How to Build a Bridal Look That's Totally YOU

Style options and opinions are endless when planning out your wedding day look...so how do you create a bridal style that feels like YOU with so much noise?

Let's be honest, the digital era has made planning a wedding so much easier, and so much harder at the same time. On one hand, you have endless information at your fingertips. But on the other hand, all of that information can become quickly overwhelming. And it can be hard to distinguish between what you actually want, and what you are being told you MUST have.

So today we are going to cover a few key tips to keep in mind when planning out your bridal look. These tips will ensure that you end up with a style that is totally YOU. A style that reflects your personality, and not just what is trending at the moment. Because your wedding day look doesn't have to fit into anyone’s box but your own.

01. Start With Your Everyday Style

Before you even start your wedding dress search, take a moment to really clarify your day to day style. What are you wearing when you feel your best? Do you love clean neutrals? Do you love pops of color? Are you into modern designs, or are you more of a traditionalist? Do you love certain textures or silhouettes?

Your bridal look should end up being a dresses-up version of your best self. You do not want to feel like you are wearing a costume for the day, pretending to be someone else.

TIP: Make a mood board of your style. We love using Pinterest for this. Upload pictures of some of your favorite outfits. Save your favorite make-up looks, fabrics, patterns, silhouettes. Try to stay away from bridal styles. Just think about creating a moon board for your everyday self.

02. Choose Must-Have Statement Pieces That Are 100% YOU

Once you have really clarified your everyday personal style, think about a few statement pieces that are SO you. What are your go-to accessories. If we asked your friends what would they are is "so you" about your style? Then think about how you can incorporate these items into your bridal style.

Here are some examples:

Love Sneakers? Opt for some chic bridal sneakers under your dress! These can be white covered in crystal accents, or just a fresh pair of bright red converse.

Love Hats? A hat may not be the first thing you think of for your bridal look. But if you are always wearing a hat, would your guests really expect anything less? And your options here are endless. From a chic bridal cowboy hat to unique vintage accent.

Have Tattoos? Think about which tattoos you want to show off, and find silhouettes will ensure that they will. Maybe that means opting for a backless gown to show off your ink.

Love Color? If you are a bride who is always in bright, fun colors, then your wedding day should be no different. And there are a few ways you can go about this. First, opt for a colored wedding dress. More modern brides are wearing colorful dresses than ever before. So if you love blue, consider a blue wedding dress. Or for a less dramatic look, go with some blue accents!

TIP: Think about the things that make your style...yours. And incorporate some of those things into your bridal look!

03. Stick With Comfortable Beauty Choices & Don't Try Anything New

It is easy to feel like you need to go all out when it comes to your make-up and beauty choices on your big day. You may have people telling you to get your hair and make-up professionally done. And that is always an option. Having professionals handle things on your big day can release pressure and stress.

But you want to make sure you are CLEAR on what is happening before your big day. And this happens best through communication. You don't want to end up feeling like an imposter in your own body on your wedding day. If you opt for a less-is-more makeup approach, stick with clean elegance on your big day. Same goes for your hairstyle. If you like laid-back looks, stick with something refined and classic.

TIP: Clearly communicate what style you are desiring. And do a test run of your hair and makeup. This can be with a professional or on your own. Keep things simple and classic to you.

04. Stay Away From Trends That Don't Speak To You

Bridal trends can be dangerous. They may seem exciting, but how long will that last? Bridal trends get a lot of buzz and you may see the same things over and over again. It can begin to feel like you won't be ready for your big day unless you incorporate the latest trend. But that is not the case.

So one of our biggest pieces of advice is to just avoid trends all together. Sometimes your style is trending, sometimes it isn't. But what matters most is that you stay true to yourself!

TIP: Stay away from bridal trends, especially the ones that don't speak to you. Ask yourself: Is this really something I love, or does it just seem exciting in the moment?

05. "Would I Wear This If It Wasn't My Wedding?"

This can be a great questions to ask while planning out your bridal look. And yes, you may not wear a wedding dress any other time. But think about the style of your gown. Is it something you would wear in everyday life? If you avoid high necklines in daily life, why would you wear one for your wedding?

This can be especially helpful with accessories. Accessory options are endless. So think about only the things you wear regularly. If you hate wearing earrings, don't bother on your wedding day. You want to be comfortable and feel like YOU.

TIP: Keep asking yourself "Would I Wear This If It Wasn't My Wedding?" This question will help eliminate unnecessary items and help you clarify whether or not you really love something.

06. Don’t Let Anyone Talk You Out of What You Love

Everyone is going to have an opinion when it comes to your wedding. From your venue to your style. And most of those suggestions come from a place of love. But they can also get a bit overwhelming. And if you are not careful, they can begin to muddy up what you really care about.

Before you begin shopping for a wedding dress, make sure you are 100% clear on your style, and what matters most to you. Trust your gut. Not everyone is going to agree with you, and that is ok. Stay true to yourself and never let anyone talk you out of what you love!

TIP: Keep your bridal circle small. Especially when it comes to who is present when shopping for a gown. Stick with 1-3 close friends/family members. Pick people who know you well, and who will help you stick to your true style.

07. Give Yourself A Deadline

Too many choices can lead to decision fatigue. So give yourself some gentle deadlines. You don't want to feel rushed in any area of planning your style, but you also don't want to give yourself too much time to overthink things.

Have some deadlines for when you want to have your dress picked out, accessories finalized and any hair/makeup appointments booked. Being organized will help reduce stress as well. If you have deadlines, you know your entire look will come together seamlessly in the end.

TIP: Use this article: When to Buy Your Wedding Dress: The Ultimate Shopping Timeline to give yourself deadlines and ensure that your bridal look is planned out with time to spare!

Final Thoughts:

Your bridal style should celebrate YOU. Not a version of you that someone else curated. Take suggestions with a grain of salt. Stay away from hot trends. Trust your gut, and create a style that YOU love. Because when you are glowing with confidence on your big day, that is all that matters.