Try On Wedding Dresses at Home: A Complete Guide

The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to many aspects of life, and bridal shopping was no exception. Traditional in-store wedding dress shopping experienced disruptions, leading many brides-to-be to seek alternative methods. Enter the try on wedding dresses at home trend—an innovative solution that has grown in popularity.

Trying on wedding dresses at home offers numerous benefits that make it an appealing option:

• Comfort: Slip into your dream dress in the comfort of your own home without the pressure of sales staff or other customers.
• Convenience: No need to travel from store to store. Simply select your favorite styles online and have them delivered to your door.
• Personalized Experience: Enjoy a more intimate and personalized experience by involving close family or friends in your at-home fitting session.

This approach not only adapts to current social distancing norms but also provides a stress-free alternative for brides looking for a more relaxed wedding dress shopping experience.

How the At-Home Try-On Program Works

Trying on wedding dresses at home is a breeze once you understand the step-by-step process. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Browse and Select: Start by exploring online collections from your chosen bridal brands. Many websites offer detailed filters to help you narrow down your options based on style, fabric, silhouette, and price range.
2. Order Samples: Once you have a shortlist of favorites, you can order samples directly from the website. Some brands may require a small fee or deposit for each sample, which is usually refundable upon return.
3. Receive and Try On: Your samples will be shipped to your doorstep, often with a return shipping label included for easy returns. This allows you to try on the dresses in the comfort of your own home.
4. Understand Size Options: Bridal sizing can be different from regular clothing sizes. When selecting samples, pay close attention to the size charts provided by the brand. Some companies also offer virtual consultations to help you choose the right size based on your measurements.
5. Return Samples: After trying on the dresses, simply pack up the samples and use the provided return shipping label to send them back within the specified timeframe.

Understanding Size Options

When choosing dresses to try on at home, understanding size options and availability is crucial:

• Size Charts: Each brand will have its own sizing chart. Make sure to measure yourself accurately and compare these measurements to the chart.
• Sample Sizes: Some brands offer a limited range of sample sizes due to inventory constraints. If your exact size isn’t available, consider ordering a size up and using clips or pins to get a better idea of fit.
• Virtual Consultations: Many brands provide virtual consultation services where stylists guide you through the sizing process and recommend the best options based on your body type and preferences.

This seamless process makes it easy to explore various styles without stepping out of your home, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience as you search for your dream dress.

Top Brands Offering At-Home Wedding Dress Try-Ons

1. Amsale

Amsale has carved a niche for itself by offering an at-home try-on program that’s as seamless as it is elegant. Every bride dreams of a unique gown, and Amsale ensures you can explore their exquisite designs from the comfort of your own home.

How It Works

The process begins with selecting your favorite gowns from Amsale’s online catalog. Once you’ve made your selections, you can order sample dresses to try on at home. This offers a wonderful opportunity to see how different styles and fits work for you without the pressure of an in-store appointment.

What Makes It Special

• Custom Gown Design Tool: One unique aspect of Amsale’s program is their custom gown design tool. This feature allows brides-to-be to personalize their gowns based on their preferences, making each dress truly one-of-a-kind.
• Personalized Assistance from Stylists: Amsale doesn’t leave you to navigate this journey alone. They provide personalized assistance from experienced stylists who are there to guide you through every step, from selection to fitting tips.

Trying on wedding dresses at home with Amsale combines convenience with luxury, ensuring that your wedding dress shopping experience is both stress-free and memorable.

2. Anomalie

Anomalie offers a tech-savvy approach to bridal shopping with their innovative at-home try-on program. This brand stands out by blending technology with personalized service.

How It Works

With Anomalie, brides start by using their DressBuilder technology to create a vision board of their dream dress. After finalizing the design, you can order samples to try on at home, giving you a tangible sense of how your ideas translate into reality.

What Makes It Special

• DressBuilder Technology: This tool helps brides visualize and customize their gowns down to the smallest detail. It’s perfect for those who have a clear vision but need help bringing it to life.
• Virtual Consultations with Stylists: Anomalie offers virtual consultations where expert stylists provide feedback and suggestions, ensuring that your dress fits perfectly and matches your vision.

3. Grace + Ivory

Grace + Ivory focuses on made-to-measure designs, providing a bespoke experience tailored specifically for each bride.

How It Works

Their process begins with selecting styles online that catch your eye. Post selection, they send a measuring kit along with sample dresses so you can ensure an accurate fit right from home.

What Makes It Special

• Made-to-Measure Designs: Each dress is crafted according to your specific measurements, ensuring unparalleled fit and comfort.
• Measuring Kits for Accurate Fittings: Grace + Ivory provides measuring kits that make it easy for brides to take precise measurements without stepping out of their homes.

These brands make it easier than ever to try on wedding dresses at home, combining convenience with the joy of finding the perfect gown in a relaxed and personal setting.

2. Anomalie

Anomalie is making a name for itself in the bridal market with its innovative home try-on program. Brides can easily explore and try on wedding dresses at home, enjoying a personalized and stress-free experience.

Key Features of Anomalie’s Home Try-On Program:

• DressBuilder Technology: Anomalie stands out with its unique DressBuilder technology. This tool allows brides to customize their gown from scratch, ensuring every detail aligns perfectly with their vision. From fabric choice to design elements, the possibilities are endless.
• Virtual Consultations: The journey doesn’t end with selecting your dress online. Anomalie offers virtual consultations with professional stylists. These experts provide personalized guidance, helping brides refine their choices and ensure the perfect fit.

The combination of cutting-edge technology and personal touch makes Anomalie’s home try-on program a favorite among modern brides seeking both convenience and customization.

3. Grace + Ivory

Grace + Ivory offers a unique way to try on wedding dresses at home. Their program is designed to give brides a personalized and stress-free shopping experience right from their own homes.

Key Features:

• Custom Designs: Grace + Ivory specializes in creating custom-made wedding dresses designed to fit your exact measurements. This ensures that each gown is uniquely crafted to complement and enhance your body shape.
• Measuring Kits for Accurate Fittings: To guarantee a perfect fit, Grace + Ivory provides measuring kits that help brides take precise measurements at home. These kits come with easy-to-follow instructions, making the process simple and accurate.
• Virtual Consultations: Brides can also take advantage of virtual consultations with experienced stylists. This personalized guidance helps in selecting the perfect gown, discussing design preferences, and ensuring all measurements are correctly taken.

Trying on wedding dresses at home with Grace + Ivory means enjoying a blend of convenience, comfort, and customization. With their custom designs and comprehensive measuring kits, brides can feel confident they’ll achieve the perfect fit for their special day.

Virtual Consultations with Stylists: Enhancing Your At-Home Try-On Experience

Engaging with a personal stylist during your at-home wedding dress try-on can transform the entire experience. Many brides-to-be find virtual consultations invaluable, as they offer expert advice right in the comfort of your home.

Role of Personal Stylists

During virtual appointments, personal stylists play a crucial role in guiding brides through the selection process. They help:

1. Discuss your vision and preferences for the perfect wedding dress.
2. Navigate through various styles and fabrics that suit your body shape and wedding theme.
3. Provide professional recommendations based on their expertise and understanding of bridal fashion trends.

It’s almost like having a best friend who’s also a bridal fashion expert!

Benefits of Personalized Guidance

Having personalized guidance from a stylist during your at-home try-on journey brings numerous benefits:

Tailored Advice

Unlike generic suggestions, personalized consultations ensure you get advice that’s specific to your needs and style.

“My personal stylist helped me understand what silhouettes complement my figure best. It made narrowing down choices so much easier,” shared Maria, a recent bride.

Confidence Boost

Trying on dresses can be nerve-wracking. The encouragement and feedback from a stylist can boost your confidence.

Efficient Decision-Making

With a stylist’s input, you quickly identify what works best for you, saving time and reducing stress.

Virtual consultations make trying on wedding dresses at home not just convenient but also enjoyable. They bring professional insights directly to you, ensuring that every step towards finding your dream dress is seamless and stress-free.

Measuring for Your Wedding Dress: Ensuring a Perfect Fit from Home

Ensuring a perfect fit for your wedding dress while trying it on at home hinges on accurate measurements. This step is crucial because even the most stunning gown won’t shine if it doesn’t fit you perfectly.

Importance of Accurate Measurements

• Comfort: A well-fitted dress means you’ll be comfortable throughout your special day.
• Appearance: Proper measurements ensure the dress will accentuate your best features.
• Alterations: With correct measurements, alterations are minimized, saving time and potentially reducing costs.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Measure for a Wedding Dress

Here’s a simple guide to help you get accurate measurements:

1. Bust

• Wear a non-padded bra or no bra.
• Measure around the fullest part of your bust.
• Ensure the tape is snug but not tight.

2. Waist

• Find your natural waistline, usually an inch above your belly button.
• Stand straight and breathe normally.
• Wrap the measuring tape around, keeping it parallel to the floor.

3. Hips

• Measure around the widest part of your hips and buttocks.
• Keep your feet together for an accurate measurement.

4. Hollow to Hem

• Stand straight with bare feet.
• Measure from the hollow space between your collarbones down to where you want the hem of your dress to fall.

5. Height

• Stand flat against a wall without shoes.
• Measure from the top of your head to the floor.

Tips for Accurate Measurements

• Use a soft measuring tape: This type of tape provides more accuracy than a rigid ruler or metal tape measure. For more detailed guidance on this, you can refer to this resource.
• Seek help: If possible, have someone assist you in taking these measurements for better accuracy.
• Take multiple measurements: Measuring twice helps to confirm accuracy and avoid errors.

Accurate dress measurements are key in ensuring that when you try on wedding dresses at home, they fit beautifully and make you feel amazing. You can also check out this video tutorial for visual guidance on taking measurements. If you’re also looking for tips on measuring yourself for bridesmaid dresses, this guide can be very helpful.

Understanding Bridal Sizing: A Key Factor in Your At-Home Try-On Success

When exploring the world of wedding dresses, one important thing to understand is bridal sizing. Unlike regular clothing sizes, bridal sizes can be a bit different and might not match what you’re used to. This difference often surprises brides-to-be during their at-home try-on experience.

Differences Between Regular Sizes and Bridal Sizes

• Sizing Differences: Bridal sizes usually run smaller than regular clothing sizes. For example, if you normally wear a size 8 in everyday clothes, you might need a size 10 or even 12 in a wedding dress. This is similar to the myth of vanity sizing, where the size label does not accurately reflect the fit of the garment.
• Standardization Issues: Regular clothing brands often have varied sizing standards. In contrast, bridal brands generally follow more consistent sizing charts, though these can still vary slightly between designers. This inconsistency is also seen in vintage clothing sizing, which can further complicate matters for brides looking for vintage-style dresses.
• Focus on Fit: Wedding dresses are designed to fit more snugly, particularly around the bust, waist, and hips. This focus ensures a flattering silhouette but also means that the dresses often feel tighter.

Tips for Navigating Bridal Sizing

• Consult Size Charts: Always refer to the specific bridal brand’s size chart before ordering samples for your at-home try-on.
• Take Accurate Measurements: Measure yourself accurately (we covered this in the previous section!) to match your body measurements with the designer’s size chart.
• Consider Trying Multiple Sizes: If you’re unsure about your size, it can be helpful to order a couple of sizes to see which fits best. Remember that women’s clothing sizing can vary significantly between different brands and styles.

Understanding these key points about bridal sizing helps set realistic expectations and enhances your at-home try-on experience.

Alterations and Fit Concerns: What to Keep in Mind After Trying On at Home

Trying on wedding dresses at home is a delightful experience, but achieving the perfect fit might require some gown alterations. Knowing when and how to approach these adjustments can make all the difference.

When to Consider Alterations

• Initial Fit: After trying on your selected gowns, pay close attention to how each dress fits. Is it too tight, loose, or just right? Even the most beautiful dress might need a tweak here or there.
• Comfort: Weddings are long events, so comfort is key. Walk around in the dress, sit down, and even dance a little. If anything feels off, alterations may be necessary.
• Final Look: Consider the final look you want to achieve. Small changes like adjusting the hemline or taking in the sides can enhance your overall appearance.

Finding a Skilled Seamstress

Finding a skilled seamstress is crucial for successful gown alterations:

1. Ask for Recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or recent brides who might know trusted seamstresses.
2. Read Reviews: Online reviews can provide insights into the quality of work done by local professionals.
3. Consultation: Schedule a consultation to discuss your needs and ensure they understand bridal gown specifics.

Involving a professional ensures that your dream dress fits perfectly on your special day. Taking these steps ensures you feel confident and beautiful as you walk down the aisle.

Organizing a Bridal Party Dress Fitting at Home: Tips for Involving Your Squad in the Process

Planning to organize a bridal party dress fitting at home can be a fun and heartwarming experience. Here are some ways to involve your bridesmaids and make it memorable:

1. Coordinate Schedules

Synchronizing everyone’s calendar is crucial. Use digital tools like Google Calendar or Doodle to find a time that works for everyone. If your bridesmaids are spread across different locations, virtual fittings via Zoom or Skype can bridge the gap.

2. Create a Fitting Kit

Prepare a fitting kit for each bridesmaid. This might include:

• A measuring tape
• Fabric samples
• A checklist of things to consider

Mail these kits in advance if your squad can’t be there in person. You can find more information on creating such kits here.

3. Set Up the Space

Transform your living room into a mini bridal boutique. Hang mirrors, arrange some comfy seats, and have refreshments on hand. This creates a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the process.

4. Virtual Try-On Tips

For virtual sessions, ensure good lighting and a stable internet connection. Encourage bridesmaids to try on their dresses ahead of time, so they can share their thoughts during the call.

5. Capture the Moments

Take lots of photos and videos! Whether it’s giggles over an ill-fitting dress or tears over finding “the one,” capturing these moments turns them into cherished memories. Consider using some photography tips to enhance your photo-taking skills during this special occasion.

Getting creative with these steps ensures that organizing a bridal party dress fitting at home is as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Comparing Wedding Dress Options: Making the Final Decision from Home

When it comes time to compare wedding dress options after your at-home try-on, having a structured approach can make all the difference. Here are some methods to help you make that final decision:

1. Create a Pros and Cons List for Each Gown

One effective way to evaluate each dress is by listing out the pros and cons. Consider factors such as:

• Fit: How well does the dress fit your body?
• Comfort: Is the dress comfortable when you move around?
• Style: Does the style match your personal taste and wedding theme?
• Fabric: Is the fabric of good quality and to your liking?
• Alterations Needed: Will this dress require significant alterations?

2. Take Photos and Videos

Snap plenty of photos and record videos while wearing each gown. This can help you see how the dress looks from different angles and in various lighting conditions. Share these with trusted friends or family members who can provide honest feedback.

3. Virtual Consultations

Get in touch with a stylist during a virtual consultation to discuss each option’s merits and drawbacks. Their expertise can provide valuable insights that you might not have considered.

4. Comfort Test

Wear each dress for an extended period, maybe an hour or more, to see how it feels over time. Walk around, sit down, and even dance a little to ensure comfort throughout your big day.

5. Imagine Your Wedding Day

Close your eyes and visualize your wedding day in each gown. Which dress makes you feel happiest and most confident? Sometimes, trusting your gut can lead you to the perfect choice.

By using these methods, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision about which wedding dress best suits you for your special day.

Conclusion

Trying on wedding dresses at home offers an unparalleled experience. Comfort, convenience, and a personalized touch make the process magical. Whether you’re finding a stylist for wedding dress fitting or enjoying a virtual consultation, this approach provides flexibility that traditional shopping simply can’t match.

• Comfort: Try dresses in your own space.
• Convenience: No need to travel or adhere to store hours.
• Personalization: Tailored advice and fittings right at home.

Embrace the modern way of bridal shopping and make your dream dress journey as special and stress-free as possible.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are the benefits of trying on wedding dresses at home?

Trying on wedding dresses at home offers several key benefits, including comfort, convenience, and a personalized experience. Brides-to-be can enjoy the process in a familiar environment without the pressure of a boutique setting.

How does the at-home try-on program work?

The at-home try-on program allows brides to select dresses online and order samples to try on at home. The process includes understanding size options and availability, as well as receiving a return shipping label for easy returns.

Which brands offer at-home wedding dress try-ons?

Popular brands that offer at-home wedding dress try-ons include Amsale, Anomalie, and Grace + Ivory. Each brand has unique features such as custom gown design tools, DressBuilder technology, and made-to-measure designs.

How can virtual consultations with stylists enhance my experience?

Virtual consultations with personal stylists provide personalized guidance throughout the at-home try-on journey. Stylists help brides select dresses that suit their style and preferences, ensuring a more tailored experience.

What should I know about measuring for my wedding dress?

Accurate measurements are crucial when trying on wedding dresses at home. Brides should follow a step-by-step guide on how to measure themselves to ensure the best fit for their selected gowns.

How can I organize a bridal party dress fitting at home?

To organize a bridal party dress fitting at home, coordinate fitting schedules virtually or in person with your bridesmaids. This ensures everyone is involved in the selection process while enjoying the comfort of home.