Double the Brides, Double the Fun: 7 Dress Shopping Tips for Your Perfect Wedding Day!

Wedding planning can be stressful enough without the added pressure of finding not one, but two perfect wedding dresses. But fear not, because we've got some tips that will make dress shopping a breeze for all lesbian brides out there! Whether you're aiming for a more traditional look or a wedding attire that are a unique culmination of both of your personal styles, these seven shopping tips will help you find the dresses of your dreams without losing your sanity in the process. So grab your bridesmaids and your wallets, and get ready to say "yes" to the dress(es)!

Every bride is unique, and your wedding day is a chance to show off your personal style and taste. Ideally, you should choose outfits that reflect your personality and preferences, whether that means a traditional white gown, a colorful dress, or a suit that makes you feel powerful and confident. You don't have to conform to anyone else's expectations of what a bride "should" look like – instead, focus on finding an outfit that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Even if you have a vision in mind for the dress or suit you’d want for your wedding, you should still consider trying on different dresses and styles. Consider what styles would enhance your features and look flattering on your body type. Be open to the opinions of your family members and friends who you’ve chosen to go bridal shopping with you, but remember the final decision is yours to be made.  

While you may enjoy shopping with your partner on a regular basis, shopping for your bridal attire is the one thing you’re going to need to do without them. You can ask your partner for general suggestions before shopping for your wedding attire, but avoid showing them exact pictures of what dresses you’re considering or the ones you’ve already tried on in case you change your mind later on. Keep your wedding dress or suit a surprise for the private first look before the ceremony or for the actual ceremony itself. Selecting two different wedding gowns is possible if you enlist the help of a trusted friend or bridal consultant at the boutique to help keep you both on the right track without ruining the surprise.

While it's important to choose an outfit that reflects your personal style, you also want to consider the overall aesthetic of your wedding. If you're planning a bohemian outdoor wedding, for example, you might want to choose a flowy dress with floral embellishments and have your partner in a whimsical dress that is well coordinated. If you're having a more formal, traditional wedding, a classic white gown might be more appropriate with your partner wearing a white dress or a white pantsuit. Think about the venue, the season, and the general vibe of your wedding, and choose an outfit that compliments your aesthetic.

While it's not necessary to match your partner's outfit exactly, it's a good idea to coordinate with each other to ensure that your outfits look cohesive. Certain fabrics simply don't complement each other, and your bridal consultant should take a look at both of your gown selections at the same time to ensure that they look good side by side. You'll want to buy attire within the same color palette of pink, white, ivory or blue. And be mindful of embellishments. Heavy beading on an elegant trumpet gown on one bride would clash with a thin floaty number intended for an outdoor affair on the other.
You can choose similar colors or styles, or incorporate matching accessories or details. If you're both wearing dresses, consider choosing dresses with different silhouettes or embellishments to add some variety. If one of you is wearing a suit, you can choose complementary colors or patterns to tie your outfits together.

Wedding traditions in your family or culture may be weighing over your head as you begin shopping for your wedding attire, but it’s important to remember that there's no one "right" way to do things. If you want to wear a non-traditional outfit or break away from other wedding traditions, go for it! This is your day, and you should feel comfortable and confident in your outfit choices. Whether you're wearing a pantsuit, a colorful gown, or a non-white dress, your wedding outfit should reflect your individuality and personal style. If you don’t want to forgo traditional elements altogether, you can find unique and subtle ways to incorporate them into you and your partner’s outfits or go all out and be as traditional as you’d like.

Outfit changes are incredibly popular and rightfully so. Having a chance to transition your look from the wedding to reception will give you and your now wife a chance to wear an outfit that feels less stuffy or over the top. This can also be a chance for you and your partner to take turns with styling. One of you can dictate the style for the first round of wedding outfits and the other can call the shots on the outfit change. If you’re simply looking to be more comfortable, you can opt for shorter dresses or a more relaxed fit pantsuit. While you have more room to play around with your second outfits, be sure that they’re still well coordinated and still match your overall aesthetic.    

As a lesbian couple, it’s important to seek out stores that prioritize LGBTQ+ inclusivity, as it can make all the difference in your shopping experience. LGBTQ+ friendly stores not only understand the unique needs and desires of lesbian brides, but they also have the expertise and experience necessary to ensure that every bride feels comfortable and confident on her big day. Not only will you be seen, heard, and supported throughout the entire wedding dress shopping process but you will have consultants that can better understand your concerns while helping you reach your own decisions about your dress of choice.

Above all, remember that your wedding day is a celebration of your love and commitment to each other. Don't stress too much about finding the "perfect" outfit and instead focus on enjoying the process and having fun with it. Try on lots of different styles and experiment with different accessories and details. Whether you end up wearing a classic white gown or a jumpsuit in your favorite color, the most important thing is that you and your partner feel confident, beautiful, and ready to celebrate your love.