How to avoid wedding dress regret

You’re sitting in the car, receipt in hand, wondering what the hell you just did. You’ve bought what you thought was the ‘dress of your dreams’. The saleswoman loved the dress on you. Your mother loved the dress on you. But did YOU? Here’s how to avoid wedding dress regret and feel like a princess on your big day!

Have you purchased a pre-loved wedding dress?

Yes, I did

No, I didn't

Gorgeous #RealWedding Bride Maggie in her stunning princess gown – Oy Photography

First: what is wedding dress regret?

Symptoms of wedding dress regret include but are not limited to; heart palpitations and feelings of disappointment, refusing to discuss the topic, constantly finding yourself in the same room as the dress but always refusing to try it on, and frantically Googling wedding dress regret symptoms. You’re not alone — wedding dress regret is common among brides. Here’s how to avoid it.

Beautiful real bride in her unique and feminine floral gown by Wendy Makin Bridal Studio

Lower your expectations

Too often brides have their head in the clouds when it comes to wedding dresses. Obviously, we all want a glittering disco ball of a dress, that shoots fireworks at the groom and releases a puff of Chanel perfume automatically on an hourly timer — but does this dress even exist? For pyromaniacs, maybe. But in regular wedding gown boutiques, probably not. Don’t be disappointed if the dresses you try on are just that — a dress.

Belle et Blanc

Be open to other design options

You’ve been dreaming of a princess dress since childhood, but when it’s on your body in the boutique dressing room it just doesn’t… work. This is okay. It’s healthy to admit defeat and try again. Maybe the dress you choose has long sleeves, a fishtail bottom, or a wide lilac velvet sash you’d usually loathe, but for whatever reason, loved. Sometimes things don’t go the way you originally thought, but that doesn’t mean it’s a failure.

Delicate and stunning dress from this #RealWedding by Kylie J. Bridal and Formal

Stick to your budget

If you have a specific budget in mind — stick to it! Don’t try on dresses outside your budget. If you find yourself with a receipt for a dress three times the price you originally budgeted for, don’t be surprised if you end up with wedding dress regret.

#RealWedding – Oy Photography

Remember what’s most important

While your dress is important, it’s not the most important aspect of the day. Without the love you and your partner hold, there would be no wedding and no need for a wedding dress in the first place. Once you realise your love takes precedence over your dress — congrats! You’re immune from wedding dress regret.