What if I don’t find the one?

“I said YES to THE dress!” -every bride on Instagram after they go dress shopping.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably getting ready to go wedding dress shopping. Before you read any further, let me let you in on a little secret: When it comes to wedding dress shopping, finding “the one” isn’t real. 

Don’t worry, I’ll explain.

I remember when I went wedding dress shopping. I honestly didn’t love the process. Okay, trying on tons of beautiful gowns was fun, but I was not excited about finding “the one.” I’m pretty indecisive when it comes to shopping, which is why I have such a full closet. I can be sporty one day and chic the next because of the variety I have. BUT, with wedding dresses, it doesn't work that way. 

You have to pick ONE.

Many people say you shouldn’t go dress shopping “just to look” because you might fall in love without being prepared to buy. I’d argue that there is sound logic to this, but I did it anyway. 

Me and my mom went “just to look” at the beginning of my long engagement. I tried on a lot of dresses that I honestly, really liked. Some fitted, some modern, some beaded, some a-line, some lacey… I had a pretty hard time narrowing down which style I actually liked the most! 

I remember the stylist asking me “which one do you feel most like a bride in?”

I think my answer was the a-line dresses. My waist looked snathced and there was just enough poof to make them different from any other dress I owned. It felt all things bridal, but I also felt like my figure was lost in the poof of the skirt. 

We left the first bridal shop with more questions than answers. 

At the second store, I found a dress that day that I, dare I say, loved! It was beautiful. It was also the top of (or maybe over) the budget. This time it was fitted (not an a-line gown).

I told myself that day that I wasn’t going to buy anything because the wedding was almost 2 years away at that point, so I left the bridal shop empty handed. 

Once it got closer to the wedding, I went dress shopping again, this time with the intention of buying. 

My mom and I returned to the first store, this time on a mission to find something fitted.

I won’t leave you in suspense: I bought my wedding dress that day! 

Me and my husband on our wedding day! Photo credit to Captured Glory Photography.

It’s a gorgeous dress that I love. I made a few changes to it after purchasing it, which ended up turning out great. 

Me and my mom both cried, of course. The funny thing is I think I cried the first time we went dress shopping, too. 

Some people might tell you that the dress that makes you cry is “the one.” This might be true, but it also may not be. It’s not a requirement. It’s okay if multiple dresses make you tear up… it’s an emotional process!

In the months leading up to the wedding, I was so nervous about my dress. I wondered if I chosen the right “one”?! What if it wasn’t THE ONE! 

So now, it’s October of 2021, a few months removed from my wedding day. 

Was my dress “the one?”  

Well, it’s the dress I wore on my wedding day. So, yes, in that sense it is “the one.” But, I think in reality it’s one of many.

My wedding dress was one of many I could have worn on my wedding day. I could’ve rocked an a-line or bought the first dress I loved. 

My husband loved my wedding dress. Do you think if I had walked out in an a-line dress that he would have loved it less? My guess is no. 

I think I could have been perfectly content with a handful of dresses on my wedding day!

Why am I telling you this? Not to make you sad, but actually to encourage you! 

If you’re going wedding dress shopping soon, I bet you’ll love a few of the dresses you put on! That’s okay. That’s normal. 

Everyone will tell you that “the one” is out there. Guess what… I bet if you booked an appointment at a different bridal shop there would have been another of “the one” there too. 

We’re all beautifully made in the image of God. You could look beautiful in so many different wedding dresses. 

The pressure’s off. Don’t let the stress of finding “the one” stop you from enjoying the process of wedding dress shopping! It really is meant to be fun.

So, take a deep breath and go find a dress you love. 

I can’t wait for you to find YOUR one!