At Viero Bridal, we want to make sure that you find the perfect wedding dress for your big day. Visit one of our wedding dress boutiques in New York, Chicago, Miami, or Los Angeles, where you are sure to find the gown of your dreams.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and let us help you start your wedding planning off on the right foot!

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