Saying Yes to the Dress

Few moments are as magical and emotional as saying yes to the dress of your dreams when you’re planning your wedding. It’s the moment you can truly visualize yourself walking down the aisle, seeing your partner’s reaction, and feeling like the most radiant version of yourself.

At Amy Abbott Events, we believe that getting to a yes when picking your dream wedding dress is one of the pinnacle moments of joy in the wedding process. A huge thank you to Claudia Palma, Carena Trampe, and Jessica Roman, three of our fabulous team members, for introducing us to their brides and their unforgettable Say Yes to the Dress stories!

Amy’s Top Tips for Saying Yes To The Dress

Set a Budget or at least a range, before committing to a dress. Knowing what you’re comfortable spending can help narrow down options without limiting your dream. But remember: the dress should feel right, not just fit the price tag.

Visualize The Moment. Can you picture yourself walking down the aisle in this wedding dress? Does it fit the vibe of your venue and wedding style?

Prioritize Comfort & Confidence. You’ll be wearing this dress for hours, perhaps including your first look with your beloved, the ceremony, then dancing the night away. Make sure it’s something you can move in and feel amazing wearing.

Hair & Makeup Matter. Dress the part during fittings by arriving with your hair and makeup styled, similar to how you’ll wear it on your wedding day. This helps you envision the full effect of each gown and makes decision-making easier.

Traveling With Your Wedding Dress? For destination weddings, invest in a high-quality garment bag, coordinate with your airline to carry it onboard, and schedule professional steaming upon arrival.

Now, let’s hear how some of our brides found their dream dresses and what they learned along the way.

Kayla: Confidence & Comfort First

“I bought my wedding dress 8.5 months before the big day,” Kayla shares. “I gave myself a full month to make the decision to avoid any dress regret. Funnily enough, I hated all the photos of me trying it on because of terrible angles. But even at my worst angle, I loved how the dress looked on me. That was my sign it was the one!”

Kayla’s dress-shopping philosophy was all about practicality. “I wasn’t going to let myself play into unhealthy habits to fit into a dress. I chose a style that allowed me to eat, drink, and live my best life leading up to the big day. And for brides worried about dress regret? Go for a second look! My elegant A-line dress was perfect for the ceremony, and my party dress let me dance the night away.”

Kayla approached her budget with an open mind. “I didn’t want to be swayed by price. I didn’t look at tags during appointments and focused on finding a dress I truly loved. That way, I avoided any ‘what if’ doubts about dresses I didn’t try.”

Margot: Trust Your Gut

Margot’s advice? Research is key! “I spent hours on Instagram and Pinterest and fell in love with floral appliqués after seeing my best friend’s sister’s dress. Knowing that detail helped narrow down my search. I still tried on multiple styles to confirm my decision, but the first dress I tried on—the one I found on Instagram—was the one.”

Margot emphasizes comfort. “Walk around in the wedding dress, sit in it, and imagine wearing it for hours. While getting opinions from trusted friends is great, ultimately, trust your gut. Only you know what makes you feel like the best version of yourself.”

Mindy: Local Gems and Trunk Shows

Mindy’s journey began at The White Dress in Corona Del Mar. “I thought I had found my dress at the Galia Lahav boutique in Los Angeles, but before committing to an hour-long commute, I decided to check out my local bridal shop. They were hosting a Lee Petra Grebenau trunk show, and the first gown I tried on was the one. It was sexy, fitted, lacy, and perfect for Cabo’s warm weather.”

Mindy’s insider tip? “Go to a trunk show! Designers bring unique pieces, and boutiques often offer discounts. Plus, you can customize your dress. I ended up buying two dresses: a stunning ceremony gown and a mini dress for the after-party. The mini dress even made a second appearance at our Elvis-themed Las Vegas wedding with a pink Cadillac!”

On her wedding day, Mindy felt incredible. “I wanted to feel like a hot, sexy bride, and my husband was obsessed! The bonus of the mini? It was perfect for dancing and added a fun twist to our wedding celebrations.”

Nilufar: Ease Into the Process

For brides feeling overwhelmed, Nilufar recommends starting small. “Limit your entourage to just one or two people for your first appointments. It’ll help you ease into the process without added pressure. I also tried on every style, even ones I didn’t think would suit me. That way, I avoided second-guessing and regrets.”

She also planned meticulously. “I researched pricing, alterations, and veils beforehand. My budget was $8,000 to $10,000, but I kept an open mind and explored options both below and above that range. Surprisingly, my wedding gown ended up costing closer to $4,000!”

Her defining moment came when she truly saw herself as a bride. “I almost said yes to a few nice dresses, but when I tried on ‘the one’, I could envision walking down the aisle. It had everything I wanted: understated elegance, unique details, and enough comfort to dance all night.”

Final Say Yes To The Dress Thoughts

Saying yes to the dress isn’t just about how it looks; it’s about how it makes you feel. Whether you’re drawn to understated elegance, bold and sexy styles, or intricate details like floral appliqués, trust your instincts. And when in doubt, follow the advice of our incredible brides: prioritize comfort, do your research, and enjoy the process. After all, the wedding gown is just the beginning of your happily ever after.

Thank you to Kayla, Margot, Mindy, and Nilufar for sharing their stories and tips. Here’s to finding your dream dress and stepping into the next chapter of your love story in style!

Happy Planning!

If you want to follow any of our brides featured in today’s edition, see their socials below:

Kayla Wellendorf

Bride IG

Photographer: Taryn Baxter

Margot Daiber

Bride IG

Photographer: Taryn Baxter 

Mindy Hofacre

Bride IG

Photographer: Julieta Amezcua

Nilufar Ameripur 

Bride IG

Photographer: Evan Rich Photography

* Please note that this article contains affiliate links