Congratulations on your engagement and the upcoming wedding day!

Your dream of wearing a white dress is becoming reality, and what a fairytale moment this is in real life.

For every bride to be, one of the most meaningful experiences is finding the wedding dress she has dreamed of for as long as she can remember.

As little girls, we imagine this day, the gown, the moment, the feeling. And now, suddenly, it’s here. It can feel almost unreal, can’t it?

Planning with intention is far more beautiful than stressing through what should be a magical journey. The countless brides I’ve met, their emotions, evolving plans, last minute changes, and their honest feedback, have inspired me to share guidance that truly helps. When you’re getting married for the first time, it’s normal not to know what to expect, what to ask, or even what will truly look and feel right on you.

The first step is to sit down with yourself.

Not Google. Not social media. Just you!

Think about what you love and what you don’t. Write down how you want your wedding day to feel, the venue, the color palette, the details, and of course, the dress. Your wedding gown is a meaningful investment and a powerful expression of who you are. The wedding dress is the statement of the big day!

Creating a Pinterest board is a wonderful way to gather inspiration. You may be surprised how much a single detail in a photo speaks volumes to your bridal stylist or wedding vendors. Often, our eyes catch elements you didn’t even realize mattered, details that reveal your personality and identity.

At the top of your planning list should be the venue, followed closely by the wedding dress.

Why the venue first? Because the setting helps guide your gown choice. Can you wear a princess ballgown on the sand? Of course. But will you feel comfortable and fully yourself? That’s the question that matters. And your answer is important!

It’s the best plan to begin wedding dress shopping as soon as you’re engaged. This will allow you enough time for production, shipping, and alterations. Don’t stress! No matter how much time you have, planning will help a lot. There are brides who start planning 2 years before the wedding day and there are brides who can put everything together in just two months.

The month of the year, city, and wedding theme, all play an important role in narrowing down your options about wedding dress.

You’ll hear this advice everywhere: be open-minded. And it’s true. Try the dress that looks “wrong” on the hanger. Try the sparkle you didn’t expect. Try the gown that feels completely outside your comfort zone. Many brides say “Yes” to a dress they never imagined choosing. Wedding dresses are about feeling. While you try on dresses, you will understand better your feelings about each dress. Your eyes will shine, your smile will grow, and your heart will tell you the moment you’ve found the one.

Sizing is the most important conversation to have with your stylist at the end of the appointment. Wedding preparation is emotional, and weight fluctuations are common. It’s a lot of emotions to handle, so some brides may gain or lose weight during this journey. Sometimes comes natural to most women to lose weight when they have a big event like the wedding day, so share your expectations openly.

Bridal sizing differs from everyday clothing, and some fabrics offer stretch while others do not. Don’t be surprised if your wedding dress is ordered one or two sizes larger than your usual dress or pants size. It’s completely normal, especially with European wedding dresses.

The number one reason why timing is important when you start shopping your wedding dress is production. Production timelines vary by designer. Some gowns are available quickly, while others take months. At Be That Queen Bridal, the longest wait our brides have experienced has been four months. If you need the dress sooner than estimated delivery date, ask for rush production and expedited shipping, which are available through many designers for an additional cost when needed.

A beautiful solution are off-the-rack sample gowns, not only when your wedding date is approaching quickly but when your budget is limited to a certain amount. These dresses are available for immediate purchase, often at a discounted price. Alterations may still be needed, so booking an alteration appointment early is always recommended. Maybe you don’t need that appointment, and the dress will fit you like a glove but mostly wedding dresses will need minor adjustments. Every bride’s situation is unique.

The cherry on top of all the magical journey of finding your wedding dress is to trust the process and allow yourself to enjoy every step of this once in a lifetime experience.

When you try on the dress and that feeling comes, you’ll know, you’ve found the ONE that makes your heart overflow with emotion, and your eyes cry happy tears.

Cheers to say “Yes” to the wedding dress!

Emanuela Llangozi

Senior Bridal Stylist & Founder, Be That Queen Bridal