If you are engaged and on the hunt for your dream dress, then trunk shows are must see events for you!
Sounds like fun, doesn’t it? A Trunk Show can call up many images. Clearly it is a “show” of some sort, but what exactly is in the “trunk”? Read on to find out what these are, why you should attend, and what you should bring.
What is a Wedding Dress Trunk Show?
A wedding dress trunk show is a special event where a bridal boutique showcases a specific designer for a limited time. The show’s set could be brand new gowns that have not been released yet, the entire collection of a season, or even best sellers. Now, we don’t receive dresses in trunks however, they used to be physically brought to stores in trunks. Today, they are carefully packed and shipped in boxes!
Wedding dresses are introduced in the spring and the fall every year. Most retailers are unable to purchase entire collections for their store due to financial and space limitations, but brides still want to see all of them.
Enter the trunk show!
These events will book up quickly because they are held for a limited time (typically one weekend), and there is always a great deal of excitement surrounding it. Often there are discounts that are offered as part of the show, and sometimes you can even meet the designer in person.
Why Should You Go To A Trunk Show?
The best reason to attend a wedding dress trunk show is to see many dresses that are not typically in the store. If it is a show featuring new collections, these have not been seen and are available for that show only. This is a great opportunity to get a first look a gowns that have not yet been released. Other trunk shows may be sets of best sellers, plus size, colored dresses, or even destination dresses. The selection of dresses will be different for each show, so be sure to ask if you will see the newest styles from a specific bridal designer, a previous season, or if the show has a different theme.
Another reason to go is to get a deep dive into a specific designer. If you find yourself gravitating toward a particular designer, then look for a show featuring their full collection. Trunk shows may contain two dozen or more dresses so there is a larger number of styles to try on. Sometimes you will find an event where the featured designer (or the designer representative) will attend in person who will help style you based on your vision for your wedding day. You may even get customization options or other styling suggestions directly from the designer!
Often there are special discounts for purchasing at a trunk show! Discounts vary and can be offers such as a discounted price on the dress or a matching accessory piece, an entry to win a prize, a goodie bag of swag freebies, etc. These discount offers will vary from store to store.
What Else To Know – Some FAQs
How Many Guests Can I Bring? Wedding dress trunk shows are very exciting and create a lot of buzz. Because of this, many brides want to bring a large entourage along with them to the appointment. Bridal stores may limit the number of guests, and that may be helpful for you as the bride to have fewer opinions as you search for YOUR dress. Make sure to ask about the guest count. Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo allows the bride to bring four guests and special arrangements can be made to accommodate additional.
Should I Style My Hair? When you go dress shopping, whether a trunk show or not, it is always a good idea to style your hair. Generally how you think you may wear it. If you intend to wear it up, put it up. It will help you envision your look. If you aren’t sure, leave it down and allow the designer or bridal stylist to give you some tips on how to wear it to complement a particular dress.
What Else Should I Bring? If you already have your wedding day shoes or other accessories, this is the perfect time to bring those to see how they look with the dress! Bring shapewear if you intend on wearing them or a low back bra, etc. You should bring inspiration photos such as wedding dresses you like and your Pinterest board so they can get your vision. Have your questions ready and definitely keep an open mind while trying on.
How Do I Find A Trunk Show? Head over to our events page! We hold trunk shows on a regular basis not only for brides, but also exclusive events for Mothers of the Bride and Groom. We book and announce trunk show dates as soon as we have the next show confirmed from the designer.
Our Events Page is full of trunk shows, for brides and Moms!
Plan and Research!
You may find yourself looking online and pinning dresses that may be very similar in style and shape, and sometimes you will find the style of one or two designers to be very attractive to you. This is when you want to investigate which store carries those designers and when they will have their next show.
It is the perfect opportunity for you to see all of the options and it gets even better… If you say yes to a trunk show dress, usually there will be some type of incentive to purchase at the show whether it is a discount on the dress or an accessory piece or even a drawing to win a prize!!
Bridal appointments are a must however, we will always accommodate walk-ins whenever possible. Make sure to book fast as trunk show weekend events book up in advance. Bridal appointments with us are 90 minutes and we always reach out in advance so we can prepare properly and give you the best wedding dress shopping experience possible.
We can’t wait to meet you and help you find your dream wedding dress!