Finding Your Aisle Style – With The Bridal Bunny

WRITTEN BY Dasha Jackson, Founder & Styling Consultant at The Bridal Bunny, LLC
FEATURE PHOTO BY Captured By Chris

I’m Dasha, a traveling bridal stylist based out of Atlanta who helps brides discover their ideal wedding style. I offer my expertise to assist brides in person on their big day! After years of working in bridal salons as a sales consultant, I noticed that brides often faced similar issues. They would come in unprepared and leave without finding the perfect dress, stripping them of their gown-shopping experience. It was heartbreaking to witness their disappointment due to conflicts with their budget, style choice, comfort and timelines. I realized that with proper preparation, bridal appointments could be empowering, enlightening and fun experiences for brides. That’s why I started The Bridal Bunny LLC, a wedding dress concierge service that provides styling and education for brides and bridal brands.

Before brides embark on the journey to find the perfect wedding dress, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some essential tips to help make the most out of your bridal gown shopping experience.

1. DETERMINE FINANCIAL COMFORT LEVEL

I encourage you to know how much you’re prepared to invest in a gown. Preferably, this should be done before you start dress shopping so you can visit bridal salons and fall in love with gown collections that align with your price range. Being knowledgeable about styling possibilities in terms of cost will empower you and help you make a better-informed decision.

Additionally, keep in mind that the gown price doesn’t typically include alterations, so be sure to factor that into your total budget.

2. ASSESS YOUR PERSONAL STYLE

To find the perfect wedding dress, it’s important to first assess your personal style. While it’s good to have an idea of what you like, don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles to determine which ones flatter your body type the most. Remember, the most important thing is feeling comfortable and confident on your special day.

To determine your personal style, try the following:

• Learn Your Body Type
  When selecting a wedding dress, it’s important to keep your body type in mind. Certain styles may complement your figure better than others. For instance, an A-line dress may be the most flattering if you have a pear-shaped figure. While if you have an hourglass figure, a mermaid or trumpet style may accentuate your curves beautifully.
• Look for Inspiration
  Browsing bridal magazines and websites can provide you with inspiration and help you narrow down your options when shopping. Creating a mood board using Pinterest or Canva is also an excellent way to visualize your desired look.

• Try on Different Styles
  Don’t be afraid to try on different styles and silhouettes to find the perfect dress for you. Keep in mind that alterations may likely be necessary to achieve the ideal fit. Once you’ve found the dress of your dreams, ask about the timeline for delivery and any additional costs for alterations and accessories.

• Consider Your Wedding Theme
  The location and theme of your wedding can also play a role in your dress selection. For instance, if you’re having a beach wedding, a lightweight, flowing dress may be more appropriate than a heavy ball gown. If you’re having a traditional church wedding, a more classic dress style may be more fitting.

3. Schedule Ahead of Time

When it comes to wedding dress shopping, preparation is key. First, call ahead to schedule an appointment with bridal salons that interest you. Once you’ve scheduled your appointments, inquire about each salon/designer’s gown shipping timeline. Some dresses take longer to arrive than others, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Take into account any additional time needed for alterations, fittings, steaming or pressing. By staying organized and planning ahead with your dress shopping process, you can avoid additional stress and ensure a beautiful, well-fitted gown for your special day.

4. Bring Supportive Friends and Family

Dress shopping can be a scary task, but it doesn’t have to be. By bringing along supportive friends or family members, you can ensure the process is enjoyable and stress-free.

When selecting your entourage, keep the following in mind:

• Choose a few close friends or family members who have your best interests at heart. Too many opinions can be overwhelming, so keep the group small and manageable.
• Look for honest and supportive individuals who will help you feel confident and beautiful in your dress. They should offer their opinions but also respect your choices and preferences.
• Remember, this is your special day, and your opinion matters the most. Don’t be afraid to speak up and express what you like and don’t like. Your friends and family are there to support you and help you find a dress that makes you feel amazing.

Finally, enjoy the process! This is a memorable moment in your life, and it should be fun and exciting. Don’t worry about finding the “perfect” dress — focus on finding one that makes you feel confident and beautiful on your big day.

About the Author

Dasha Jackson is the founder and stylist at The Bridal Bunny, LLC, a wedding (dress) planning business. She created The Bridal Bunny because the bridal business is unlike any other world, and many brides don’t have family and friends who can guide them through this process. This motivated her to fill the gap where she saw a need — because every bride deserves to look and feel her absolute best on her wedding day. Her job is to make you feel comfortable and at ease throughout this magical experience!

The Bridal Bunny | thebridalbunny.com

LEFLEUR REGINE STYLED SHOOT

PHOTOGRAPHER Captured By Chris
FLORALS Le Fleur Régine
MAKEUP The Painted Honey
GOWN PROVIDER Kelly’s Closet
JEWELRY Twigs & Honey
BRIDAL STYLIST The Bridal Bunny
MODEL La’Raven Rouse