All right, so get ready because today we are going like deep, deep into wedding dress shopping.
Ooh, fun!
Yeah, but like not just the fun part, like the myths that people believe.
Okay, myths.
Yeah, those tricky things that can like mess up even brides who are super prepared, you
know?
Oh yeah, I gotcha.
So we're using this article as like our guide.
Okay, what's it called?
It's called like 16 wedding dress shopping myths exposed and debunked.
Catchy.
Right.
It's a bridal shop in Pennsylvania, Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo.
And it's really interesting.
Pennsylvania, huh?
I always think of those big New York City bridal salons.
Well, this article is all about, you know, what really matters when you're looking for
the perfect gown no matter where you are.
So like what kind of myths are we talking about?
Is it like the whole you have to cry when you find the dress thing?
You rid my mind.
That's like myth number one they debunked.
Really?
Because I feel like everyone expects that, like it's this big emotional moment.
It is a big moment, but they're saying it doesn't have to look the same for everyone.
Okay, that makes sense.
Like some brides might feel super excited.
Others might just have this like quiet feeling of this is it.
So tears aren't like mandatory.
Not at all.
It's more about finding a dress that like speaks to you, not like performing for other
people.
Yeah, that's a good point.
Like it's your wedding, your dress, your feelings.
Totally.
It's like all those expectations can get so intense even for something as personal as
this.
Exactly.
And it's not just the reaction to the dress.
They also debunk the whole like love at first sight idea.
What no way.
Isn't that like every bride's dream?
It's a nice idea, but this article is all about being practical too.
Practical when it comes to wedding dresses.
I know, right?
But they make some good points.
Okay, I'm listening.
Like they say things like your venue, your overall vision for the wedding and even your
budget.
They all play a huge role.
Hmm.
I guess that makes sense.
Like a giant ball gown for like a beach wedding.
Exactly.
They even talk about brides leaving appointments with like two favorite dresses and having
to really think about the pros and cons of each.
So it's not always like this instant spark.
Not necessarily.
Sometimes it takes some, you know, thoughtful consideration.
I bet that helps you avoid some of that decision fatigue too, right?
Oh, totally.
They actually share this funny story about brides trying on so many dresses they can't
even remember which ones they liked.
Like too many dresses.
Yeah.
It's like the point where they're like, didn't we all hate this dress?
Oh, I can totally see that happening.
It's like classic decision overload, you know?
Yeah.
Even when it's something exciting like wedding dresses.
Too many choices can be paralyzing.
Right.
And speaking of too many choices, they talk about how you shouldn't go crazy visiting
a million different stores.
How many is too many?
Like where do you draw the line?
They recommend like one to three max.
Really?
Only three.
Not like good ones, you know?
Ones that fit your style and budget.
So it's more about quality over quantity.
Exactly.
And they say you should do your research beforehand.
Oh, like look at their websites, read reviews.
Exactly.
Get a feel for their vibe before you even walk in.
It's like being prepared.
It is.
It's way better than just wandering around, you know, aimlessly.
Totally.
Otherwise you'll just get overwhelmed.
Right.
And while we're talking about things to watch out for, they also debunk this big myth about
expensive or designer dresses always being better.
That's a tough one because I think a lot of people just assume if it costs more, it must
be better.
Right.
But they break it down.
Like it's not always about the price tag.
OK.
So what is it about then?
They talk about how it's a bunch of things together, like the fabric, the embellishments.
Oh yeah.
All those details.
And sometimes, yeah, just the designer's name.
So it's not always about the actual quality.
Sometimes it is, but not always.
They say it's about, you know, knowing what you're paying for, what matters to you.
And what you can afford, right?
Right.
You don't have to break the bank to get a gorgeous gown.
Yeah.
Weddings are already expensive enough as it is.
And speaking of paying, they get really real about like the financial side of dress shopping.
Oh, like the stuff nobody really talks about.
Exactly.
Like they actually confirm that some salons work on commission.
Wait, really?
So they get paid more if you buy a pricier dress.
It's not every salon, but it is something to keep in mind.
It's like they have an incentive to push you towards a certain price point.
Right.
And they also talk about how alterations can get really expensive too.
Yeah.
I've heard horror stories about alterations costing almost as much as the dress itself.
And they recommend maybe looking for an independent seamstress.
Oh, that's a good idea.
It could save you a lot of money.
Right.
And you know what?
Dariana Bridell actually does things differently.
They're really open about their non-commission model.
That's cool.
So they're not trying to push you towards the most expensive option.
Nope.
They don't prioritize the client relationship over just making a sale.
I love that.
It makes the whole experience feel less salesy.
Exactly.
And speaking of sales, they also talk about all those tempting online deals.
Oh yeah.
You can find some crazy cheap wedding dresses online.
Right.
But they're super cautious about those knockoffs.
Like quality issues.
Yeah.
And customer service nightmares, all that.
It's like for a purchase this important, you don't want to risk it.
Right.
You're investing in something that will last, not just grabbing a bargain.
It's that whole fast fashion versus conscious purchasing thing, you know?
Yeah.
Sometimes cheap ends up costing you more in the long run.
Totally.
So what other myths do they debunk?
Oh, they get into the whole entourage situation, which I know is a big one.
The entourage.
You mean like all your friends and family who come dress shopping with you?
Exactly.
The whole say yes to the dress squad.
Oh yeah.
The more the merrier, right?
Not so fast.
They actually say that a huge entourage can make things harder.
Really?
How so?
I always thought it was fun to have everyone's opinions.
It can be, but they say it can also shift the focus away from like the bride's needs.
Oh, that makes sense.
With too many voices, it's hard to hear your own.
Exactly.
And they emphasize that dress shopping should be like a personal experience where the bride
feels comfortable and confident.
Yeah.
You don't want to feel pressured by everyone else's opinions.
Right.
So whose wedding is it anyway?
It's your day and you should feel good about the choices you're making.
Exactly.
So they encourage brides to create like a more intimate experience where they can really
connect with the dresses and you know, themselves.
That sounds much less stressful.
Right.
And it helps you avoid getting swayed by all those outside opinions.
So what about that sleep on it pressure?
Do they talk about that?
They do.
They're all about trusting your gut.
So like if you feel good about a dress, go for it.
Exactly.
They don't even pressure you into second guessing yourself.
That's so important, especially when you're bombarded with so many opinions.
It's about owning that decision and trusting your own judgment.
Yeah.
That's a good life lesson in general, not just for wedding dress shopping.
You got it.
And you know what else they debunk?
That whole idea that if you can't find the perfect dress, you have to get one custom
made.
Really?
I always thought that was like the fallback option if you're super picky.
It's definitely an option, but they say it can be really complicated and stressful.
Yeah, I imagine it would be a lot of back and forth fittings, adjustments.
And they emphasize there was so many amazing dresses already out there, finding the one
is totally possible.
If you shop smart and stay open minded.
Exactly.
No need to reinvent the wheel unless you really want to, of course.
I feel like that's reassuring to hear.
It takes some of the pressure off.
Totally.
And speaking of pressure, they also tackled that whole white dress mandate.
Wait, you don't have to wear white.
Nope.
They make it clear that wedding dresses come in all sorts of colors and patterns these
days.
That's awesome.
It's like breaking free from tradition.
Right.
It's your wedding.
You can wear whatever makes you feel beautiful.
It's about expressing your personal style, not just following the rules.
Exactly.
And what other rules are they breaking?
Well, they say you don't have to stick with that traditional ball gown silhouette either.
Oh, I like where this is going.
Right.
They talk about how different silhouettes can be bridal, like mermaid styles, sheath
styles, all kinds of things.
So it's about finding what flatters your body and matches your wedding's vibe.
Exactly.
It's not just about what looks bridal.
It's about what looks good on you.
I love that.
And what about all those super simple dresses?
Are those considered bridal enough?
They debunk that myth too.
They actually highlight how those simpler gowns can be really elegant.
I've always thought there's something really chic about a minimalist wedding dress.
Right.
They talk about how sometimes less is definitely more.
Yeah.
They even put bells and whistles to make a statement.
Totally.
And especially when you pair those simpler gowns with the right accessories.
Oh, that's key.
The right accessories can really elevate a look.
It's all about balance.
And making it your own, adding those personal touches.
Yes.
So are there any other myths they bust?
Hmm.
I'm curious about timelines.
I feel like there's a lot of pressure to order your dress way in advance.
They totally address that.
They call out that whole eight to 12 months thing as a pressure tactic.
Really?
So you don't need a whole year to get your dress?
Not necessarily.
They say dresses usually arrive much sooner, like five months or less.
That's good to know.
It takes some of the pressure off.
Right.
It's important for brides to understand realistic timelines so they don't feel rushed into making
a decision.
And speaking of decisions, how do they say you should handle all those different opinions
you're bound to get?
They wrap up by saying that the bride's personal preference should be the ultimate guide.
It all comes back to the bride.
But how do you navigate all those opinions from family and friends?
That's the tricky part.
They say it's about finding a balance, like value their feedback, but ultimately stay true
to your own vision.
It's like honoring your own intuition, even when everyone else has an opinion.
Exactly.
It's your dress, your day, your choice.
It's a good reminder that it's okay to set boundaries and stand up for what you want.
Totally.
And it goes back to that whole theme of self-trust that we were talking about earlier.
Yeah, it's about knowing yourself and what you want, even amidst all the chaos of wedding
planning.
So, there you have it.
We've busted some major wedding dress myths, hopefully giving you some things to think
about as you start your own dress journey.
I feel like we've barely scratched the surface.
There's so much to unpack here.
You're right.
There's so much more to discuss, but we'll have to save that for next time.
Okay, I'm intrigued.
What else is on the agenda for our deep dive?
Well, Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo touched on something in their article that I think is really important
for brides to consider.
And it might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you're thinking about wedding
dresses.
What's that?
It's the ethics and sustainability of where your dress comes from.
Oh, that's a good one.
It's easy to forget about that stuff when you're focused on finding the perfect dress.
Right.
But it matters, even with wedding dresses.
Totally.
So, what do they say about it?
They basically encourage brides to think about those things, like where the dress is made,
what kind of fabrics they use.
Oh, so it's not just about finding a pretty dress.
It's about making a conscious choice.
Exactly.
And the good news is there are a ton of amazing designers who are really committed to ethical
and sustainable practices.
So, you don't have to sacrifice style for doing the right thing.
Not at all.
There are so many gorgeous eco-friendly gowns out there.
That's great to hear.
Where do you even begin to research that stuff?
It starts with asking questions like, when you're at the salon, ask about the fabrics,
where it's made, you know, stuff like that.
So like being an informed consumer.
Yeah, exactly.
And there are certifications and labels you can look for, too.
Oh, that's helpful.
It's like you're voting with your dollar, supporting businesses that align with your
values.
Right.
It's like putting your money where your mouth is.
And honestly, knowing your dress was made like ethically and sustainably, it adds a
whole other level of meaning to it.
I bet.
It's like you're not just wearing a beautiful dress.
You're wearing your values.
That's a great way to put it.
It's like showing that you care about, you know, the planet, the people who made your
dress.
It's a win-win.
You get a stunning gown and you feel good about how it was made.
I love that.
And it makes me think about something else they talked about, finding a salon that shares
your values.
Yeah, that's huge.
It's not just about the dress itself.
It's about the whole experience.
You want to feel good about like where you're spending your money, who you're supporting.
Exactly.
It's about finding a place where you feel comfortable and understood.
Where they get you.
Yeah.
And where they're also committed to those ethical and sustainable practices.
It's about finding a place that feels aligned with like who you are and what you believe
in.
And if you're not feeling that, don't be afraid to walk away and find a salon that's
a better fit.
Exactly.
There are so many options out there.
And you deserve to work with people who, you know, share your values.
Totally.
It's about finding your tribe, even in the world of wedding dress shopping.
I like that.
And it all goes back to that idea of like making conscious choices, being an informed
consumer.
Right.
It's about using your power as a consumer to make a difference.
And to support businesses that are doing things right.
And to create a wedding that's not just beautiful, but also meaningful.
I think Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo has given us a lot to think about today.
Like it's not just about finding a dress.
It's about making choices that reflect who you are.
It's about creating an experience that feels authentic and aligned with your values.
And remember, this is your celebration.
Make it reflect you.
Yeah.
It's your day.
You get to decide what matters and what you want to prioritize.
So before we wrap up this deep dive, there's one more thing I want to highlight from Darianne's
article.
What's that?
It's all about self-care.
Oh, self-care.
Yeah.
Like during the whole wedding planning process, but especially when you're dress shopping.
That's so important.
It's easy to get like totally stressed out with all the decisions and stuff.
Right.
They're like reminding brides to take care of themselves, you know, eat well, stay hydrated,
all that basic stuff.
Yeah.
But it's easy to forget the basics when you're like caught up in the whirlwind.
Totally.
And they say getting enough sleep is super important too.
Oh, for sure.
Sleep makes such a difference.
It really does.
It affects your mood, your energy, everything.
Like if you're sleep deprived, you're not going to be able to good decisions, you know.
Exactly.
And they emphasize that dress shopping should be like fun and enjoyable.
Yeah.
It shouldn't feel like a chore.
Right.
It's a special time, you know.
It should feel exciting.
And they also talk about surrounding yourself with like positive people.
Oh, that's so important.
Like people who will support you and lift you up.
Yeah.
Your hype squad.
People who will make you feel good.
Exactly.
Because sometimes even with the best intentions, people can like add to the stress.
Oh yeah, for sure.
Sometimes you just need people who will like listen and validate your feelings.
And if it starts to feel like too much, they even suggest maybe talking to a therapist
or counselor.
Oh wow, really?
Yeah, they say there's no shame in like getting professional help if you need it.
That's a good reminder.
Wedding planning can be really emotionally intense.
Totally.
It's okay to not be okay, you know.
And it's okay to ask for help.
Exactly.
It's about prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being just like you would your physical
health.
It's all connected.
So I feel like Darianna Bridal has given us a lot to think about today.
Like a whole new way to approach dress shopping.
Right.
They've busted so many myths and given us such practical advice.
And they've reminded us that it's okay to like break the mold, do things your own way.
Exactly.
It's your wedding, your dress, your choice.
And it should be an experience that reflects who you are, like authentically you.
I think that's the perfect takeaway.
So as you start your own dress shopping journey, remember to be kind to yourself, take care
of yourself, and have fun.
Yes, have fun.
It's supposed to be a celebration.
It is.
And we'd love to hear about your dress shopping adventures, your favorite eco-friendly designers,
all that good stuff.
Yeah, hit us up on social media using the hashtag, hashtag deepdivebridell.
And until next time, happy wedding planning.