Say Yes To The Dress 👰

Hailey Matthews
13 hours ago
2 min read

I thought dress shopping was one of the easier parts of the planning process...I'm a The Lead Wedding Planner at SPTLGHT Ent after all. But now that I am the bride? Different story. My Pinterest board said one thing, my budget said another, and honestly, I was letting outside opinions cloud my judgment. I started panicking about prices, trying on gowns that cost more than my venue (yikes). I wanted the moment to feel right, but the pressure was real Here’s what I learned from both sides of the aisle, planning and living it:

🛍️ Try Multiple Shops: Each store gave me new insight. Something that looks dreamy on a hanger might not work for your vibe or body type. Give yourself options and patience to check out multiple retailers.

💻 Online is Not the Enemy: Online is actually where I found my dress(s)! Shops like Rosie Etienne, Reformation, Lulus and Azazie have beautiful options with realistic price points and good return policies. It was low-stress once I took the time to really do my measurements and perfect for my budget.

✂️ Factor in Alterations: Alterations matter. Budget at least a few hundred for tweaks like hemming, tightening, or strap work. It’s what makes a good dress feel like your dress.

👯‍♀️ Bring the Right Crew: Supportive. Honest. Not too many. You want people who get you, not people who confuse you.

🧘 Be Open Minded: I came in with a vision, left with something totally different—and loved it. Sometimes the unexpected one is the one.

🌴 Think About the Setting: My wedding is in Hawaii, on grass. That ruled out anything heavy or too long. Let the location guide your picks more than trends.

✨ Comfort = Confidence: You can see it when someone doesn’t feel good in their dress. Choose what feels like you. Confidence outshines everything.

🥂 Enjoy The Process: Play music, take pics, make it fun. It’s a core memory, not a chore.

Planning your wedding and not sure where to start?

Check out some of the dresses I didn't choose! Each one is stunning and has its own incredible flair, but they just weren't the ONE... Get ready for the big reveal on May 8th, 2026! 😉