Wedding Dress Shopping: How to Find Your Dream Dress Without Losing Your Mind

Written By Elizabeth Teather

Let’s be honest: wedding dress shopping can feel like hunting a unicorn… blindfolded… in a haystack… while wearing heels. But fear not! At Dress Me Up by Elizabeth in Navenby, we specialise in affordable branded off-the-peg wedding dresses that let you look like a princess without selling your soul (or your savings).

Here’s your step-by-step, slightly silly guide to finding the one… your wedding dress, not your partner—he’ll survive.

Step 1: Assemble Your Bridal Avengers

You need a team. Consider:

  • Your brutally honest bestie (“Nope, that makes you look like a confused mermaid”)

  • Your mum or aunt who cries at every single dress

  • A friend who is diplomatic but fabulous at compliments

Pro tip: Keep your squad to 3–4 people. Too many opinions = a bridal brain meltdown.

Step 2: Set a Wedding Dress Budget (Before You Cry)

We sell affordable wedding dresses—branded, off-the-peg, and ready to go. Set a budget so you don’t fall in love with a gown that requires selling a kidney.

Step 3: Do a Little Recon Online

Peek at https://www.dressmeup.uk/shop/bridal-gowns to see what we have. If you see anything you like or have any questions then don’t be afraid to send them across to myself (Elizabeth).
This is key: you don’t want to stare at 50 tulle dresses thinking, “Wait… which one am I?”

Styles to consider:

  • Classic elegance

  • Boho chic

  • Sparkly “I may blind my guests”

Step 4: Keep an Open Mind

You may walk in wanting an A-line and walk out feeling like a mermaid goddess. That’s the magic of off-the-peg wedding dresses—try different sizes and styles immediately, no waiting weeks for delivery.

Step 5: Don’t Forget Your Wedding Shoes

Bring shoes similar to your wedding heels. Why? Because a gown without shoes is like a selfie without a filter… just sad. Bonus: you can practice your aisle walk while twirling.
But don’t worry if you don’t have your shoes yet—we sell gorgeous bridal shoes here at Dress Me Up by Elizabeth, so you can complete your look all in one place!

Step 6: Twirl, Pose, and Take Selfies

Seriously—don’t just stand there. Twirl. Snap a selfie. Ask yourself: “Do I look like a bride or a confused mannequin?” At Dress Me Up by Elizabeth Jane we love dramatic spins—bonus points for happy dances.

Step 7: Say Yes to the Dress

Found your dream dress? Say yes! With our affordable branded off-the-peg wedding dresses, you could even walk out the same day wearing your gown. No waiting, no stress, just instant bridal joy.

💡 Lincoln Brides, Listen Up: Navenby has charming cafés nearby—perfect for celebrating your wedding dress victory. Bring the squad, order cake, and maybe take a victory selfie or two.

Find Your Dream Wedding Dress at Dress Me Up by Elizabeth

Ready for wedding dress shopping to be fun, easy, and maybe a little dramatic? Visit Dress Me Up by Elizabeth in Navenby or browse our collection of affordable branded off-the-peg wedding dresses online at https://www.dressmeup.uk/shop/bridal-gowns and book your FREE appointment today!

We promise laughs, twirls, and maybe a few happy tears—because your wedding dress hunt should be magical, not stressful.

Elizabeth Teather
Next

Find Your Perfect Mother of the Bride or Groom Outfit at Dress Me Up by Elizabeth Jane