I wish I had a pound for every time I’d been asked this, and I’m afraid that there is no right or wrong answer, but here are a few ideas/questions that in my experience should help you decide if it is The One for you.
Would you feel jealous if a friend chose the dress for their wedding?
Would you be devastated if it sold to someone else and you couldn’t get another?
Do you feel gorgeous in it?
Do you feel like you don’t want to take it off?
Do you feel excited about wearing it?
Are you thinking about it all the time?
Are you comparing all other dresses to it and they just aren’t as good?
Do you feel comfortable and confident in it?
It may not be The One if:
You are thinking about changing the fundamentals of the dress – its shape, colour or fabric
You think it’s a bargain even if it’s not quite right
It’s way too small, but hopefully you’ll lose the weight
Also, just because you didn’t cry doesn’t mean that it isn’t The One. In fact, most brides don’t cry – don’t fall into the trap of thinking that because reality TV brides always seem to cry then that must be how you know! But a bride who’s found the right dress will feel many of things I’ve listed above.
Two other things to say.
Trust your gut.
And you partner is marrying you, not a dress. They will think you look amazing regardless.