Where to Start When Shopping for Your Wedding Dress: A Guide for Brides-to-Be by Amy Mair Couture
- Amy Mair Phillips
- Jul 16
- 4 min read
The 7 Step Guide to Finding your Perfect Wedding Dress
You’re engaged – congratulations! As you begin to plan your big day, one of the most exciting (and emotional!) steps is finding your perfect wedding dress. But with so many options out there, it’s completely normal to wonder: where do I even begin?
At Amy Mair Couture, we understand how personal and important this journey is. Whether you're dreaming of a couture wedding dress made just for you or exploring bridal boutiques in Cardiff or across the UK, this guide will help you take those first confident steps toward finding the gown of your dreams.
1. Start Early – Timing Is Everything
When it comes to wedding dress shopping, time is your best friend. Ideally, brides should begin their dress search 9 to 12 months before their wedding date. This allows time for fittings, alterations, or — if you're considering a bespoke couture gown — time to work closely with your designer to bring your vision to life.
Top tip: Couture gowns often require multiple fittings and are crafted with exquisite detail, so early planning is essential.
2. Define Your Bridal Vision
Before stepping into any bridal boutique, take some time to define your bridal style. Ask yourself:
What season will your wedding take place?
What’s the venue like — modern, romantic, traditional?
Do you prefer structured silhouettes or flowing, ethereal gowns?
What dress style would you gravitate towards in your everyday wardrobe?
Start to focus on what skirt shapes/necklines and sleeve details suit you the most from your current wardrobe. This can help you at the beginning of your journey when you don't know what dress shape/silhouette to try on in a bridal shop. After your first experience trying on bridal dresses, you will feel more aware of the direction you would like to go in. This is particularly important if you are looking to have a bespoke gown made.This guide " Where to Start When Shopping for Your Wedding Dress | Amy Mair Couture " has been designed to help with the practical preparations that hat can be made in advance of any bridal appointments you may be looking to book.
Create a Pinterest board or Instagram collection to gather visual inspiration. The more you can articulate your style, the easier it will be to narrow down your choices.
3. Set a Realistic Budget
Establishing a budget for your wedding dress early on helps streamline your search. Don’t forget to factor in:
Alterations
Accessories (veil, shoes, jewellery)
Custom design fees, if you’re going for a couture bridal gown
At Amy Mair Couture, we offer transparent pricing for bespoke pieces (that include fitting & alteration charges in the overall price) and will guide you through every stage — so you always feel in control.
4. Do Your Research on Designers & Styles
Take time to browse wedding dress designers and collections to discover silhouettes, fabrics, and details that resonate with you. Explore:
A-line, ballgown, mermaid, and sheath styles
Silk, lace, tulle, and modern textures
Neckline and sleeve preferences
Explore the Amy Mair Couture Collection for timeless, romantic, and fashion-forward bridal gowns made in the UK. And our RTW Collection which is available worldwide. We also showcase real brides to give you a feel for how each dress looks in real life.
5. Choose the Right Bridal Boutique or Designer
When looking for a bridal boutique in Cardiff, Barry, South Wales or anywhere in the UK, it's not just about the dresses — it's about the experience. Look for:
Personalised consultations
Experience with bespoke or couture bridal wear
A calm, supportive atmosphere
Excellent customer service relations (They get back to you within 2 days of your query)
Amy Mair Couture offers private fittings at our Cardiff/Barry -based studio, where you’ll receive one-on-one styling advice, fabric swatches, and expert guidance.
6. Book Your First Bridal Appointment
Your first bridal appointment is a major milestone! Be sure to:
Bring someone whose opinion you trust (but not too many people)
Wear nude underwear and minimal makeup
Arrive with an open mind
We always encourage brides to book a private consultation to experience the full attention and artistry that Amy Mair Couture is known for.
7. Be Open — But Trust Your Gut
Brides are often surprised by what they fall in love with. Keep an open heart and try different silhouettes. That said, when you know, you know. If a dress makes you feel beautiful, confident, and completely yourself — it’s probably the one.
Final Thoughts
Beginning your wedding dress shopping journey can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Start early, gather inspiration, and surround yourself with professionals who are passionate about helping you look and feel your best.
This blog post about " Where to Start When Shopping for Your Wedding Dress | Amy Mair Couture" has been aimed at those who are feeling lost and anxious about starting their wedding dress journey. Remember when you are in a bridal boutique you do not have to buy a dress from them because they say you look amazing and that is the dress for you. There is no obligation, you should take your time to consider your options and maybe visit another boutque. If they offer a 10% discount to purchase on the day, be wary as I don't believe they have your best intentions at heart this implies that they are chasing the sale and have been given targets for that day. At Amy Mair Couture we don't push the sale under any circumstance and we want what is right for you whether that means purchasing through us or another designer/bridal boutique.
At Amy Mair Couture, we specialise in couture wedding dresses and Ready to Wear wedding dresses tailored to your story and style. Whether you’re based in Cardiff, Barry or planning a UK wedding from abroad, we invite you to start your journey with us.
Book Your One-to-One Bridal Consultation Today
Ready to begin? Let us guide you through an unforgettable bridal experience.👉 Book your consultation at our Cardiff, Barry Area - South Wales studio.
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