Wedding. Dress. Shopping. These three words – separately or combined – are music to the Dolls’ diamond clad ears. This magical experience is a dream come true for the fairytale inspired duo. When Caitlin announced her engagement, visions of lace, tulle and sparkle immediately ran through their heads! The wedding dress search began at Mira Couture in Chicago’s iconic Bridal District. Keep reading for your wedding dress shopping guide.
Mira Couture is a luxurious salon known for their bridal selection and house of couture. They carry top designers with the most exclusive and selective collections and they have an exceptional staff of in-house dressmakers. Each dedicated stylist is so sweet and accommodating – they will do anything to make your princess dreams come true!
In a world where the business model of couture, custom design, in-house atelier has slowly disappeared, Mira Couture keeps this fashion tradition alive. The salon was founded in 1970 by Mira Horoszowski, with a focus on impeccable tailoring, personalized customer service and fine fabrics – think delicate Chantilly, Alencons, and Guippiere laces. Julie Mersine is now partner and owner, bringing modern flair and a fresh, young approach to wedding dresses, bridal and couture.
wedding dress shopping timeline
Shopping for THE dress is one of the first ten things you should do when you get engaged (after the engagement party, of course). You should shop for their wedding dress anywhere from six months to a year before your big day. You should really start shopping before you even think about creating your wedding website.
Not only will the the atelier need enough time to customize your wedding gown, but your wedding dress will set the tone for your entire wedding.
first steps to wedding dress shopping
If you are newly engaged and ready to get shopping, start to research the designers you like, the boutiques that carry them, and book your first appointment! No two stores in the same vicinity will carry the same designer, so you may be hitting up a few boutiques to shop the dresses you love. Come prepared with some ideas of the style you are interested in – whether it’s a strapless mermaid, sexy sheath, gorgeous trumpet, a-line with sleeves etc.
Here are six key tips to finding your dream wedding dress:
Pick Your Viewing Party: Stick to the rule of three. Having too many people leads to too many opinions. Invite your mom plus one or two close friends (ahem, bridesmaids!). If you go to a few bridal salons, you can certainly share the love by inviting different members of your bride tribe to various appointments.
Doll Up: That means your hair is done, your nails are manicured, and your makeup looks elegant. You want to look and feel your best Adding a spritz of your fiancé’s favorite perfume makes everything more real.
Come Prepared: Wear NUDE full coverage underwear and bring your own heels. You’re about to be in very close quarters with your stylist and this will boost your comfort level. Your stylist will help you get in and out of every gown you try on. They will hold your hand as you step in; cinch your waist with clips; help you with cups when needed.
Dress Up: This is the ultimate game of dress up – so enjoy every moment.Chat with your stylist about your venue, your color palette, and any styles that you’re drawn to. Spend several minutes in each dress and chat with your stylist about elements you like and dislike. Have fun and be open to their suggestions! Your stylist will help you perfect you wedding day look – whether it’s adding a sleeve or taking away buttons.
Change It Up: A certain silhouette may surprise you! Even if it’s something you never imagined you’d wear, it could be THE ONE. I invited my viewing party to each pick a wild card and it was such an eye opener.
SAY YES! When you know, you just know. Enjoy the moment in your dress. There’s no rush so don’t feel like you need to take it off right away. Take a stroll, do a dance – make sure you will be happy and comfortable all day.
If you’re married or engaged, we would love to hear about your first experience wedding dress shopping! What was the biggest surprise that you found from the day?
These are absolutely stunning. It’s wonderful to be pampered for your special day. This looks like the ideal place to go.
Great advice! What gorgeous dresses these are, I loved choosing my wedding dress (both times!) and I knew as soon as I tried on my dress that it was the one!
These are all breathtaking! I think it’s so important that you get pampered on your special day and pick a dress that really speaks to you.
Wow. All these dresses were beautiful. Thank you so much for the great post
this must have been an exciting experience! im sure many women dreams of having this one day! it almost makes one feel like a real princess!!
Getting dolled up for dress shopping is a great idea! I have never been with someone who goes all out to get ready before shopping but I can totally see how it would seal the deal with the right dress.
You gave some great tips. These dresses are beautiful. Picking the right dress is a must and it takes time, but you know it when you see it.
Aw! I just love weddings. And wedding dresses are always a favorite to shop for. When you wear the “one”, your eyes sparkle like diamonds. This post brought so many beautiful memories. Loved it.
I love all of the dresses you posted here! I could see why any bride-to-be would want to shop here. And getting dolled up to go wedding dress shopping is a perfect idea!
Awee, wedding dress shopping is so fun–even if you are just going with your friend to help her! The pictures are amazing! Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful dresses here for brides, I especially like the one with the coloured flowers at the bottom – that’s really different, I don’t think I’ve seen one like that before! x
Wedding dress shopping is so fun loves your articles The pictures are amazing! Thanks for sharing.