Going wedding dress shopping is a thrilling experience. Your partner has finally popped the big question, and you've said "yes". Now is the moment to put your dream into action. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try on a plethora of beautiful gowns and imagine yourself in them on your wedding day.
However, it can also be a lot of pressure, can you imagine all the photos that will be taken on your wedding day? And expensive purchases (dress prices average $1,500-$5,000 at our store) can be stressful regardless of the item being purchased.
So we've put together a list of tips for your first wedding dress appointment. We hope it helps ease any stress or anxiety you might be feeling!
Table of Contents:
Tip 1: Research Research Research
Tip 4: I see London I see France
Tip 5: Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations
Tip 6: Consider Your Wedding Venue
Tip 1: Research Research Research
Start looking at wedding dresses and get a feel for what styles and shapes you like. A good place to start is our post that explains the parts of a wedding dress and the primary wedding dress shapes. Knowing the different parts of a dress and the names of the styles will help you communicate more effectively at your appointment.
Once you have a feel for the style of dresses you would like to try on, you will need to research bridal shops near you that look like they have what you want. Since few wedding boutiques allow walk-in appointments, you'll need to make an appointment. Check with your shopping companions to see when they are available and schedule a series of shopping appointments. And it is always better to book well ahead of time because appointments can fill up fast.
If you don’t find a bridal shop that has what you’re looking for, consider Renée Grace. We’re the ultimate option for customizable wedding dresses in Cincinnati. You can mix and match elements from any of our 70+ designs, or if you’re so inclined, you can work with our designer to create a custom wedding dress.
Tip 2: Know Your Budget
You don’t want to fall in love with a dress you can't afford. Avoid trying on dresses that are completely out of your price range. Know your budget before you go into the store and let the assistant know what budget you're working with so they can assist you in finding something that meets all of your requirements.
Also, keep in mind that unless you’re buying a dress from Renée Grace, your dress will almost certainly need to be altered, so factor that into your budget. When you purchase a wedding dress from Renée Grace, we take your measurements and make your dress to size. We guarantee it will not need to be altered.
Tip 3: Do you trust me?
It can be challenging to decide who to bring with you because you'll probably want to please everyone. Ask yourself, do you trust them to be honest with you while also being nice and attentive to your feelings?
We recommend enlisting the help of a few of your closest friends, as having too many opinions might be confusing and lead to a hasty decision. You want someone you can trust to be completely honest with you and provide you with the assistance you need.
Tip 4: I see London I see France
You'll want to wear some underwear that you don't mind being seen in as you'll be helped in and out of wedding gowns. Since many dresses feature bust support, you may wish to take your bra off while trying on dresses for comfort.
Additionally, be courteous of the boutiques by wearing minimal make-up or false tan. Getting the dresses on and off can be difficult, and they will almost certainly fall over your head. Samples are quite valuable to wedding stores and having stains on the inside of a dress is not a good look.
Tip 5: Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations
You wouldn't buy on Amazon without first checking the reviews. Do the same (if not more) with your wedding dress purchase. When it comes to your wedding gown, honesty and integrity are essential.
In addition to reading all of the online reviews for the wedding dress stores you are considering, ask your married friends where they purchased their wedding gowns and if they would recommend the bridal store they purchased from. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so getting a referral from someone you trust is a big plus.
Tip 6: Consider Your Wedding Venue
It's crucial to consider your venue before purchasing a wedding dress, or even before you start wedding dress shopping. Is it an indoor or outdoor wedding? Traditional or Modern? City or Country? You may want to purchase a bridal cover-up if you're having a religious ceremony. You want to make sure your wedding dress fits into the season and wedding venue.
Tip 7: Enjoy Yourself!
Shopping for a wedding dress is a special experience, and it will be gone and over in the blink of an eye. Remember to stop and smell the roses. Enjoy this special time with your friends and family.
Bridal sessions normally run about an hour, which is usually sufficient time for you to try on a variety of dresses and get a clear sense of what you like and don't like.
Don't feel pressured or obligated to make a purchase decision right away. Every bridal boutique understands how difficult this decision can be, and they recognize that you'll want to shop around. Make a note of the dresses you prefer with your sales assistant so that when you return, they can quickly draw out those pieces.
Shop owners and employees are trained to put you at ease and assist you in making your decision. Nonetheless, we hope that these tips will make your dress shopping experience a bit less stressful.