We all do it, we all strive to be the most fit, glowing, svelte like and beautiful we possible can be for our wedding day and if that’s what suits then that’s great. Really though girls, size just doesn’t matter when it comes to shopping for your dress and delaying shopping because you may feel a little uncomfortable with your size is really a recipe for disaster. Oh My days! I hear you say…” I have to lose weight before I try any wedding dresses on!” No, is the firm advice I would give any bride who is thinking this way and the main reason for this advice is not what you may be thinking.
A big myth in the Bridal world is that shops are “desperate to get your money so they warn you of long lead times just to get a sale.” Well, in some instances this may be true, but here at TDR Bridal, it most definitely is not. We like a minimum good clear six months Lead time to ensure that the dress of your dreams comes in, leaving a reasonable amount of time for you to have your fittings and choose your accessories.
In my experience, once you have found your dress, no matter what your shape or size, you will feel and look amazing in it just as you are and whilst you may want to lose weight or tone up for your own personal reasons, don’t feel pressured by images you see on social online or in the media, to look a certain way. He fell in love with you just the way you are. And remember, once your hair is done, make-up is on and dress fitted to perfection, you will look amazing no matter what size you are.
Please, do not delay dress shopping because you are trying to lose weight, come as you are, so we can help you find something you feel and look amazing in, regardless of your size, and, most importantly, you will have the pick of any dress you love because you still have enough time to order in, rather than having to compromise with what’s left on the rail, in your size. Just remember too, we’ve all been there.
However, if you still need some support in remaining body positive whilst planning your wedding… then keep reading!
- Remember your Feelings
We are no strangers to lacking body confidence and although easier said than done, it is important to remember that all that truly matters, is how you FEEL. During the wedding planning process, brides tend to forget the real reason you are getting married, forgetting how in love and happy you and your fiancé are, and remembering to not focus solely on your appearance.
- Surround Yourself with Support
After being in the wedding industry for 14 years now, we have seen first-hand how comments from a brides loved ones can lead to the bride feeling an enormous amount of pressure to look a particular way. Therefore, surrounding yourself with supportive, people who will help you remain positive and allow you to learn to begin loving yourself, is absolutely essential.
- Forget the Number
Particularly when it comes to your wedding dress, please forget the number, and do not become obsessed with what SIZE is written on the label. Bridal gowns are NOT RETAIL SIZES, they do not reflect your true size and often, you will size up 2/3 even 4 sizes, so it is important to remember the sizes mean nothing, they are simply just a number. Your wedding gown is the most self-expressive garment you will ever wear, and it means so much more than simply the label on the inside.
“Skinny isn’t the goal. Happiness is.”
- Online Advertising Images are Not Real
As you may have noticed, the wedding industry can be bombarded with images online of brides that are not real. However, repeated exposure to this imagery, you begin to feel immense amounts of pressure. So, forget scrolling through Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook to COMPARE, use these platforms as inspiration only.
- Talk to Other Brides
You aren’t the only one! You are not alone! We can promise you every single bride has felt this pressure at some point, look to them for support and guidance throughout this journey. We have a private group for our TDR brides where they chat most days about all things weddings, we support and guide each other, which helps you get through the highs and the lows of planning your wedding.
The most important thing to remember is to make sure YOU and your partner are happy, because that is all that truly matters.
Good luck with the rest of your wedding planning!
Lots of love
TDR Bridal Xxxx
