Shopping for a wedding gown is such an important part of preparing for your wedding. Every bride has a different and unique experience when shopping for their wedding gown, and we understand that the process can feel daunting and overwhelming. However, shopping for your wedding gown can also be a lot of fun with the right amount of research and preparation before you begin shopping. Check out these tips below to help you feel confident when searching for your dream dress.
Make an Appointment
This ensures that you will have your stylist’s undivided attention. In addition, this gives the stylist the opportunity to prepare for your arrival with wedding gowns that meet your budget and preference. Weekends are typically the busiest time in a bridal salon and you will only get the amount of time allotted for your appointment. If you think you’ll need more time with a consultant, consider scheduling a weekday appointment when the salon is typically less busy to ensure you have enough time.
If you need to cancel, please do so with plenty of advance notice. Shops like ours only book one bride at a time so it is very hard to fill a hole when we get last minute cancellation.
Shower and “Put Your Face On”
Your stylist will be helping you get in and out of gowns so you’ll want to be fresh and clean. Go ahead and put some light makeup on so you’ll look and feel your best while trying on gowns. However, go light on powder, foundation, and lipstick and whatever you do don’t get a spray tan before your appointment. You don’t want to be the girl who leaves behind unsightly stains on the dresses.
Come Prepared
Be sure to bring nude colored undergarments (spanx, strapless bra, sticky bra, etc) and heels reflective of what you’ll wear on your wedding day. Also, don’t forget to bring any accessories you know that you would like to incorporate into your wedding day look such as any jewelry, veils, etc.
Plan Ahead
Make appropriate travel arrangements in order to get to your appointment on time. Keep in mind there is probably an appointment right before yours, so you also don’t want to arrive too early. If you are traveling out of town or to an area of town you are unfamiliar with, be sure to call the bridal salon and ask about any specific directions or parking instructions such as one way streets, metered parking, parking decks, etc.
Do Your Research
Check out the bridal salon’s website and see what designers they carry. Research those designers online to get a good idea of the styles and price points for each. Pinterest is great for this! Bridal salons do not carry every style of a designer’s collection, so if you see a specific gown you’d like to try, be sure to call and let them know in advance.
Know Your Budget
Your consultant will want to know your budget before beginning the appointment. If mom and/or dad is paying be sure to have the budget conversation before arriving to your appointment so that everyone is on the same page. Do not try on a wedding gown outside of your budget. This can waste valuable time you could be seeing realistic options and there’s nothing worse than falling in love with something that is simply out of reach. Also, be sure to factor in other costs such as alterations, rush charges, taxes, or shipping fees.
Bring a Small Group
Too many opinions can cause distractions and confusion for the bride during an appointment. Bring about 2-3 trusted loved ones whose opinion you value most. And, it is usually best to leave the kiddos at home as to not cause distractions!
Eat Something
While we wouldn’t recommend hitting the buffet before your appointment, be sure to have a little something on your stomach. Trying on wedding gowns can be tiring so having some energy will help you keep a clear head when making those important decisions!
Trust Your Consultant
Many times brides think they know exactly what look they want only to find out the dress of their dreams is a completely different style. If your consultant suggests something you would never pick just trust her and go ahead and try it.
Know The Photo Policy
Be sure to ask your consultant what their policy is on taking pictures. Every salon has their own photography policy, so knowing upfront what their rules are can help avoid an awkward situation!
Have FUN!
Most importantly, remember to have fun! Arrive to your appointment with a positive attitude. Shopping for a wedding gown is such a fun time for a bride to spend with loved ones picking out one of the centerpieces of the wedding. If you feel yourself getting stressed out or anxious take a break. Maybe go around the corner and grab a cocktail and come back. Picking out your wedding gown should be a wonderful memory that you treasure so make sure you feel good through the entire process.
We’d love the opportunity to treat you to a luxury bridal experience. Call us with any questions or schedule an appointment today. We’ll help you find your dream wedding gown!
