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Wedding Tips

Tips for Buying Your Dream Wedding Dress (Without Regrets!) | Wedding Advice from VA Wedding Photographer

Still looking for a wedding dress? Worried you won’t find “the one”? Yeah, I think every bride feels that. It’s tough! But there are a few wedding dress buying tips you can follow to make sure you don’t have any regrets later and end up spending more trying to replace a dress with the stress of rushing alterations in time!

Wedding Dress Shopping: A Bridal Dream That Can Quickly Turn Into the Stuff of Nightmares

One of the best (but also most exhausting) days of my wedding planning season of life was when I bought my wedding dress. Purchasing a wedding dress is like a coming of age experience. It is one of the most important purchases you will make for your big day as a bride.

And from a photography perspective, it will set the tone for almost every single one of your wedding photos. Aside from your face, your wedding dress will be one of the most photographed elements of your wedding day.

Aside from making a big impact in your photography, this dress will hold so much meaning. It is a symbol of love, commitment, and the start of a new chapter in life with your husband.

With all that weight, and with so many options available, I know how overwhelming it can be to choose the perfect dress. But my hope is that this is a fun and happy experience for my brides, not a stressful one. Trust me — it can turn stressful REAL QUICK.

I learned a lot from my experience buying my wedding dress. And in the end, I wore what I still to this day believe is the prettiest dress I ever have (or ever will) put on. I felt the most beautiful in my wedding dress, and I wish the same for you as a bride.

Wedding Dress Buying Tips to Help You Avoid Regret

Here are a few of the most important things to consider before buying a wedding dress, to remove stress and buy a dress that you’ll fall head over heels for over and over again!

Budget

When I was a young girl, my mom and I used to watch Say Yes to the Dress on TLC together. There’s one thing I learned from my man Randy Fenoli and his team over at Kleinfeld: Never – and I mean NEVER – try on a dress outside of your budget!!

Before you start shopping for a wedding dress, it’s important to set a budget. Wedding dresses can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Knowing how much you can afford to spend will help you narrow down your options. It will also help you avoid unnecessary heartbreak by trying on a dress before knowing how much it costs.

You can also use your bridal shop consultant to your advantage! I especially recommend shopping in local, boutique bridal shops. They give you the most bespoke experience, rather than a retail transactional one. Consultants take into account your preferences and budget and help you curate a few dresses to try on that won’t break your bank, or your heart.

Additionally, keep in mind that alterations and accessories can exponentially increase the cost of your dress, so be sure to factor those in as well. I would call around to a few local dress tailors to ask what their typical range of alteration costs are so you can factor that into your budget before you shop. But the exact alterations you need can make the alteration costs vary quite a bit, so be generous in budgeting for this category.

Venue and Theme

The venue and theme of your wedding should also be considered when choosing a wedding dress. If you’re having a beach wedding, you may want a dress that’s lightweight and flowy. If you’re getting married in a ballroom, a more formal dress may be appropriate, with fabrics like satin creating a classic feel.

Consider the time of year, too. A long-sleeved dress may not be comfortable in the middle of summer, even if the sleeves are sheer. Fabric is fabric, and any layer on top of your skin will naturally absorb some body heat.

Body Type

Every bride deserves to look and feel beautiful on her wedding day. Choosing a dress that flatters your body type is key to boosting your confidence. As much as I would love to rock a trumpet, skin tight gown on my wedding day, I’m just not built for it. But you might be! My best advice? Try on EVERY silhouette first, then narrow down when you find your favorite shape.

Here are a few general tips to get you started, but I’m a big believer in breaking these rules if you feel confident in a silhouette that’s outside the box for your shape. A-line dresses look great on most body types, while ball gowns are perfect for pear-shaped figures. If you’re petite, a sheath dress can elongate your figure.

Ultimately, despite any fashion “rules,” if you don’t feel your most beautiful, move on to another shape. This might be one of the most important wedding dress tips I share: The most important thing is HOW you wear it. If you feel confident, you’ll look showstopping in your photos. If you feel insecure or uncomfortable, you’ll look that way in your photos. Choose confidence – wear the dress that brings out your happiest self.

Functionality

Wedding days are a workout. Take it from someone who spends 8-10 hours on her feet most weekends! Even when I was a bride, I was surprised at how much physical activity is involved in enjoying your wedding day. You’re standing, walking, rushing around, dancing, squatting, and sitting in your wedding dress. So consider the events of the day when choosing features of the dress.

Do you have a choreographed First Dance in mind? Beware of tight-shouldered dresses that limit the range of motion in your arms. Having a catholic ceremony with a lot of sit-stand-sit-stand motion? Make sure that corset is comfortable no matter your body’s position. (Yes, practice sitting in your dress before purchasing AND at each alteration!) Do you want beautiful twirl photos? Twirl in the dress on the shop floor! Worried about heat or the weight of the dress tiring you out all day? Consider convertible elements like removable sleeves, straps, or overskirts to transform the dress after the ceremony!

Bonus Wedding Dress Tips: Clear The Room & Take A Break

If you’ve vacillated back and forth between countless dresses, considered all of the above things, and STILL can’t make a decision, it’s time to take a break. Odds are, you have too many voices in your head. Your own, your mom’s, your maid of honor’s, the bridal shop consultant’s… but the thing that matters most is how you feel in your wedding dress.

It’s ok to step away and try again another day. You might even consider bringing less people to the next appointment, so you can listen to your own head and heart when you try on the dress(es) again. Just breathe, go home and take a break from Pinterest searches and magazine clip-outs, and set a date to go back. You’ll have a much clearer head when you give yourself the space to think clearly without the exhaustion from your last appointment.


A wedding dress is a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. By considering your budget, venue and theme, body type, and functionality, you can find a dress that will make you commit to stop looking for any other. I hope these wedding dress tips were helpful! Happy shopping, my lovelies!

I can’t wait to photograph your dream dress. If you want to give me that opportunity, let’s chat about your wedding photography vision! Inquire with me HERE.

Want more wedding planning tips?

Check out these posts:

Want to see some of my favorite wedding dresses for inspiration? You have to see the photos from these weddings:

If you’re in the Northern VA area, I recommend the following bridal boutiques!

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Planning your wedding in Savannah, Georgia, provides you with so many options in a city full of Southern charm, historic elegance, and breathtaking low-country beauty. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic garden ceremony, a grand ballroom reception, or something in between, Savannah seems to have wedding venues for every taste. As a Georgia wedding photographer, I’ve done the research so you don’t have to.

Savannah wedding venues, list of the best venues from a SAV wedding photographer who shoots light and airy style wedding photos | side by side images of Spanish moss at a Savannah wedding venue

Why You Should Consider Savannah Wedding Venues

Savannah is a city unlike any other. With its oak-lined streets, historic homes, and timeless coastal views, it’s no surprise that couples flock here to tie the knot. Savannah wedding venues offer something for everyone—from intimate settings surrounded by nature to grand estates steeped in history. Plus, its mild climate makes it a perfect choice for weddings year-round.

Top Savannah Wedding Venues to Consider

Hotel Bardo (formerly, The Mansion on Forsyth Park)

For couples seeking a venue that provides a fun vintage aesthetic amidst classic Savannah landmarks, Hotel Bardo is one of Savannah’s crown jewels. This venue combines historic charm with mid-century modern sophistication, offering everything from intimate indoor spaces to a picturesque garden courtyard.

Wormsloe Historic Site

For those who want to embrace Savannah’s natural beauty, Wormsloe Historic Site provides one of the most iconic backdrops in the city. The long driveway lined with towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss is a bride’s dream. It’s a serene, ethereal setting perfect for a romantic outdoor ceremony.

The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa

If waterfront views are your vibe, The Westin Savannah Harbor offers a stunning riverside backdrop. With expansive lawns overlooking the Savannah River, this venue blends elegance and nature seamlessly. Plus, the convenience of on-site accommodations makes it ideal for your out-of-town guests.

The Savannah Yacht Club

Couples who envision a sophisticated coastal wedding will fall in love with The Savannah Yacht Club. This venue offers sweeping views of the water, nautical charm, and an air of exclusivity. It’s perfect for smaller, more intimate weddings or grand celebrations with a coastal flair.

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

For history buffs and lovers of unique spaces, the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is a standout option. This venue features a lush garden courtyard and historic exhibits that add personality and charm to your wedding. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces offers flexibility for your big day.

Bethesda Academy

Bethesda Academy boasts one of Savannah’s most stunning natural landscapes, featuring majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss and rolling green fields. Its historic chapel and beautiful outdoor spaces create a dreamy, intimate setting perfect for a romantic Low-Country-inspired wedding.

The Mackey House

Tucked away in a private estate surrounded by nature, The Mackey House is a venue straight out of a fairytale. With a grand Southern-style mansion, lush gardens, and a peaceful lake, it’s the perfect place for an outdoor wedding full of whimsy and charm.

The Ford Field & River Club

Located just outside Savannah in Richmond Hill, this venue exudes refined Southern elegance. The sprawling estate features scenic views of the Ogeechee River, romantic oak groves, and luxurious accommodations, making it a perfect choice for an intimate yet grand wedding experience.

The Harper Fowlkes House

The Harper Fowlkes House is a historic and elegant mansion nestled in the heart of Savannah’s historic district. With its Greek Revival architecture, sweeping staircase, and lush gardens, this venue exudes timeless sophistication and charm. The courtyard garden is ideal for an intimate outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour, while the mansion’s interior offers a beautifully preserved space for receptions with intricate details like antique furnishings and grand windows.

The Kehoe House

The Kehoe House is a stunning, historic mansion located in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District. Built in 1892, this stately home is an exquisite example of Renaissance Revival architecture. Known for its ornate ironwork, grand interiors, and warm Southern hospitality, the Kehoe House is ideal for couples seeking a venue with timeless elegance and charm.

Savannah wedding venues, list of the best venues from a SAV wedding photographer who shoots light and airy style wedding photos | side by side photos, left side image shows a long rectangle table set for a wedding reception amidst live oak trees draped with Spanish moss; right side photo shows a set of gold wedding rings next to a strand of Spanish moss

Tips for Choosing Between These Savannah Wedding Venues

  1. Consider Your Guest List Size
    Savannah wedding venues come in all shapes and sizes. From intimate gardens to sprawling estates, ensure the venue you choose comfortably accommodates your guest list.
  2. Think About Your Wedding Style
    Your venue should reflect your wedding vision. Are you dreaming of timeless elegance, coastal charm, or a whimsical outdoor affair? Savannah has venues that can bring any aesthetic to life, but the wrong venue can make your details and decor appear out of place. Make the most of that investment (and wedding photos) by choosing a venue that harmonizes with your style!
  3. Factor in Logistics
    From transportation to accommodations, Savannah is known for its hospitality, but it’s wise to consider the proximity of your venue to hotels and local attractions for your guests’ convenience. Consider traffic, city events on or around your wedding day that may cause disruption, and other logistics your guests may face. A wedding planner will help you navigate all the unexpected challenges with ease!
  4. Book Early
    Savannah is a popular wedding destination, especially in spring and fall. To secure your dream venue, book your Savannah wedding venue as early as possible! Then secure primary vendors on your list such as photographer, videographer, planner (if you don’t yet have one) and more.
Savannah wedding venues, list of the best venues from a SAV wedding photographer who shoots light and airy style wedding photos | photo shows a wedding couple kissing under the Spanish moss, wearing a light grey linen suit (groom) and an off-the-shoulder satin wedding gown (bride)

Making the Most of Savannah Wedding Venues

Choosing one of Savannah’s stunning wedding venues is just the beginning. Personalize your celebration with touches that reflect your interests and love story. Whether it’s incorporating local cuisine like shrimp and grits, offering your guests trolley rides through the historic district, or having your photos taken under the iconic Spanish moss, Savannah is full of ways to make your wedding day an unforgettable experience for all.

Planning a wedding is no small task, but having a photographer who knows and loves the charm of Savannah can make all the difference.

I specialize in creating artful images out of your favorite memories. Booking me ensures you’ll have a wedding gallery that represents the essence of your love and legacy in every image. Learn more about my services and approach here.

If you’re considering a wedding in Savannah, I’d love to capture every moment for you. Let’s connect and discuss how I can create timeless art from your most cherished memories.

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