The Bridal Cottage Blog

10 Most Shocking Myths about Wedding Dresses

1.      A wedding dress should be white.

If you are a traditionalist, then white is your color!  However, now a days, the color “white” doesn’t mean what it used to mean.  Ivory is actually the most popular color.  And a lot of ivory colors are so light, that it’s hard to tell that it isn’t white!  Blush, Champagne and Light Gold are also very popular.

2.     I’ve got plenty of time to shop for a wedding dress.

A perfect amount of time to shop for a wedding dress is one year out.  Most designers take between 3 and 6 months to make a wedding dress and sometimes longer during busy season!  Then you have to consider alterations and bridal portraits.  Now of course, if you don’t have that amount of time, some stores like The Bridal Cottage sell dresses off the rack that are in our stock and our consultants never get brides into dresses that we can’t order.  Some of our designers do have dresses in their inventory that we can get quicker, and we always do our research before your appointment so we are prepared.  

3.     I can’t wear this because….

Because why?  This is exactly why trying on and appointments are so important!  This is a wedding dress, not a pair of jeans from Old Navy.  You probably have a good idea of what looks good on you, your shape.  And your bridal consultant can help with that as well.  But also look outside the box!  This is the only time you are going to try on wedding dresses!  You have no idea until you try on!

4.     You shouldn’t start shopping until you are the size you want to be on your wedding day.

Again, think about your time frame.  You don’t want your time you are losing weight to hinder your chances on ordering your wedding dress in time for your wedding.  Wedding dresses can be altered!  And 98% of our wedding dresses need some sort of alterations.  Our suggestion would be to order the dress you are in the size now, and if you do lose some weight, get it altered down!

5.     You shouldn’t buy the first dress you try on at the first store you’ve gone to.

Why not? If it’s your dress!  And you will know it’s your dress.  And especially if your bridal consultant listens to you and understands your vision!  It’s important at The Bridal Cottage to get to know you, your story and what your dream wedding is!  We see it all the time.  Our record for a “yes” at the Bridal Cottage is 7 minutes!!

6.     I don’t need a budget.

Your entire wedding is on a budget!  Your dress should be included in that budget.  And our bridal consultants at The Bridal Cottage are very sensitive to budgets and we make sure that you are going to find your dream dress within that budget you have set for yourself.

7.      The dress is the same online, so why not buy it?  It’s cheaper!

If it’s cheaper, that mostly likely means it’s a knock-off dress.  Our designers do not sell online.  There are so many bridal online companies that are tainting the bridal industry.  The American Bridal and Prom Industry pledges to provide online counterfeit awareness, consumer education and preservation of the bridal and special occasion industry.  They have been fighting to banish these websites, but of course that’s very hard to do.  They just encourage you to beware, and know how to spot a fake website.  Remember, it doesn’t have to be a fake to be affordable!  And you also won’t receive the care and customer service as a local bridal boutique would give you.  You don’t need any more stress during your wedding planning!

8.     If you don’t cry, it’s not “the” dress.

Well, I can’t say everyone is going to have that “ah-ha” moment.  Some brides do, and some don’t.  Some brides are just happy and bounce around and some brides are just matter of fact.  But you will know when it’s your dress.  I promise.

9.     I just want to look at wedding dresses.It’s hard to just “look.” It’s also difficult to envision what the dress will look like on you. Most of these dresses have terrible hanger appeal!  But really, you need to be emotionally, mentally and financially ready to find your dress.  Because once you start shopping, you will find it! Faster than you think.  Emotionally—we encourage you to be surrounded by your family and friends.  Those in your life that love you!  Mentally – trying on dresses, makes it real! You are a bride!  And financially – goes back to what we talked about in that you need a budget for your wedding dress and be ready to make that deposit!

10.   You have to follow the “rules.”

There are no “rules.” This is your dress!  You need to purchase what you love!  Now, we can help with recommendations.  For example, we wouldn’t recommend a full satin beaded gown for a beach wedding.  But honestly, it’s your vision, your day.  And YOU need to feel beautiful.