
Okay, the title might be slightly exaggerated, but when it comes to wedding dress shopping, bridal boutiques don't usually focus on how the different styles will impact your wedding day. Although it is important to choose the dress that fits you best, keep in mind several wedding dress secrets that may impact your decision.

1. Tulle Will Attract Bugs
Tulle is a lightweight and airy fabric that is perfect for ballgowns and A-line dresses. It's soft and flowy, and it gives a dress a romantic and ethereal look, but when you are wearing a tulle dress, you are essentially wearing a net. If you get married outdoors in the summer, there will be bugs in your dress. This is nothing to worry about. Typically the bugs are so small that you won't be able to notice them in pictures but keep this in mind if you are a little squeamish.

2. Satin Attracts Dirt
Satin is a smooth and lustrous fabric that has a luxurious feel. It's perfect for form-fitting dresses and ballgowns alike, but it will get dirty very easily. Most of the time, the dirt won't show in pictures, but just keep an eye out if it drags on the ground. Even the cleanest venues will have hidden traces of dirt that will definitely get absorbed in your dress. Once again, this isn't something to worry about, but it's worth noting when you are dress shopping. If you are getting married outside or in a field, satin might not be the best option.

3. Plan on a Good Bustle
I've experienced countless weddings where the train of the dress is more of an annoyance than anything. That is why it is really important to build a bustle into your dress. You want to keep the dress off the ground, so you aren't kicking it around the entire time you are trying to party. Bustles can also be complicated and take time. Make sure this is built into your timeline before your reception begins. Ideally, you should bustle as soon as the main pictures are done. Along the same lines, make sure a few people practice your bustle in advance. You don't want to worry about finding all the little buttons when you are trying to keep your timeline on schedule. If all else fails, be sure to pack some safety pins. They can go a long way in creating a makeshift bustle if yours fails on the day.

4. Veils are Annoying
Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love veil pictures. They are some of my favorite pictures to take, but having a veil can add additional stress to your day. Instead of planning on wearing the veil all day, only wear it for your ceremony and a few pictures. It's completely fine to have your first look without the veil. That way when your spouse sees you walking down the aisle, you'll have a completely different look than when he saw you for your first look. This will decrease some of the getting ready stress, so you can focus on the moments that matter most. Side note, if it is a windy day, don't be afraid to forget about the veil during the ceremony. You don't want it blowing in your face during important moments. Keep it specifically for those breathtaking veil photos and forget about trying to lug it around the rest of the day.

5. Strapless Dresses Will Try to Fall Down
Well, they won't actually fall down but you will feel the need to pull them up all day long. This isn't something you want to worry about, so if you have your heart set on a strapless dress, make sure it has a built-in "seat belt." This comes standard in most high-end bridal shops. This gives you extra peace of mind knowing you don't need to worry about pulling up your dress as you are walking down the aisle.

6. Wear White or Nude Undergarments
Even if your under-layer is completely covered by the dress, you can occasionally see a shadow if the light hits it just right. In order to avoid this, make sure you are only wearing white or nude underneath. This goes for bras, panties, Spanx, and whatever you choose to wear underneath. Don't try to get too creative with what you wear if you don't want the possibility of it showing during pictures.

7. Bring a Crochet Hook
If your dress has a thousand little buttons, the best way to button it in a timely manner is to use a crochet hook. You can easily hook through the hoops to make dress fastening an easy process!

8. Prepare for All Weather Possibilities
If you are getting married in the winter, there is nothing wrong with bringing a shawl or jacket. Maybe the weather will surprise you and you won't need it, but it's better to be prepared than not.

9. Avoid Heels All Day
I am a huge fan of heels, but there are no rules saying you can't switch shoes. I always recommend bringing heels for detail photos and to wear during the ceremony, but you typically can't even see heels under your dress. If you are worried about being comfortable, bring some comfy shoes for the portraits and the reception. Heels can be reserved for moments when they are more likely to show.

In conclusion, choosing your wedding dress is about more than just style and fit. All options have their plusses and minuses. Consider the venue, theme, and your personal tolerance level (if you hate bugs, avoid tulle for example) when choosing your style for the day!

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