Bridal gown shopping is often painted as a glamorous, champagne-filled day where you find the one in an instant. In reality, it can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and if you’re not prepared, full of unnecessary stress. The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way.
Knowing which myths to ignore and which truths to hold on to can make all the difference. Many brides are influenced by well-meaning friends, social media, or outdated advice, leading to confusion and disappointment. By learning what not to believe, you’ll approach your dress hunt with confidence, clarity, and a touch of excitement.
Before rounding up your bridal squad and heading to boutiques, take some time to research timelines, costs, fabrics, and styles. Seek out credible bridal blogs, designer advice, and real bride stories they’re often the most honest and insightful accounts of what to expect.
Below, we debunk the 10 most common bridal gown shopping misconceptions, so your journey is less stressful and more joyful.
Designer: Lili Hod (Luka Gown)
1. Everyone Present Should Agree
Many brides feel the pressure to please family and friends when searching for the perfect gown. While having loved ones at your appointment can be reassuring, it’s essential that YOU are happy with your dress and that your companions will support your decision without hesitation.
Bring along a small, trusted group rather than a large entourage. Too many voices can lead to conflicting opinions and unnecessary confusion. Choose people who know your style, respect your vision, and genuinely have your best interests at heart, even if that means not inviting every member of your bridal party.
Designer: Cushnie
2. You Don’t Need to Try on Every Dress in the Store
Resist the temptation to try on every gown in sight. Focus on quality over quantity. Begin by sampling key silhouettes such as ball gown, A-line, and fit-and-flare, then narrow your choices to the styles you love most.
Trying on too many dresses can quickly lead to overwhelm and indecision. If you’re unsure what suits you best, rely on your bridal consultant’s expertise. They can guide you toward designs that complement your body shape and personal style. If you’ve already tried on countless dresses and feel confused, take a break and restart with a fresh approach, limiting yourself to two or three carefully chosen styles.
Designer: Asaf Dadush
3. It’s Always Super Expensive
A custom-made gown may not be as costly as you think. Unlike off-the-rack dresses, custom gowns allow greater flexibility in pricing. You can adjust costs by choosing alternative fabrics, shortening the train, removing unnecessary corsetry, or making small design modifications without compromising on beauty.
Remember, off-the-rack dresses often require $500–$1,000 in alterations. If you know your style and budget, speak with a designer for a tailored quote. You might be pleasantly surprised at the affordability of a unique, made-to-measure gown.
At d’Italia, we craft beautifully unique, perfectly fitted gowns that exude elegance and luxury, all while working within your budget. Our bridal designers and dressmakers share decades of expertise, transforming your vision into reality from a single image or inspiration. Using only the highest quality fabrics and laces, we ensure your gown feels as exquisite as it looks.
Every detail is made to your exact measurements, so you feel comfortable, confident, and truly radiant on your wedding day. From the first sketch to the final fitting, you are at the heart of the creative journey. We believe that being part of the dressmaking process makes your gown and your walk down the aisle all the more unforgettable.
Let’s create your dream gown together. Book your complimentary in-store design consultation with the d’Italia team today and experience the magic of a truly bespoke wedding dress.
Designer: Eisen Stein
4. You Have Plenty of Time
One of the biggest misconceptions in bridal shopping is underestimating lead times. Creating a gown from scratch involves multiple stages and requires early planning. Ideally, allow at least 6–8 months from start to finish, longer if you want the best choice of fabrics and the most experienced dressmakers.
Some materials need to be specially ordered, which can add months to the process. At d’Italia, we often work 12–18 months in advance. Always check your designer’s realistic time frame before making decisions.
Designer: Zuhair Murad
5. You’ll Need Endless Fittings
Most custom gowns only require 3–5 fittings on average. While couture studios may offer unlimited fittings, the actual number is usually modest unless you make frequent changes.
Brides who live interstate or have limited availability can work with their dressmaker to create a streamlined fitting schedule.
At a minimum, you’ll need to attend a mock-up fitting and a final fitting. More complex designs may require one or two extra sessions, but the process should remain enjoyable. Watching your gown come to life is one of the most exciting parts of the journey.
Designer: Ralph and Russo
6. You Must Cry When You Find ‘The One’
Not every bride bursts into tears when she finds her gown, and that’s perfectly fine. Some feel excitement, others relief, and some even a touch of nervousness. Choosing your dress is a big decision, both emotionally and financially.
What matters most is that you feel confident, comfortable, and radiant in the gown. If you love how it looks and how it makes you feel, that’s your sign you’ve found “the one” with or without tears.
Designer: Jesus Peiro
7. You Can’t Make Changes Along the Way
One of the biggest benefits of a custom gown is flexibility. Throughout the process, you can make tweaks, big or small, as your design evolves. During the mock-up stage, adjustments to the neckline, sleeves, length, or embellishments are all possible.
It’s common for brides to realise that certain elements don’t work as imagined. Don’t be discouraged, embrace the creative freedom and refine your gown until it perfectly matches your vision.
Designer: Gali Karten (Burano Collection)
8. Production Must Start Immediately
While designers often work a year in advance, production doesn’t have to begin straight away. Many brides delay the process to allow time for weight loss or fitness goals. Since major alterations should not exceed two dress sizes, your designer can schedule production to align with your timeline. In addition, certain fabrics are custom-ordered and may take weeks or months to arrive. Secure your booking early, but begin production at the moment that’s right for you.
Designer: Helen Kolan
9. Fabrics Are Always in Stock
Most premium fabrics and laces are not readily available in large quantities. While basic silks, tulles, and crepes might be in stock, intricate laces, embellished trims, and beaded designs are often custom-made or shipped from overseas.
Delivery can take anywhere from a few weeks to six months, especially for large orders or customised patterns. If your gown requires a special fabric, plan ahead to avoid delays.
Designer: Bebas Closet
10. Any Dressmaker Will Do
Not every dressmaker can deliver your dream gown. Take time to research potential designers — read reviews, view portfolios, and visit their studios to inspect workmanship. Ensure they have experience creating similar designs to yours and that their style aligns with your vision.
The relationship is just as important as the craftsmanship. You’ll be working closely together for months, so trust, clear communication, and shared values are key. If you don’t feel comfortable or confident, keep searching until you find the right fit.
Designer: Yumi Katsura
Thinking of Creating Your Own Custom Wedding Gown?
Contact d’Italia today for a complimentary in-store design consultation or phone styling advice with our experienced team. For over 19 years, we’ve been crafting one-of-a-kind wedding dresses in Melbourne, bringing each bride’s unique vision to life.
