Expert advice from a bridal stylist with 5+ years of experience.

Before you make that unforgettable moment of saying “yes” to your dress, there are a few insider tips every bride should know. After working with hundreds of brides over the past five years, I’ve seen firsthand what makes the try-on process smooth — and what leads to stress and confusion. 

Want to simplify your dress search from the comfort of home? Try on Afarose gowns at home or book a virtual stylist appointment to get personalized recommendations before you even step into a fitting room.

Before we get to the golden rule of how many wedding dresses you should try on, let’s start with the 3 biggest tips that will help you feel confident, prepared, and excited when you step into the fitting room:

1. Try On Every Wedding Dress Silhouette — Even the Ones You Don't Expect to Love

Whether you’ve had your wedding Pinterest board curated since high school or you're just starting to figure out your bridal style, one of the most important things you can do when wedding dress shopping is try on all five major silhouettes: ball gown, A-line, mermaid, fit-and-flare, and sheath/column.

Even if you think you know what you want, it’s worth keeping an open mind. You might be surprised which silhouette flatters your body best or makes you feel the most confident. This is one of the easiest ways to quickly narrow down your favorites and get one step closer to saying “yes” to your perfect dress. You can browse all Afarose wedding dress silhouettes here and even order samples to try on at home!

Pro Tip: Bridal consultants often say the dress you end up loving is rarely the one you thought you’d choose—so give yourself the chance to explore every option.

2. Stick to Wedding Dresses Within Your Budget

One of the biggest mistakes brides make when shopping for a wedding dress? Trying on gowns they can’t actually afford.

There’s nothing more heartbreaking than falling in love with a dress that’s out of your price range. To avoid the disappointment, make sure your stylist knows your budget upfront and only try on wedding dresses that fall within it. There are stunning options at every price point, you just have to be honest about what you’re comfortable spending.

Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to factor in costs like alterations, accessories, and your veil when setting your budget. Luckily, your wedding dress comes with complimentary custom sizing at Afarose! Explore affordable wedding dresses under $1,000 that don’t compromise on style or quality.

3. Do the Wedding Dress Movement Test: Walk, Sit, Spin, Raise Your Arms

Looking amazing is important, but feeling comfortable in your wedding dress is just as essential. During your bridal try-on appointment, make sure to do a full movement test before falling in love with a gown. We’re talking:

Walk test – Can you move freely without tripping on the train? (Keep in mind a bustle can be done for the reception.)

Sit test – Will you be comfortable during the ceremony or dinner?

Arm test – Can you raise your arms for hugs or dancing?

Spin test – Does the dress move with you, or restrict you?

Not sure where to start? You can book a virtual stylist session with Afarose to help you find a dress that fits both your style and comfort needs.

For example, off-the-shoulder sleeves might look elegant, but if you’re planning to dance all night, they may not be practical. Likewise, if you're having a long, formal ceremony, an A-line gown may offer more comfort than a tight-fitting mermaid silhouette.

4. How Many Wedding Dresses Should You Try On?

Here’s the truth: you don’t need to try on dozens of dresses to find the one.

In fact, bridal experts recommend trying on no more than 10 wedding dresses. Trying on too many gowns can lead to decision fatigue, confusion, and forgetting which ones you even liked in the first place!

Once you’ve found a dress that makes you feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable — trust your gut and stop shopping. Still looking for “the one”? Start your wedding dress try-at-home box or browse our newest arrivals to get inspired.

Want more wedding dress shopping tips? 
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💻 Ready to start your search? Shop Afarose bridal gowns, try on at home, or chat with a virtual stylist today.