Deborah Chan
Wedding dress shopping is an exciting but potentially stressful experience for any bride-to-be. It is important to remember that this experience is about you, and you should only invite people who you trust and who will support you no matter what dress you pick. While it is common to bring close family members, such as your mother, sister, or grandmother, you may also want to bring your bridesmaids, close friends, or even your partner. However, too many opinions can be overwhelming, so it is recommended to keep your crowd small and limit the number of people you bring to around three to five guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of shops visited | 2 on average, but this varies |
| Number of dresses tried on | 7 on average, but this varies |
| Who to take | Mum, sister, aunt, cousin, best friend, fiancé or a mix of these |
| When to start shopping | 8-12 months before the wedding |
| Appointment duration | 1-2 hours |
| Appointment day | Weekday appointments are recommended |
| Number of appointments per day | 1 |
| Hangers | Can be deceiving, try the dress on |
| Return policy | Check before buying |
| Samples | Call ahead to check availability |
| Customisations | Discuss with the stylist |
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What You'll Learn
Should you take your fiancé wedding dress shopping?
There are many different opinions on whether or not you should take your fiancé wedding dress shopping. Some people believe that it is bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before the wedding and that doing so would ruin the surprise. However, others believe that it is a personal choice and that there are no hard rules. Some bridal stores may not prefer the fiancé to join as it could invade the privacy of other brides in the store.
If you are planning to coordinate your outfits for the ceremony, then it may be a good idea to have them attend your bridal appointment. If you value your fiancé's opinion about style and fashion, then you may want to consider taking them along. They can also help you stay within your budget.
On the other hand, if you are set on surprising them on your wedding day, then it may be best to shop without them. You can still involve them in other aspects of the wedding planning, such as choosing the venue, invitations, menu, and cake flavor.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, and you should do what feels right for you and your fiancé.
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How many people should you take?
Wedding dress shopping is an intimate experience, and it is completely up to the bride to decide who to bring along. Some brides may feel pressured to invite certain people, but it is important to remember that the most important factor is that the bride feels comfortable and happy.
It is recommended to keep the crowd small, with a maximum of four people. A large group can become confusing, as the bride may feel overwhelmed by conflicting opinions and may lose sight of her own preferences. It is also important to consider the amount of space in bridal salons, which may be limited. The people chosen to attend should be those who the bride trusts to give honest and helpful advice, and who understand her personal style and vision for her wedding.
The bride may want to consider bringing her fiancé, especially if they are planning to coordinate their outfits for the ceremony. However, tradition dictates that it is bad luck for the groom to see the bride's gown before the wedding, so this may be an important consideration for some couples.
The bride may also want to consider bringing her mother, sister, aunt, cousin, or best friends. These individuals can provide valuable support and help the bride feel relaxed and stress-free during this important moment. Ultimately, the decision of who to bring wedding dress shopping is a personal one, and the bride should choose whoever she feels will make the experience enjoyable and memorable.
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When to start shopping
The ideal time to start shopping for a wedding dress is between nine months to a year before the wedding date. This is because it takes time to find the right dress, and you will need to allow time for fittings and alterations. Most made-to-order wedding gowns take about six to nine months to create, and you will likely need to allow another two to three months for alterations.
According to the The Knot 2024 Attire & Fashion Study, the average bride in 2023 and 2024 started their wedding dress search ten months before the wedding. However, this included time for general research, and they did not start visiting salons until 8.5 months before the wedding. The average time between purchasing a dress and the wedding day was 7.5 months.
If you are having a short engagement, you may need to opt for an off-the-rack dress, a sample sale gown, or a ready-to-wear look. You can also shop online to cut down on time spent visiting salons, but be aware that alterations may still take a month or more to complete, and there may be additional rush fees involved.
If you are ordering a made-to-order dress, it is important to start the process as early as possible, especially if you plan to customise your gown. It is recommended that you make your final selection and pay a deposit around nine months before the wedding, to allow time for production and shipping.
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How many appointments and shops to visit
Wedding dress shopping is a fun but physically and mentally exhausting process. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and can be overwhelming. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the number of appointments and shops to visit, but there are some recommendations to keep in mind.
It is advisable to start with 1-3 bridal shop appointments. This allows you to explore various wedding dress styles without feeling overwhelmed. You can always cancel other appointments if you find your dress early. However, be sure to check for cancellation fees. It is also suggested to make no more than 2 or 3 appointments in one day. Wedding dress shopping is an emotional process, and anything more than that in a day will be overwhelming.
According to surveys, the average bride visits two different stores and tries on seven different dresses before making a selection. However, every bride is unique, and it is normal to take a few appointments to find the perfect dress. It is also important to start dress shopping about a year before the wedding. Bridal gowns can take 6-9 months to arrive, and alterations can take a few more months.
It is also important to trust your instincts and the consultant's recommendations during the process. Wedding dress shopping is different from regular clothes shopping, and the stylist's expert opinion is valuable. They can help you find a dress that suits your personal style, body type, and budget. It is also normal to take your time in finding the right dress, as there are thousands of designs available.
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What to do if you can't try on in person
If you can't try on wedding dresses in person, there are a few alternative options to consider. Firstly, you can browse wedding dress trends on Pinterest and screenshot your favourites to show your stylist during a virtual appointment. This will give you a sense of different silhouettes, necklines, sleeve types and fabrics that might work for you. You can also research specific wedding dress designers to see if their styles align with your vision and budget.
It's important to start this process early, as ordering a wedding dress can take several months, and you'll want to allow time for any necessary alterations. When you're ready to make a decision, be mindful that it's customary to keep the wedding dress hidden from the groom, so avoid sharing too many details if you want to maintain the element of surprise.
If you're set on trying a dress before committing to a purchase, you could consider visiting local shops to try on similar styles or sample sale gowns, even if they're not the exact dress you have in mind. Be honest with the staff about your intentions, and remember that it's normal to take a few appointments to find the right gown.
Additionally, don't underestimate the value of recommendations from bridal consultants, who have a wealth of experience in this area. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions based on your personal style, body type, and budget.
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Frequently asked questions
You should start shopping for dresses about 12 months before your wedding day, or shortly after you have your wedding date and venue finalized. It might take a few appointments to find your perfect wedding dress, but you should aim to purchase your gown about nine months before your wedding. This leaves enough time for the dress to be made, plus time for tailoring and customizations.
It is recommended to keep your crowd small, with a maximum of four people. Bringing too large of a group can become confusing and overwhelming. Pick people whose opinions you value and who will give you helpful and honest advice.
This is completely up to you. You might want to bring your mum, sister, aunt, cousin or best friend. If you want to keep your dress a surprise from your fiancé, you may not want to bring them along. However, if you value their opinion or are planning to coordinate your outfits, then it may be a good idea to bring them.
There is no magic number of dresses you need to try on. Some people find their dream dress on their first appointment, while others try on several gowns before making a decision. It is important not to overwhelm yourself by booking too many appointments in one day.
It is important to trust your consultant and keep an open mind for their recommendations. They are experts and will be able to suggest the best wedding dress options that capture your personal style, complement your body type and are within your price range. Remember that hangers can be deceiving, so don't judge a dress by the way it appears on display.
