Hey, gorgeous! So, you’re engaged—congrats! Now comes the fun part (and by fun, I mean slightly overwhelming but totally worth it): finding your bridal style. You know, that perfect mix of you but make it bridal. Sounds easy, right? But with Pinterest boards overflowing and your bridal party chiming in with their expert opinions, things can get messy real quick.
That’s where I come in—your new bridal bestie, here to make sure you walk down that aisle looking like the best version of yourself, not a Pinterest Frankenstein of 12 different brides. Let’s break it down, shall we?
Step 1: Raid Your Own Closet
Before diving into the depths of bridal fashion, take a look at what you already own and love. Are you the queen of sleek and tailored pieces? Do you gravitate towards romantic, flowy dresses? Or are you a sucker for anything with a little sparkle? Your everyday style is a huge clue to what you’ll feel most confident in on your wedding day.
If you live in oversized tees and leggings, I’m not saying you need to rock a bridal hoodie (but hey, no judgment). It just means comfort might be a priority, so soft fabrics and relaxed silhouettes could be your thing. On the other hand, if you love dressing up, this might be your moment to go full-glam.
Step 2: Stalk Your Screenshots & Saves
Open your phone and check your saved Instagram posts, Pinterest boards, and any dress screenshots you’ve taken at 2 AM. Patterns will start to emerge—maybe it’s all lace, maybe it’s a sea of minimal satin gowns, or maybe you’re unknowingly obsessed with dramatic ballgowns.
Even if the dresses aren’t exactly the same, the vibe will be. Are they all clean and modern? Super romantic? A little edgy? That’s your bridal aesthetic peeking through.
Step 3: Think About Your Wedding Vibe
Your dress should feel like it belongs at your wedding. If you’re saying “I do” in a grand ballroom, a boho-chic dress might feel out of place. On the flip side, if you’re getting married barefoot on the beach, maybe skip the heavy cathedral train (unless you want a built-in sand sweeper).
The location, time of year, and overall vibe of your wedding all play a role. A winter wedding in Aspen? Bring on the drama with sleeves, texture, and maybe even a cape (yes, capes are very much a thing). A backyard summer wedding? Light, breathable fabrics will be your best friend.
Step 4: Know Your Non-Negotiables
Every bride has at least one thing they can’t budge on. Maybe you refuse to wear strapless. Maybe you’ve dreamed of a long train since you were five. Maybe pockets are a dealbreaker (and honestly, I get it).
Having a few must-haves will help narrow things down, but try to keep an open mind. Sometimes the dress you think you’ll love isn’t the one that makes you feel like a bridal goddess.
Step 5: Try, Try, and Try Again
Here’s the deal: you won’t really know what you love until you try dresses on. What looks amazing on a hanger (or in an edited Instagram post) might feel completely meh on your body. On the flip side, a dress you never would’ve considered might make you cry the second you step into it.
That’s why keeping an open mind is key. Trust your gut, not the trends, and definitely not your distant cousin’s opinion. You’re the one wearing the dress, not them.
Step 6: Ignore the Noise
Speaking of opinions—there will be many. Your mom, your MOH, your neighbor’s dog…everyone suddenly has thoughts on what you should wear. But at the end of the day, it’s your wedding and your dress. If you love it, that’s all that matters.
So, if you find yourself loving something that’s totally not what your entourage expected, remind them (kindly) that you’re the one walking down the aisle, not them.
Step 7: Own Your Style
Once you’ve found the one, don’t second-guess yourself. Stop scrolling Pinterest for new ideas, don’t let yourself spiral into “what if” territory, and most importantly—trust that you made the right choice. Because if you feel amazing in it, that’s the only thing that matters.
Final Thoughts from Your Bridal Bestie
Finding your bridal style isn’t about following trends or pleasing anyone else—it’s about wearing something that makes you feel unstoppable. Whether that’s a sleek, modern crepe gown, a romantic lace number, or a full-on Cinderella moment, own it.
And if you need a little extra hand-holding (or just someone to remind you that you’re an absolute queen), you know where to find me. Let’s make sure you walk into your wedding feeling like that bride.
Cheers + Kisses,
Alexandra | ACE Bridal Styling
