Gown fatigue?

The urge to crawl under the covers and ball up in the fetal position and whimper due to feelings of distress that result from trying on too many wedding gowns and feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by the process.

You make appointments at several bridal shops in your area, usually back to back on the same day or weekend, thinking it's going to be a fun and exciting time.

The excitement and butterflies transform into utter exhaustion and confusion as you spend hours trying on gown after gown, losing sight of what you truly love and want from a gown.

So, how do you avoid this gown shopping pitfall?

Don't Overbook Yourself

Bridal appointments are fun but also tiring. You'll be getting in and out of gowns for 1-2 hours at each appointment, and every time you try on a gown, you will make note of your reaction. This is a process that is both physically and mentally draining. Don't make more than two bridal appointments in one day, or three in one weekend. Research the bridal shops in which you're interested ahead of time and make sure the style, price point, and sizing are a good fit for you. 

Choose Your Entourage Wisely

Limit the number of people in your entourage- you don't want too many cooks in the kitchen. Too many opinions, especially ones that differ from your own (which, let's be real, is ultimately the only one that matters) can lead to confusion and damper your experience and overall gown shopping process. Attend your appointment on your own, or bring one or two people who you trust but also who know not to let their own tastes and opinions affect yours. You need cheerleaders, not opinions.

Go With Your Gut

Ultimately, you should pick the gown that makes you feel the most amazing when you have it on. Don't worry about whether or not it goes with your "theme" or venue- being matchy-matchy is not a requirement now, like it was for our parents and past generations; and if you do decide you want all your wedding details, including your gown, to match, you can always tweak the other particulars to match your gown- the florals, the color scheme, decor, etc.