You said ‘yes to the dress,’ but now you either have buyer’s remorse or no longer feel that it’s ‘the one’

Many of us imagine walking down the aisle as the crowd and most importantly, your fiancé, are overcome with emotion at the first look of you in your wedding dress.

But what happens when the dress you’ve said “yes” to just doesn’t feel right — after you’ve already put down a deposit? What if you have your first fitting, and find that you now hate your wedding dress?

You’re not alone. Many brides-to-be have regrets after choosing their wedding dress; especially, if they fell in love with more than one style. Some have doubts after a friend or relative tells them they made the wrong choice, and others just have plain buyer’s remorse.

What can you do if you have wedding dress regret?

Ask if there’s anything you can do.

If you just put down your deposit, you may have a chance at negotiating the store’s cancellation fee. If you want another dress at the same store, you might even be able to convince them to transfer your deposit.

The sooner you tell the store, the better your chances at coming to a compromise. Just remember when you purchase a wedding dress you’re typically bound to a contract that doesn’t allow for full refunds, especially if the dress is a special-order.

Sell your current dress, and buy another.

If it’s too late to cancel your order or you already have the dress in hand, consider selling it and buying the dress of your dreams. You’ll likely lose out on money when you resell your dress. However, your number one selling point is that the dress is brand new. There are a number of sites that provide a platform to sell your dress, such as www.stillwhite.com and www.preownedweddingdresses.com. The sites require a listing fee, but don’t make commission when your dress is sold.

Wear more than one dress.

Who says you only have to wear one gown on your wedding day? If you like your dress, but love another one more — why not wear both on your Big Day? It’s your day — you have the power to choose when to make the outfit change. You could wear one for the ceremony, and the other for the reception — or change mid-reception — like Paris Hilton during her nuptials in the winter of 2021.

Make changes.

Maybe all you need are a few alterations to transform your gown into the dress of your dreams. Figure out what it is you want, and if it’s possible. It could be just a matter of adding sequins or pearls, a slit or changing its silhouette. Of course, finding the right seamstress is key. Keep in mind, alterations could also cost you a pretty penny.

Go for another fitting with supportive friends.

If you have feelings of doubt, and just aren’t sure if you’re making the right decision on your dress — you may just need to try it on again. But this time, with a group of your most supportive friend(s) or relative(s). Sometimes words of affirmation can give you the confidence boost you need that you’re making the right choice.

Our final words of advice for soon-to-be brides who haven’t yet gone dress shopping? Remember to go with people who are honest, yet positive. No one in your group should be someone you’re concerned will sour the day. The right shopping partners will uplift you, understand what you’re looking for in a wedding dress and make this day about you and only you.

Written By Vows & Forever Founder and Veteran Journalist Maria Cid. V&F is a wedding vows & speech writing service that also specializes in speech coaching and wedding timeline coordination.