Deborah Chan
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many wedding plans, but it is still possible to shop for your dream wedding dress. While bridal boutiques are closed in some places, others are slowly opening up with new health regulations in place. Virtual appointments have become a popular alternative, with stylists helping brides find their perfect dress through video conference calls. For those who prefer an in-person appointment, it is important to research bridal stores and their safety measures, minimize shopping trips, and bring fewer guests. This article will explore the different ways brides can shop for their wedding dresses during the pandemic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appointment type | Virtual appointments are available in some boutiques, but in-store appointments are also possible in some areas. |
| Preparation | Research styles, silhouettes and details beforehand. |
| In-store appointments | Expect new health regulations, such as closed, employee-only stock rooms. |
| Virtual appointments | Video conference calls with stylists and loved ones. |
| Online shopping | Inventory is available to view online, with detailed size information. |
| Shipping | Some boutiques offer express and overnight shipping. |
| Safety | Masks are required in some boutiques. |
| Guests | Some boutiques are limiting the number of guests brides can bring. |
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What You'll Learn
Virtual appointments
Before the video call, a stylist will often have an introductory phone call with the bride to discuss her style, price point, wedding aesthetic, and any other relevant details. The stylist will then select a variety of gowns to present during the video call and work with the bride to narrow down her favourites.
After the virtual appointment, the bride can choose a few dresses to pick up at curbside to try on at home. Once she has found "the one", she can contact the stylist to place her order. This process ensures that finding a wedding dress during COVID-19 can still be a fun and exciting experience.
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In-store appointments
If you prefer to see your wedding dress in person before buying it, you will need to find a store that offers in-store appointments. In-store appointments are available in some states, but new health regulations are being strictly enforced to ensure safety.
Before you go, it is a good idea to do your research and look at the bridal salon websites in your area. You can use social media for inspiration, and Pinterest is perfect for figuring out your favourite silhouettes and details. Once you have a general idea of what you want, you can start looking at the bridal salons in your area to see if they have what you are looking for.
When you arrive for your appointment, you may be asked to ring a doorbell to let the staff know that you are there. Some stores, such as Dress Gallery in Wichita, Kansas, will not allow brides and their entourage to browse through the gowns themselves. Instead, you will be asked to choose your favourites ahead of time, and the staff will bring them to you. This can be beneficial if you are unsure what you are looking for.
To minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission, it is recommended that you bring fewer guests with you to your appointment. You should also wear a mask, and check with the store about what safety measures they are taking.
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Research and planning
Research
- Start by researching bridal stores online. Check out their websites, Instagram and Pinterest pages to get an idea of their inventory and style. This will help you create a shortlist of places to visit and minimise your shopping trips.
- If you're set on a particular boutique, check what shopping options they're offering during the pandemic. Many boutiques are offering virtual appointments, where you can work with stylists remotely to find your dream dress.
- Research lead times for dresses. The standard timeframe to shop is 4-6 months before the wedding, plus an additional 1-2 months for delivery and alterations. Keep this in mind to ensure your dress arrives on time.
- If you're in a hurry, consider shopping for previously worn gowns or last-minute wedding dresses that are in stock and ready to ship.
- Familiarise yourself with health and safety measures. Due to the pandemic, bridal stores may have new regulations and rules in place, such as requiring masks for customers and staff.
Planning
- If you prefer an in-person appointment, contact your local bridal retailers to schedule an appointment. Some stores may be offering limited private appointments to ensure your safety and comfort.
- Bring fewer guests to reduce the risk of exposure. While it's tempting to bring a large entourage, remember that gathering people from different households increases the risk of infection.
- Ask about virtual wedding dress shopping appointments. Many bridal stores offer free virtual consultations where you can meet one-on-one with a stylist and get a personalised experience.
- Prepare for your appointment by gathering pictures of wedding dresses and gowns that you like. This will help the consultants understand your preferences and make informed suggestions.
- Don't forget to shop for bridal accessories and other wedding-related outfits, such as shoes, hairpins, and jewellery. These items are often overlooked but can be easily purchased online.
Remember, despite the challenges of the pandemic, it is still possible to find your dream wedding dress. With careful research and planning, you can make the process smooth, safe and enjoyable.
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Safety measures
Virtual Appointments
Virtual appointments are being offered by many boutiques, allowing stylists to help brides find their perfect dress through video conference calls. This enables brides and their loved ones to continue the wedding dress shopping experience from the safety of their own homes. Boutiques such as The White Dress by the Shore, Grace Loves Lace, and Savannah Miller are conducting virtual appointments via Zoom, FaceTime, or Facebook Messenger.
In-Store Appointments
For brides who prefer an in-person appointment, some stores are offering exclusive in-store appointments. Strut Bridal Salon, for example, provides limited private appointments when the store is closed, allowing brides and their guests to have the store and stylists to themselves.
Social Distancing and Masks
In-store appointments are being carefully managed to ensure social distancing and mask-wearing. Dress Gallery in Wichita, Kansas, for example, has implemented a closed, employee-only stock policy, preventing customers from browsing the gowns themselves. Instead, they ask brides to search their Pinterest page and save their favourite styles, which the staff will then locate for them.
Research and Online Shopping
Brides are encouraged to thoroughly research bridal stores and their inventory online before visiting in person. This helps to minimise the number of shopping trips and the risk of exposure. Some boutiques, such as Dreamers & Lovers, offer the option to send out standard-sized dresses for brides to try on at home before purchasing, reducing the need for in-person shopping.
Delivery Dates
To avoid unnecessary visits to the bridal shop, brides are advised to ask about delivery dates and confirm via phone after a few days. This helps to manage expectations and reduce the anxiety of waiting for the gown to arrive.
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Last-minute options
If you're in a hurry, consider the following last-minute options:
Previously Worn Gowns
If you're in a rush, consider shopping for previously worn gowns. LVD, for example, offers previously worn designer wedding dresses and samples in great condition that are available to buy right off the rack. Their inventory is online and available to ship out now.
Last-Minute Wedding Dresses
BHLDN has an entire page of last-minute wedding dresses that are in stock and ready to ship. Each dress has detailed fit information, and you can chat with a stylist to help you get the right size. Gowns ship within 24 hours, and express and overnight shipments are available.
Standard Sized Dresses
Dreamers & Lovers can send out standard-sized dresses within a week of purchasing. To alleviate concerns about fit, they allow customers to receive up to three dresses to try on at home before purchasing.
Virtual Appointments
If you're unable to find a suitable last-minute option, virtual appointments may be a good alternative. Boutiques such as The White Dress by the Shore, Grace Loves Lace, and Savannah Miller offer virtual appointments with brides using video chat. Through Zoom, FaceTime, or Facebook Messenger, a consultant takes the bride on a virtual tour of the boutique, pulling out gowns of interest. While this isn't a replacement for shopping in person, it may be a good option if you have a little more time to spare.
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Frequently asked questions
Many bridal boutiques are offering virtual appointments via video conferencing tools such as Zoom, FaceTime, or Facebook Messenger. During these appointments, stylists can help you choose a dress and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Before your appointment, do your research and look for inspiration online. Pinterest is a great platform to figure out your favourite silhouettes and details. You can also look at the inventory of bridal salons in your area to see if they carry dresses that align with your preferences.
Some bridal salons are offering in-store appointments with new health regulations in place. To minimise exposure and risk, thoroughly research bridal stores before visiting and limit the number of guests you bring along.
Consider shopping for previously worn gowns or sample dresses, which are often available to buy off the rack and can be shipped quickly. You can also ask about rush options or expedited shipping when placing your order.
Take advantage of the time at home to shop for bridal accessories and other wedding-related outfits. You can also use this time to connect with designers and consultants to discuss customisation options and get a better understanding of their process.
