Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
As you embark on the step of making your wedding dress appointment, there are a few important things to consider beforehand.
Follow this ultimate guide to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience as you search for the best dress of your life!
Research Styles and Trends:
Start by exploring different wedding dress styles and trends. Browse bridal magazines, Pinterest, and wedding websites to gather inspiration. Having a general idea of what you like (and do not like!) will help guide you during your appointment. Keep an open mind to suggestions made by your bridal stylist. She will know the inventory, listen to your feedback, and help lead you to your dream dress!
Set a Budget:
Determine your dress budget, including any alterations and accessories. This will help the bridal consultants narrow down options that align with your budget and stay in your price point. It is very easy to go over budget when wedding planning so if you have a top price for the dress, stick to it! Don’t forget to look for trunk shows and sample sales to save money.
Choose Your Entourage Wisely:
Select a few close friends or family members whose opinions you value. Too many opinions can be overwhelming and can delay or disrupt the flow of the appointment, so keep the group small and supportive. Remember, it’s ultimately your decision. It is a good idea for your first appointment to just bring one or two important people with you. You can always go back a second time with a larger group.
Book Appointments in Advance:
You should plan to make your first wedding dress shopping appointment 9 to 12 months prior to your wedding day. Remember that bridal boutiques can get busy, especially on weekends, and some of the best bridal shops book up well in advance. Schedule your appointment to ensure you have enough time to explore different options and not feel rushed.
*If you do not like crowds or have sensory/mobility issues, ask the store for the best time to come for a quieter experience.
Consider the Wedding Venue and Theme:
Think about the venue and overall theme of your wedding. Your dress should complement the setting, season, and reflect the style you envision for your special day. Share this information with your bridal stylist.
Wear the Proper Undergarments:
Bring or wear the appropriate undergarments, such as a strapless bra and seamless underwear, to try on dresses more comfortably. This will also give you a better idea of how each dress will look on your wedding day. Many wedding dresses are made with shape ware, built-in bras, corsets, and bust cups, so you may not need these additional garments on your wedding day. If you have long hair, bring hair ties with you so that you can see the necklines, front and back, of each dress. If you have your wedding shoes, bring them along to try on with the favorites!
Research the Bridal Salon:
Look into the bridal store’s reputation and policies. Do they allow photographs, offer other services like a menswear department, mother dresses, and/or accessories? What is their price range and accepted payment methods? What are their sample sizes? Are there any specific guidelines for appointments? Read their reviews and recommendations, check out their social media accounts. Being informed will help you prepare for your visit.
Bring Inspiration Photos:
Bring a few images of dresses you love to help the consultant understand your style preferences. Ideally, share your Pinterest board so she can get your whole vibe! This will also streamline the process and make your shopping experience more efficient. Be mindful that dresses you like on models may not look the same on you. Trust your stylist’s picks if you get stuck, she will get you out of your comfort zone and into your dream wedding dress!
Prepare Questions:
Come prepared with a list of questions for the bridal consultant. In addition to the aboce questions under “Research”, ask about the availability of the dresses, the ordering process, sizing charts, and the estimated delivery time. How can you contact them if you need immediate assistance? How long are the appointments? Is there a maximum number of dresses you can try? Can you choose your own dresses or do they bring you dresses? Clear communication will help manage your expectations.
Enjoy the Experience:
A typical Bridal appointment will have you and the stylist in a dressing room where she will zip and clip you into each dress. If you prefer privacy, she can wait outside and come in when you are ready. Be honest if you are feeling uncomfortable, she definitely wants you to enjoy your experience. If you like a dress, she will keep it aside, if you do not, it will be returned to the rack. Once you have some favorite dresses narrowed down, you can try them on again with a pair of shoes having your preferred heel height and match them with the perfect accessories. This is when the magic happens.
Finding your perfect dress is a special experience and a core memory. Enjoy the process, and be open to trying on different styles during your wedding dress appointment. Trust your instincts, and most importantly, savor the exciting time of saying YES to the dress!
By following these most important tips, you can expect a fabulous wedding dress shopping experience. Have a question about finding the dress of your dreams? We are here to help! Contact us and we will write a blog just for you!