Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
Finding your wedding dress is one of the best and most exciting parts of wedding planning! As you begin the exciting step of wedding dress shopping, there are a few important things to consider before you go. Follow this guide to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience as you search for the best dress of your life!
Research Styles and Trends
Take some time to go through Pinterest, bridal sites and magazines. See what is trending and if any appeal to you. Are you a sparkly princess bride, or a modern bride? Do you love big ruffle ballgowns or straight column dresses? What is your body type? Maybe you love the latest trends and are very fashion forward – and doing a little research will show you what is out there and what is on the horizon.
If this is not you, the classic and traditional will always be available and in style. Read blogs on subjects like fabrics, necklines, sleeves, body shapes, train lengths, etc.
Set a Budget
Determine your budget for the wedding gown, including any alterations and accessories and communicate that information. This will help your bridal stylist narrow down options that stay in budget. If you are a bride on a strict budget, some boutiques offer sample sales and trunk shows with discounts!
Choose Your Entourage Wisely
Select a few close friends or family members whose opinions you value. Too many opinions can be overwhelming and cause delays in the appointment flow. Keep the guest count small and supportive. Remember, it’s your dress and ultimately your decision.
We encourage brides to come with one or two people to find the dress and then make a separate appointment for a large group to come for the reveal! It is so much fun and the bride absolutely glows when she come out of the fitting room in her dream dress!
Book Appointments in Advance
Bridal boutiques can get busy, especially on weekends. Schedule your appointments well in advance to ensure you have plenty of time to explore different options and not feel rushed. If you do not like crowds, ask the store when the best time would be to come for a more private experience.
Consider the Wedding Venue and Theme
Think about the venue and season of your wedding. Your dress should complement the setting and theme. Discuss these details with your stylist and she can help guide you. (Be prepared, though, because you may try on a dress you never expected that turns out to be the one!)
Wear the Right Undergarments
Bring or wear the appropriate undergarments, such as a strapless bra and seamless underwear, to try on dresses more comfortably. This can give you a better idea of how each dress will look on your wedding day. Many dresses come with built in features like bust cups and corsets that will not require special undergarments or shape wear, however you may be more comfortable during the appointment wearing these.
Research the Bridal Stores
Look into the designers that the store carries, do they match your personal style and theme? Read the bridal salon’s policies (usually an FAQ section on their website), such as whether they allow photographs, how many guests they allow, the accepted payment methods, and any specific guidelines for appointments. Ask questions. Do they charge for appointments or require a credit card? What is the price range? Do they offer other services such as menswear, mother dresses, accessories? How do they handle issues?
Read reviews! Being informed will help you prepare for your visit.
Eat Before You Go
Do not go wedding dress shopping on an empty stomach. It is a good idea to have a light meal or something that will hold you over for a few hours and bring water. Save the bigger meal (and the alcohol) for the “I Said Yes” celebration afterward! Please do not drink alcohol before or during your appointment.
Bring Inspiration Photos
We have our brides send us photos and their Pinterest board in advance of their appointment so our stylists know the theme and vibe. This will streamline the process and makes a bride’s shopping experience more efficient. If the salon(s) you choose do not do that, make sure to bring photos or have them on your phone to show. Keep an open mind to dress suggestions! Just because you love a dress on a model doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you.
Bring Your Questions
Come prepared with a list of questions for the bridal consultant. Ask about the availability of the dresses, the ordering process, and the estimated delivery time. How easy it it to communicate with them if you need assistance? Clear communication will help manage your expectations.
Trying On
You and your bridal consultant have chosen a number of different dresses and you are in the dressing room. If this is your first bridal appointment, trying on that first gown is a very special moment!
Important: Wedding gown sample sizes are not like regular sizes! Whatever your normal size is, your dress will be at least one to two sizes larger. Do NOT let the size phase you! If the dress is too large, your consultant will clip it down. If it is snug, she can add some fabric to the back so you are not exposed. Dresses are long so you may want to bring your own heels (if you have your wedding shoes, definitely bring them!).
At Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo, we hold on to the favorite(s) to try on again at the end and add accessories to see the total bridal look! Some brides have a gut feeling and know when they have on their perfect wedding dress; others need time to process the details of the dress, how the dress fits and looks in pictures, etc.
The last thing the consultant should do is push you if you aren’t ready. Too much pressure is unnecessary and can not only ruin the appointment, but lead to dress regret by being pushed into saying yes.
Enjoy The Experience
Shopping for wedding dresses is a memorable and very special experience. Enjoy the process and be open to trying on different styles. Trust your instincts and your stylist! Our stylists truly want to help you find the perfect dress and celebrate with you. Most importantly, savor the excitement of saying YES to the dress because it will be a memory that lasts a lifetime!
If you have more questions, text us at 215-491-8500 or contact us, we are happy to answer! From wedding gowns to tuxedos and mother of the bride/groom dresses, Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo has your wedding attire covered!