I don’t know about you but, for me, picking out my wedding dress was one of my absolute favorite parts of planning my wedding. I was never the girl who played dress up and wanted to be a princess, but there was something about trying on fancy dresses that just made me feel like royalty. Looking back, I wish I had spent more time looking, even though I knew immediately the dress I wanted, just because it would’ve been fun to go to a few more stores and try on dresses. When the 2014 Spring bridal collections came out, I immediately began to swoon. This year it seems like designers are trending toward class, romance, and simplicity…and I am head over heels in love.

If you ask me, there are three things you should absolutely not compromise on regarding your wedding day and it’s these three (in order):

1. Photographer. They are responsible for freezing in time the day you’ve always dreamed of and they (we!) are SO worth investing in and not compromising on!
2. The venue. A fantastc venue really sets the tone of your wedding and many venues are so stunning alone that you don’t even need to decorate them. Choose a venue that is really “you”
3. The dress. Here’s the thing, before I got marred this would NOT have been on my list. As a matter of fact, I remember saying to friends “You only wear it a few hours. Find something you like, but don’t go crazy.” I was wrong. Go crazy. This is the ONE DAY that you will look and feel like royalty and you should be wearing the dresss of your dreams for that. You see, your dress will affect every part of your day because it will alter how you carry yourself, how you speak, how you move, and certainly how you feel. Don’t settle on a dress until you find one that makes you feel the most beautiful you’ve ever felt.

Here are my favorites from the 2014 Spring Collections, from 3 of my favorite designers.

1. Jenny Packham
I am a Jenny girl, through and through. My wedding dress was Jenny Packham and I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve drooled over a dress on Pinterest, only to find out it was a Jenny dress. I am speaking from experience when I say that her dresses are so incredibly luxurious and you will feel like a Queen! If you are in New England, Everthine Bridal sells Jenny Packham and the ladies there are so incredibly kind and sweet! Set up an appointment with them ASAP. And can we talk for one second about the BLUSH dress?!?! GAH!

2. J. Mendel
I am a recent J.Mendel fan but I think if I had known about this line when I got married, it would have been a huge contender against Jenny. I ADORE the Old Hollywood feel these dresses have, the soft fabrics used, and the clean lines. If any of my brides wear one of these dresses this year, they will instantly be promoted to my favorite. J. Mendel is sold at a variety of stores but Mitchell’s in Westport is one of them in CT.

3. Sarah Seven
I’ve always loved the soft simplicity of Sarah’s gowns, with their signature sweetheart neckline and simple lines, these gowns will flatter almost any shape. They are perfect for an estate or Vineyard wedding. Sarah Seven is also sold at Everthine.