Figuring out how to wedding dress shop can be quite the process. From knowing the ins and outs of when you should actually start wedding dress shopping to where should you be looking for your gown, there are a lot of important details to know. So, in order to ace your shopping experience right off the bat, we created a crash course for you to follow. Just read below to know everything about wedding dress shopping 101.
Learn everything about wedding dress shopping 101 by following this crash course.
Know the basics
Your date Are you getting married in the hot summer or are you planning a winter soiree? It is important to have set a date, so you can find a wedding dress that’s appropriate for the season. For example, you’ll likely want a light and airy gown if you’re marrying in warm weather, while heavier fabric is best for colder temps.
Your venue Knowing where you will be getting married is a big factor that plays into how to wedding dress shop. You will want your overall look to be cohesive with your venue style, which means finding a wedding dress that suits a glamorous ballroom or exquisite beach.
Your budget The last thing you’ll want to do is fall in love with a wedding dress that is way past your budget. So come up with a number that you are willing to spend and stick to it. That way you can tell your bridal salon right away how much you are willing to chip in to finding your dream wedding dress.
Your silhouette You’ll want to know what kind of silhouette you should be looking for before you go shopping. Think about what styles look best on you what styles don’t. It is important to know what flatters you the most so you can go into your appointment already knowing which silhouettes will compliment your figure in order to ace wedding dress shopping 101.
Do your homework
Don’t procrastinate You HAVE to start the shopping process early! It can take up to six to twelve months to get your wedding dress after you’ve placed the order in the salon, so the sooner you start the less stress you’ll feel. Staying ahead of the game and starting the shopping process shortly after your engagement will let you easily find your dress without feeling rushed.
Start browsing Create your dream collection by browsing online to find out what bridal style suits you. Create your own inspiration board on sites like Pinterest of designers and dresses you really like. This will be super helpful once you actually meet with a stylist at a salon. Along with the type of silhouette you prefer, you can give them an idea of whether or not you want something embellished and glam or something flowy and relaxed.
Research salons You’ll want to make sure the salon you shop in not only has great reviews, but also has the wedding dress styles you are looking for. It is always important to check out each salon’s website and also read their reviews. One of the easiest ways to find information about a vendor is by reading their reviews. That way you can figure out if they will be a good fit for you!
Ask the right questions
Do you carry my designer? If you have a designer in mind and really want to try on one of their wedding dresses, make sure to ask the salon before making an appointment. A lot of salons carry specific designers, so if you have your heart set on who you want to wear you’ll need to double check with the salon before you book your appointment.
What sample sizes do you carry? Wedding dress sizes can be very confusing to someone who has never gone wedding dress shopping. Sample sizes are completely different than regular street sizes, so make sure and ask your salon about the types of sizes they carry. Remember, don’t get discouraged over the size of a dress. Wedding dress sizes are completely different than the size number you typically wear.
What is your payment process? It is always important to ask the salon about their payment process. Most stores require a deposit and then ask for the rest of the payment after alterations. You’ll want to know exactly how the bridal salon deals with payment so you can factor it into your budget.
Do you handle fittings and alterations? It is important to ask how your salon handles the alteration and fitting process. The wedding dress you purchase will most likely be a sample size and will need adjustments. Therefore, always ask if they do their alterations in house, as well as figuring out how many weeks it will take and what the costs will be.
Make the Appointment
Create your list Narrow down your list to the top five salons you want to visit. Any more than that can leave you with too many options. Also, make sure each of them answered your questions in a way that made you feel confident to shop in their store. You want your final list to include all the stores you are excited to visit, not stores that gave you uneasy vibes.
Start booking You have to make an appointment with each salon you wish to visit. Many salons don’t even allow walk-ins, so booking appointments for at least an hour guarantees that you’ll be seen and catered to. We suggest booking your appointment about two weeks in advance. Remember, Saturday’s are always busier than a weekday, so if you can, try and be flexible on the days you book your appointments.
Don’t forget the essentials You’ll want to have an idea of the type of accessories and shoes you’ll be wearing on your wedding day. That way you’ll know how high your heels will be and then you start working those sorts of details into your alterations. We also suggest bringing the type of undergarments or shapewear you’ll be wearing on your wedding day.
Choose an entourage You definitely don’t want to bring a huge posse with you while you’re wedding dress shopping. Having too many friends and family members with you can lead to too many opinions and can be a bit chaotic. Choosing a few very close family and friends whose judgement you trust is the best way to have a happy dress shopping experience.
Trust Your Instincts
Don’t over shop If you try on a wedding dress and you have an overwhelming good feeling right away, stop shopping! You don’t have to keep trying on dresses just because you think you should. It is better to try on a few that you love rather than ending up torn and confused because you tried on too many.
You don’t have to cry Remember not every bride cries once they put on their dream wedding dress and that is perfectly okay! Every bride’s dress shopping experience is different, which means your reaction may be different than what you expect. As long as you have a good feeling about the wedding dress and it is giving you all of right the signs then you shouldn’t worry about shedding tears.
Look the part It is important to not underdress or overdress for your appointment. One of the easiest ways a stylist can determine your sense of style is by how you present yourself at your appointment. So don’t walk into the salon without pampering up yourself a little bit. That way you not only be confident while trying on gowns, but also your stylist can pull the right dresses for you.
Be your own advocate If you don’t love the dress, but people in your bridal entourage are trying to push you into loving it, speak up. Don’t feel pressured into a gown if you don’t truly love it. Instead, be vocal about what you do and don’t like, so your stylist can easily nix dress options you’re uneasy about and move on finding “the one”.