The Importance of Trying On Different Wedding Dress Styles

Many brides walk into their first bridal appointment with a clear vision of the dress they think they want. Maybe it’s a sleek, strapless gown or a princess-style ballgown with layers of tulle. But something magical often happens when you start trying on dresses; your dream gown might turn out to be something entirely unexpected. That’s why one of the most important pieces of advice for any bride-to-be is to stay open-minded. You may have spent hours scrolling through Pinterest or browsing magazines, but dresses often look very different on a real person than they do on a model or mannequin. Fabrics, fits and silhouettes react differently depending on your body shape, posture and movement.

Trying on a variety of styles allows you to see what actually feels good, moves well and flatters you in ways you might not expect. For example, some brides who thought they wanted a mermaid gown end up falling in love with an A-line style for its comfort and elegance. Others are surprised by how confident they feel in a dress with sleeves or a higher neckline.

It’s also worth noting that bridal sizing differs from standard clothing. Dresses might need to be clipped or held in place while you try them on, which makes it even more important to keep an open mind. Focus less on the label and more on how the gown makes you feel. Do you stand taller? Smile more? Imagine yourself walking down the aisle in it?

Another benefit of trying on different styles is the feedback you get from your bridal consultant. Experienced consultants are trained to notice which features highlight your figure, enhance your comfort and match the overall feel of your wedding. They can also suggest alternatives that still align with your vision while offering better fit or flair.

In Kent, one of the most well-regarded places to try on dresses is Alta Costura. This wedding dress shop in Maidstone, Kent offers a relaxed, supportive environment where brides are encouraged to explore different options without pressure. Their knowledgeable team understands that discovering your ideal dress is a process, not just a transaction. Ultimately, your wedding dress should make you feel like yourself; but elevated. The only way to truly know what works is to try on different styles and stay open to the possibilities. What starts as a search often becomes a transformation, and that’s what makes the experience so memorable.

Many brides walk into their first bridal appointment with a clear vision of the dress they think they want. Maybe it’s a sleek, strapless gown or a princess-style ballgown with layers of tulle. But something magical often happens when you start trying on dresses; your dream gown might turn out to be something entirely unexpected. That’s why one of the most important pieces of advice for any bride-to-be is to stay open-minded. You may have spent hours scrolling through Pinterest or browsing magazines, but dresses often look very different on a real person than they do on a model or mannequin. Fabrics, fits, and silhouettes react differently depending on your body shape, posture, and movement. Trying on a variety of styles allows you to see what actually feels good, moves well, and flatters you in ways you might not expect. For example, some brides who thought they wanted a mermaid gown end up falling in love with an A-line style for its comfort and elegance. Others are surprised by how confident they feel in a dress with sleeves or a higher neckline.

It’s not just about the silhouette—fabric weight matters too. Wedding dresses come in a wide range of materials, and one important but often overlooked factor is the GSM, or grams per square meter. GSM refers to the weight and density of the fabric. A gown with a higher GSM may feel more structured and luxurious, offering better drape and support, while a lower GSM fabric might feel lighter and airier—perfect for summer weddings or beach ceremonies. Understanding the GSM can help you evaluate the comfort, flow, and even the perceived quality of the dress when you try it on.

It’s also worth noting that bridal sizing differs from standard clothing. Dresses might need to be clipped or held in place while you try them on, which makes it even more important to keep an open mind. Focus less on the label and more on how the gown makes you feel. Do you stand taller? Smile more? Imagine yourself walking down the aisle in it?

Another benefit of trying on different styles is the feedback you get from your bridal consultant. Experienced consultants are trained to notice which features highlight your figure, enhance your comfort, and match the overall feel of your wedding. They can also suggest alternatives that still align with your vision while offering better fit or flair.

In Kent, one of the most well-regarded places to try on dresses is Alta Costura. This wedding dress shop in Maidstone, Kent offers a relaxed, supportive environment where brides are encouraged to explore different options without pressure. Their knowledgeable team understands that discovering your ideal dress is a process, not just a transaction. Ultimately, your wedding dress should make you feel like yourself—but elevated. The only way to truly know what works is to try on different styles and stay open to the possibilities. What starts as a search often becomes a transformation, and that’s what makes the experience so memorable.