What wedding dress shopping is really like...

So, you’re engaged! After setting a date, choosing a venue and making that ever-important Facebook relationship status update, it’s likely that you will want to get some serious wedding dress shopping done. Well, brace for impact, because this is what shopping for a wedding dress is really like.

It definitely ain’t all sparkles and tulle

It is fun and all, but it is tiring and stressful. This is one of the most important outfits you will ever wear. You are practically Beyonce right now. Take a deep breath. It’s going to be a fun ride.

You might be a little sweaty

For some reason, wedding dresses seem to be made out of whipped cream, and wedding dress boutiques seem to be at a constant 30 degrees?! Weird combo, especially if you’re in a rush to get in and out of the dresses in your one-hour appointment timeslot.

You will be naked in front of a stranger

Luckily, they do this for a living and probably don’t care what you look like, but I had to ask my sales assistant to take off my bra for me so we definitely became good friends.

Your bridesmaids/sister/mum might not have the same choice you do

If you decide to take someone with you, they may not end up liking your dress as much as you do, and that’s okay. Remember that you are Beyonce, and they are just the Michelle’s.

Be prepared for tears

If you invite people, be wary that you might see them cry a little. And maybe even strangers in the boutique that you’ve never met. A nurse invited herself to my wedding at my appointment just because she loved the dress on me so much.

You may want to go over your budget

Or you may not have one at all. If this is the case, take a moment to breathe, have a cup of tea, and think about it. Even talk it over with your other half. It’s okay to go over if it’s within your means to do so. Maybe it means you’ll cut down on something else, but if it’s your dress, then it’s your dress.

You might be given a “say yes to the dress” sign

And you don’t have to hold it up, or stand next to it for a photo if you don’t want to. It’s perfectly fine if you’re not into it.

You’ll have to put down a deposit

If you do find the one, you’ll have to put down a deposit (usually 50% is required to order the gown, which can take up to six months). Most stores offer credit card payment and you can pay it off in increments. You will have to have the dress fully paid for before you can have it altered. Most stores offer this service at an additional cost.

It’s amazing, you will feel like a princess

I tell you, when that lady you just met (but has seen you naked) puts a veil on you and you stand in front of the mirror with all of your loved ones sobbing, you will feel like a million bucks.