Don’t Miss This Wedding Dress Accessory // Irwin, PA Wedding Photographer

Wedding dress shopping seems to go one way or another. You’re either my sister: who finds the perfect dress on her first trip dress shopping, at the first dress shop, the very first dress that is picked out. Or you’re me: who has to hunt thru so many dress shops, trying on dress after dress after dress, finally finding the one.

My wedding dress shopping mission holds some very special memories for me. I had been to 62 dress shops (okay, that’s an exaggeration, but that’s what it felt like), had looked at 7,632 dresses & tried on 1,394 (again, I exaggerate, but it’s an overwhelming process!) I finally decided that I needed to go to the one last place that I had sort of been avoiding, and when I called to make the appointment, they said they could get me in that night! I was excited! But then I realized, my Mom already had plans for that evening, so she wouldn’t be able to come with me. In fact, all of my bridesmaids were busy on such short notice, so I called in my backups – my 2 Grandmas. We rode out to Monroeville together and that was the night I found my dress. I still feel bad that my Mom wasn’t there, but the experience was so special to have that memory with both of my Grandmas.

After I found my dress, they helped me pick out a veil. I wasn’t sure that I wanted one, but my Grandmas were pretty convincing, and I had to admit that it did make me feel very “bridal”. The rest of my dress accessories came either borrowed (my Mom’s slip), from another store (my garters & my shoes), or I already had it (my strapless bra). Looking back, I did miss one wedding dress accessory that I didn’t even realize I was missing at the time:

A nice hanger.

According to Google, the average bride spends $1,100 on a wedding dress. That’s a good chunk of a wedding budget! In my experience as a wedding photographer, around half of my brides forget a tiny little detail that makes a huge difference: what the dress is hanging on.

No matter where your dress is coming from: eBay, borrowed, remade, a discount bridal shop, or a huge name brand, I always want to photograph the bride’s wedding dress. What she has chosen to wear on the biggest day of her life is obviously very important to her, and like all of her wedding day details, I want to photograph it! I promise, just about anything looks better than the plastic hanger the dress shop sends home with you. A wooden hanger is perfect & if you think enough ahead, having one made with your new last name or just the word “bride” is always a fun extra touch!

Whatever you do, don’t miss this one wedding dress accessory that will make a world of difference in your getting ready photos! It can take an inexpensive dress to the next level and take an expensive dress over the moon – don’t forget it!