White, ivory, off-white, cream, honey, blush. These are just a few of the dress color options nowadays that a bride can choose from. For me, I went in with a vision. I knew I wanted a form fitting dress, possibly something with a lower back, but that was it. I had no specific hue in mind nor did I have any visions of what material I wanted the dress made out of. I remember walking into the first bridal boutique appointment feeling slightly overwhelmed. My mom was the only one attending the appointment with me as I want my dress to be a surprise, even for my bridal party. There were gowns everywhere I looked – a lot of tulle, a lot of jewels, and a lot of styles. I described what I believed to be my perfect dress to sweet Leslie who was assisting us and she got to work pulling a couple options she believed I would like. I tried on a couple that were immediate “no’s”. I quickly discovered strapless was not the style for me and a true white really washed me out. I remember when Leslie pulled THE dress and showed it to me. I have to admit, when I saw it on the hanger, I was not sold. I almost did not try it on. It was more off-white than I ever imagined I would wear on my wedding day. It had beading throughout parts of the dress, a style I definitely was not interested in.

Any bride-to-be’s who have yet to select their dream dress, the biggest advice I can give is to try on options, even ones that you think may not be for you. Looking at the gown in front of me, it checked a couple of the boxes of things I envisioned (low back + fitted), but it also had a fair amount of beading that I did not believe I wanted and was not the color I imagined – I almost did not even try it on, but I am so very glad I did!

There is a such thing as a dream dress for you. I will never forget looking over and my mom tearing up as the ladies assisted me putting on the veil. I turned around and looked in the mirror and said “This is it!”. I tried on several dresses that day that I did not think I would like, many of which I ended up considering until I found the one I knew was definitely for me. Do not be afraid to try something that you think may not be right for you. It cannot hurt and through trying on various dresses, you can start to see what feels right for you and what styles you are drawn to. Picking out your dress is such a special moment. For some, having your family present is so important while for others, having your bridal party there is what will make you the happiest. For me, this was a special moment for my mom and me that I know we will always treasure. I cannot wait to share my selected dress later this year with you!

Until then…here are a couple of our favorite dresses from some of our past brides!

Cait stunned in Hayley Paige.

Our sweet Savannah looked ever so elegant in her Amy Kuschel dress.

Ellis looked lovely in her Sareh Nouri gown.