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Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Weddings are some of the biggest and most important events in someone’s life. Unfortunately, this means they can also be super stressful, with checklists a mile long, from rehearsal dinners to engagement photoshoots. Going to your bridal dress appointment is a very exciting and important part of the process, so it makes sense that you want to get it right. Being appropriately prepared for wedding dress shopping can help reduce some of that stress and make it easier to find the right dress for your big day. For the best experience, you want to surround yourself with supportive people, do some research in advance, and dress for the event. Here are our top tips on what to wear for your bridal dress appointment. Choosing Your Core Outfit It can be hard to choose an outfit to wear wedding dress shopping, especially when you have so many other elements to consider. You might also feel like there’s no point in putting any effort into your outfit since you’ll be spending the day in other clothes. However, choosing a good outfit can help put you in a better headspace for your appointment. Wear: A simple and comfortable outfit that’s easy to get in and out of will save you time and struggle. Picking something that expresses your personal style will also help clue in the staff and help them choose better options for you to try. Pack: A sweater in case you get chilly between try-ons and some comfy shoes to wear to and from the appointment. Leave at Home: Any garment that has zippers you can’t reach or other complicated closures is just going to frustrate you. Also, avoid anything that you feel self-conscious in. An outfit you’re constantly tugging at isn’t going to make you feel like a beautiful bride. Think About Your Lingerie Trying on wedding dresses is not a private event. Because many dresses are complicated or hard to close on your own, an employee will often accompany you into the dressing room to help you get in and out of the gowns. With that in mind, wear underwear that you’re comfortable being seen in; that might be something with more coverage. Wear: Wear neutral, seamless underwear that feels comfortable. If you plan on wearing shapewear, wear it to your try-on session. Pack: You can pack some shapewear options if you aren’t sure what you want to do on the day yet. You might also bring a strapless bra for trying on strapless and off-the-shoulder styles. Leave at Home: Bras, corsets, and bridal lingerie aren’t going to be comfortable or practical for your dress appointment. Most brides end up choosing a bra that fits the neckline of the dress they end up selecting, but many dresses have supportive structures that may let you forgo a bra altogether, so keep it simple with a comfortable skin tone bra for your appointment. Be Mindful of Your Shoes Shoes can really make a big difference when it comes to your wedding look, but if you haven’t picked a dress yet, you probably haven’t picked shoes either. Don’t sweat it too much. Wear: Choose a pair of shoes in a height you’re comfortable with in a neutral color so that you can see what length of wedding dress you want. Pack: If you have a few shoe styles or heights you’re considering, you can bring them with you to try with your shortlist of favorite dresses. Leave at Home: Don’t wear uncomfortable shoes. It’s going to be a long day with a lot of outfit changes, so any discomfort is going to sap your energy. You also don’t want to be uncomfortable on your big day, so keep that in mind. Wear Simple Jewelry You might want to go all out with the bling on your big day, but for your initial bridal appointments, you actually want to keep it simple. Jewelry can get in the way and distract from your dress search. Focus on the dress now and worry about the jewelry later. Wear: Your engagement ring! Pack: If you have any special pieces of jewelry that you really want to be a part of your wedding ensemble, pack them in your appointment bag. If you find a dress you really love, you can see how well the piece works with it. Leave at Home: Leave off any jewelry for the actual fitting so you don’t risk snagging an expensive gown on your favorite bracelet, or risk a beloved necklace falling off somewhere on the fitting room floor. Stick to Basic Makeup Most brides opt for at least some makeup on their wedding day because flash photography can be unforgiving to the complexion. Some choose to go for a no-makeup natural look, and others like to go full glam for their day as the star of the show. Whatever your daily makeup routine, you might wonder what the protocol is for a bridal dress appointment. Wear: Stick with light makeup that makes you feel good–think of a simple combo like BB creme, mascara, and lip tint. Even if you normally wear zero makeup day-to-day, a little bit can help you envision how you’ll look at your wedding and help you feel more beautiful and confident. Pack: Bring a little lip balm and a powder compact with you so you can do a quick touch-up during the day if you start to feel too dry or too oily. Leave at Home: If you’re a makeup lover who enjoys doing full contour and cat eyes every day, we respect your game, but you might want to tone it down a bit for your bridal appointment. You don’t want to risk getting makeup on the inside of an expensive white dress while changing. Wear enough so that you feel like yourself, but let your natural skin tone shine through so you can choose a dress that matches your natural beauty. Choose a Practical Hairstyle Bridal hairdos tend to be way more complicated than we wear day-to-day. For a bridal dress appointment, though, you don’t have to worry about having the perfect updo or any fancy clips and combs. Wear: If you have short hair, style it with barrettes to keep it out of your face and help it stay neat through the try-on process. For longer hair, we recommend putting it in a ponytail or braid. Pack: You can bring extra elastics or a big claw clip to help sweep your hair out of the way if needed. For dresses with back details or cut-outs, getting your hair up off your neck can be useful to better see the style. Leave at Home: Any hair accessories will just be in the way. Headbands, tiaras, and veils can be added later. Sometimes the bridal shop will supply options for you to try with different dresses, so don’t worry about having to provide your own. Have the Best Bridal Dress Appointment There are lots of details to consider when shopping for your wedding dress, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming and complicated. Follow the tips in this guide, and you’re sure to be comfortable through your wedding dress appointment. Most importantly, this is all about your special day, so make sure to have fun! Tags:  Bridal

Engagement photos are a special way to remember your engagement, and these pictures are often used as a keepsake for years to come. Many couples also choose to feature their engagement photographs on wedding invites and decorations for weddings. For all these reasons, choosing the perfect outfit to wear for your engagement photos can be a nerve-wracking activity. Fortunately, our article is here to give you engagement photo outfit ideas and tips to ensure your pictures are something you love for years to come. Should I Be Dressing Up for My Engagement Photo Shoot? Dressing up for your engagement photo shoot will often hold different meanings to different people. Dressing up could mean putting on a gown similar to your wedding dress, or it could mean that you wear a new, coordinated outfit. In general, you will want to ensure you look presentable and comfortable in your engagement photos. These pictures will be used as keepsakes for years to come, so it’s important to make an effort to ensure you feel and look your best in the pictures. You don’t want to show up for your engagement photo shoot wearing yesterday’s torn jeans and a stained t-shirt; most of the time, outfits like these don’t make for flattering photographs. However, your personal style is an important part of your engagement photos, so if t-shirts and jeans are your chosen outfit, make sure they are clean, pressed, and presentable. Tips for Picking Your Engagement Photo Outfit The following tips will help you pick your engagement photo outfits and help you narrow down your ideas on what to wear. Dress for Comfort Dressing for comfort is one of the very best tips you can follow when it comes to picking your engagement photo shoot outfit. You will want to wear something that makes you feel comfortable. Clothing you aren’t used to, outfits that aren’t your usual style, and clothing that is too small or too large will take away from the focus of the pictures – you and your partner. When choosing an outfit, make sure that you try it on a few times and practice a few different poses in it. You will want to be comfortable moving around in your outfit and you will want to make sure that you aren’t at risk of a wardrobe malfunction. When choosing between a few outfits, always select the one that makes you feel your best, as this vibe will be obvious in your engagement photographs. Select Outfit Options Typically, you will have time for two different outfits during your engagement photo shoot – check with your photographer for more details on this. You will generally want to have a more casual outfit and a more formal one, so both sets of engagement pictures have slightly different vibes. Keeping this in mind, make sure you have a few different options of favorite outfits to bring to your engagement photo shoot. Then, you’ll be prepared to change locations and dress accordingly for the vibe you want your photographs to portray. Coordinate Colors and Patterns Coordinating colors and patterns with your partner is a great way to give your engagement photo outfits a theme and make sure that your outfits don’t clash. It’s important to stay away from patterns that are too bright or vivid, as these may take away from you and your partner in the photographs; they may also clash with your background. Choose colors and muted patterns that blend well with your surroundings and the overall vibe of the pictures you want to convey. For example, if you want pictures that are more formal, a dark red, black, or white dress and a dark suit might be a great way to create a classy, partnered look. Dress to Flatter Your Features Every individual knows what works best for them outfit-wise, and it’s essential to keep these features in mind when selecting your engagement photo outfit. For instance, you may love the way your hair looks with certain colors, or you might like the way a certain color matches your skin tone. Always dress to flatter your features and make sure that the clothing you pick is the right size for your body, as this will help you look your best and feel the most confident, which is a recipe for great photographs. However, keep in mind that it may be best to avoid outfits that are overly revealing, as these typically don’t make for a classic or timeless outfit in your engagement photos. You should try and flatter your features without being too risqué. Consider Your Background and Season As you start thinking about your engagement photo outfit, consider your background setting and the season when you are having your pictures taken. Bright, outdoorsy backgrounds with lots of green may call for bright white colors or other colors that stand out from the background, while a muted background allows for brighter clothing colors. Make sure that you are wearing season-appropriate clothing in your pictures too, as a snowy backdrop where you are wearing summer clothes will make your pictures look out of place. If you are concerned about your background having an effect on your engagement photos or outfit, you can check for yourself to rest assured. Take some time to scout out the place and take a few practice pictures with your chosen outfit to see what you like best. Don’t Be Afraid of Accessories While some people say that any accessory except for your engagement ring should be avoided in an engagement photo shoot, this isn’t always the case. A few accessories to your outfit like a belt, hat, or some extra jewelry can help give your outfit a personal touch and make your engagement photos even more of a tribute to you and your partner. Just make sure not to overdo it and weigh down your outfit with accessories, as this can be too busy for your photos. Avoid Fashion Statements and Trends Making a fashion statement like trying new haute couture or following the latest social media fashion trend for your engagement pictures can make your outfits feel dated later on. You should aim to choose timeless outfits and classic styles that will help your pictures be memorable for years to come. The exception is if you want to pick a very particular style that showcases who you are, like a 20s theme or Western outfits. Popular Engagement Photo Outfit Ideas The engagement photo outfit ideas are popular choices. You can review these options to help gather your thoughts on what to wear for your own engagement photo shoot. Engagement photo dress ideas: A white dress, either long or short A summer dress A long formal gown, if you’re creating a more upscale vibe Beachy clothing A long-sleeved winter dress and boots Engagement photo outfit ideas: Jeans and a blouse or button-down shirt Leggings and a sweater A tailored suit in a color that complements your partner’s outfit Dress pants and a collared shirt Tuxedo, if you’re going for a formal look Always consult with your partner about your engagement photo outfits to make sure all of your outfit choices complement each other and result in the best set of pictures possible. Engagement Photo FAQs Engagement photos often create lots of worries. We give you answers to frequently asked questions about engagement photos so you can put your concerns to rest. Should I Get Professional Hair and Makeup for My Engagement Photos? Many individuals opt for professional hair and makeup for their engagement photos, as doing so helps them ensure they look their best and frees up their time to focus on other things. Ultimately, the choice to invest in professional hair and makeup is a personal one, and you should only do this if it makes you feel more comfortable and happier during your photo shoot. Where Do I Find a Photographer? Engagement photographers and wedding photographers typically have their own websites, or they may post listings for themselves through wedding vendors or wedding websites. Sometimes, when you hire a wedding photographer, they will also help you with your engagement pictures for an added fee. Browse the availability of photographers in your area to find someone to take your engagement pictures in a price range that works for you. How Do I Pose in My Engagement Photos? Figuring out how to pose in your engagement photos can feel tricky, especially if you aren’t used to having your picture taken. If you’re feeling a little awkward or nervous, don’t be afraid to practice with your partner ahead of your photo shoot date. Take the time to relax and enjoy the moment with your partner during your actual photo shoot, and your photographer will be sure to capture excellent photos of the both of you. Where Do I Shop for Engagement Photo Outfits? Shopping for engagement photo outfits can be another stressor, but, fortunately, the internet makes this process easier today. We suggest looking for your engagement photo outfit via an online website, and you can browse our collections at Sherri Hill for ideas on dresses to purchase. Local thrift stores and boutiques may also hold excellent options for your engagement photos. If you buy a new outfit for your engagement photos, make sure that you’re comfortable in it and that it fits ahead of time. This will prevent last-minute wardrobe issues and problems with your engagement photo outfit on the day of your photo shoot. Do I Need to Wear a Dress in My Engagement Photos? You don’t necessarily need to wear a dress in your engagement photos, though many individuals choose to do so. Only wear an outfit or a set of outfits that makes you feel your most comfortable, as this will ensure you feel and look your best while taking pictures with your partner. Making Your Engagement Photos Memorable Taking engagement photos can make anyone anxious, as these pictures are often used for displays during weddings and keepsakes for years to come. It’s important to take your time when selecting your engagement photo outfit to ensure that you are comfortable wearing it, that it fits properly, and that you feel your best. Keep our tips in mind for choosing your engagement outfit, and you are sure to make your engagement photos memorable for years to come. Tags:  Bridal

Western weddings are a fun, unique theme that many couples love to embrace, especially if their planned wedding venue is on a ranch, a farm, or held in a rustic barn or building. Western weddings feature many of the intriguing traits of the Old West, giving reminiscent notes of cowboys and wide-open land ready for exploring. Our article gives you stellar ideas on what to wear to a Western wedding, regardless if you are a guest or part of the bridal party. Sherri Hill’s latest collection also offers tons of Western wedding attire options, whether you’re a bridesmaid or a guest! What Is a Western Wedding Theme? The Western wedding theme is one that incorporates elements from the Old West – think cowboys, salons, lots of denim and leather, and plenty of rustic decorations. Most Western weddings will take place on a ranch, in a barn, or around another rustic building. Western weddings rarely call for black-tie or formal dress code, but a formal twist on the Western theme is becoming more popular. Regardless, you can expect to see lots of cowboy boots and cowboy hats worn by all parties. It’s important you check directly with the couple organizing the wedding if you have any questions or concerns about the Western wedding theme you are expected to accommodate. Things to Consider When Choosing a Western Wedding Outfit There are several items that you need to consider when choosing a Western wedding outfit, much like when choosing an outfit for a more traditional wedding theme. We list common factors you should be reviewing ahead of settling on your final Western wedding outfit choice. Venue Setting The venue and setting of a Western wedding are incredibly important to keep in mind. Knowing if you’ll be sitting outdoors or indoors or if there’ll be mud, grass, or hay that could get trapped into your shoes are vital things to keep in mind. Additionally, knowing where the venue is and what it looks like can help give you a better sense of the Western theme that the happy couple is organizing. Daytime outdoor weddings at a ranch with a reception indoors calls for slightly different outfit choice than nighttime weddings inside a bar or another rustic Western-themed building. Dress Code Formality Most of the time, Western wedding themes will be semi-formal. This means you should look nice, clean, and well put together, but long formal dresses, suits, or high heels are likely not required. A special thing to keep in mind about Western wedding themes is that denim, leather, suede, and flowy sundresses are generally encouraged, as are cowboy boots and cowboy hats. With a traditional wedding theme, many of these items are considered a fashion faux pas. When attending a Western wedding, you can embrace your jeans and cowboy boots to your heart’s content, as long as they look clean, fitted, and presentable. If the Western wedding you’re attending has a cocktail dress code, check out our guide on cocktail attire for a wedding. Many of the outfit ideas we offer can also accommodate this elevated dress code with some styling! Season The season that a Western wedding is held in is another essential consideration, as you will want to select your outfit to properly meet the weather conditions. Fall and winter Western-themed weddings might call for long-sleeved denim or fringe jackets. Spring and summer Western wedding outfits might feature short-sleeved sundresses, cowboy hats, and light, flowing shawls. Color Schemes Occasionally, the couple organizing the wedding will request that specific color schemes be met for both the bridal party and their guests. Most Western-themed weddings embrace more rustic and earthy colors, such as greens, blues, denim, tans, and browns, but there are many different options for Western wedding colors out there. Make sure that you don’t wear anything too bold or too bright, and that patterns aren’t super busy and vivid. In addition to meeting most Western wedding colors, this is good wedding etiquette that allows the happy couple to be the main focus of the event, without their guests distracting from them. Accessory and Shoe Choice As you start thinking about your Western wedding outfit, you should also consider which accessories and shoe choices you might want to accompany your choice. Many Western wedding outfits put an emphasis on turquoise and silver jewelry, as these are key traits of the Old West or a general rustic Western theme. Men may wear bolo ties, and both men and women may embrace cowboy boots as their shoe choice. What to Wear to a Western Themed Wedding: Examples of Western Wedding Outfits The following examples of Western wedding outfits will help give you an idea of what to wear to your next Western wedding. In addition, you’ll become more familiar with this unique wedding theme. Western Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas: Dresses Women attending a Western wedding are typically seen wearing a sundress with cowboy boots, fringe dresses, and accessories such as cowboy hats and simple jewelry. In the spring and summer, floral patterns and pastel colors make a great choice, and Sherri Hill has tons of floral dress options that will suit a Western wedding. Darker browns, leather, suede, and dark denim are better options for fall and winter Western weddings. Western wedding attire for women can also be a skirt (or nice pair of pants) with a dressy blouse and a denim jacket. Choose a fringe jacket for extra Western flair. Even with a Western wedding theme, it’s important to stay away from the color white or any colors similar to white, unless explicitly given instructions by the bride. You definitely don’t want to look like you’re wearing a wedding dress on the big day! Western Casual Wedding Attire for Guests: Jeans A nice pair of clean, well-fitted jeans is often acceptable to wear to Western weddings. You can wear a dress shirt on top and pair it with a jacket or a vest as the season calls for. Be careful that you don’t choose a pair of old, worn, or stained jeans, as that takes away from your outfit and makes you look less than presentable. If you aren’t interested in wearing jeans, a grey, black, or blue suit paired with a dress shirt and a cowboy hat works just as well. Cowboy boots and cowboy hats are almost always appropriate accessories and shoe options for people attending a Western wedding, whether you’re in jeans or a suit. Western Theme Wedding Outfits for the Bridal Party and Groomsmen Western wedding outfits for the bridal party vary based on the bride’s wishes and the color scheme or general theme of the wedding. However, you can expect cowboy boots, traditional bridesmaid dresses, and fun Western or rustic-themed accessories to accompany your wedding day outfit. Groomsmen and the groom at Western weddings are often dressed similarly. Jeans and dress shirts with vests, suits with bolo ties, and cowboy hats and cowboy boots make up the majority of these outfits. Speak with the wedding organizers if you have any questions or concerns about the specific outfit you should be wearing on the day of the Western wedding. Western Black Tie A black tie wedding dress code is one of the most formal invitations you can get, and it may be confusing to pair this with a Western twist. You can take some of the ideas above and elevate them; for example, formal Western attire for female guests may include floor-length gowns in dark colors paired with cowboy boots.  Some other formal Western outfit ideas for wedding ceremonies include a glam dark-colored jumpsuit with a Western-inspired belt, or a navy blue A-line dress with a little fringe. Check out our guide for more ideas on what to wear to a black tie wedding.  Cowboy Themed Wedding Outfits  If the dress code calls for cowboy wedding attire for guests or the wedding party, this is generally an invitation to mix and match modern pieces with cowboy accents. This could include a cowboy-style belt or hat with a modern, glitzy cocktail dress or a Western- style dress in bold colors you may not find on a ranch. FAQs About Western Wedding Outfits The following questions about Western wedding outfits are commonly asked. We give you answers to help you understand this theme a little more easily. Do I Need to Wear Cowboy Boots to a Western Wedding? While you don’t need to wear cowboy boots to a Western wedding, they are typically the easiest and most fun way to ensure you meet the Western wedding theme. Cowboy boots fit any outfit and both men and women, so if you are invited to a Western wedding, adding these shoes to your outfit is a great way to blend in with the other guests. What Are Fun Accessories for a Western Wedding? Western weddings typically call for less traditional accessory items, such as cowboy hats, jewelry in Old West designs, denim and suede jackets, and lots of fringe on clothing items. Browse pictures online of Old West themes and other Western weddings. Then, you can get a good idea of the types of accessories that you can pair with your own outfit to make your Western wedding look complete. Are Leather and Suede Good Western Wedding Choices? Leather and suede, while not the best fabric choices for traditional weddings, find their home at Western weddings. As long as your leather and suede choices are tasteful and you make sure to match the other theme and dress code formality of the Western wedding, you may be able to wear these fabrics. Another common fabric at Western weddings is denim, and jeans or denim jackets are often embraced within Western weddings. Embracing the Western Wedding Theme Western weddings are a fun and unique way for a couple to celebrate their love, and there is nothing more exciting than choosing your wedding outfit to attend a Western wedding. Review our tips above to help you figure out what exactly the Western wedding theme consists of. Sherri Hill’s 2026 collection can help you find the perfect outfit for the next Western wedding you attend. Tags:  Bridal