Lyla Dejesus
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many industries, and the wedding industry is no exception. Wedding dress shopping, a memorable experience for brides-to-be, has been transformed due to lockdowns and safety protocols. While some brides have chosen to wait for restrictions to ease, others have embraced virtual options, allowing them to continue their search for the perfect dress from the comfort of their homes. This article will explore the various ways brides have adapted to wedding dress shopping during the coronavirus pandemic, including online research, virtual appointments, and the safety measures implemented by physical stores.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shopping options | Online, virtual appointments, in-store |
| Online resources | Pinterest, YouTube, Etsy, Rent The Runway |
| In-store precautions | Hand sanitiser, face masks, social distancing, limited capacity, health questionnaires |
| Dress selection | Virtual consultations, home try-ons, customisation |
| Shipping | Curbside pickup, delivery |
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What You'll Learn
Virtual appointments
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted wedding plans for many couples, but virtual appointments can help you find your dream wedding dress without leaving your home.
First, you can start your search online by creating a Pinterest board or finding inspiration on Instagram. You can also browse bridal shops' websites and social media channels to see their latest designs. Some shops may also send you a digital inventory catalog for you to browse before your virtual appointment.
Next, schedule a virtual consultation with a bridal boutique. You can share your inspiration or Pinterest board with your stylist, who will then walk you through their inventory and help you select a few dresses to try on at home. During the appointment, your stylist will be able to advise you on different styles and answer any questions you may have.
After the virtual consultation, you can select 2-3 dresses to be shipped to your home or pick them up curb-side from the retail location. Some shops may charge shipping fees, especially if you are outside their delivery radius.
Finally, you can recreate the in-store experience by setting up a time with your friends and family to connect on Zoom or Facetime. You can try on the dresses you've selected and get their feedback and input.
While it may not be the traditional way of shopping for a wedding dress, virtual appointments offer a safe and convenient alternative during the pandemic.
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Online research
If you're planning on going wedding dress shopping during the coronavirus pandemic, it's a good idea to start with some online research. Many bridal shops have had to close their doors to customers, so you may need to start by browsing online to find a few dresses that you like. This will help you narrow down your options before you attend any in-person appointments.
You should also research local bridal boutiques to see if they are currently open and what kind of appointments they are offering. Some boutiques may be offering virtual appointments, which can be a great alternative to in-store appointments, especially if you are unable to visit a store in person. Virtual appointments can often be booked with short notice and allow you to shop from the comfort of your own home. During a virtual appointment, a stylist can present you with a variety of gowns via video conference call and help you find your perfect match.
It's important to keep in mind that wedding dresses, especially custom orders, can take longer than usual to arrive due to the pandemic. Therefore, it's recommended that you start shopping for your dress at least 10 months before your wedding date to allow for a 6-month window for alterations and last-minute details. If you've found your dream dress, don't wait too long to purchase it, as you don't want to risk it not arriving in time.
In addition to researching boutiques and their appointment options, you can also use online resources to browse dresses and get inspiration for your wedding look. This can help you get an idea of the styles, fabrics, and price points that are available before you start trying on dresses.
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In-person precautions
If you are planning to shop for your wedding dress in person, there are a few precautions you can take to ensure your safety during the coronavirus pandemic. Firstly, it is important to research ahead of time and narrow down your options. This will help you reduce the number of places you visit and limit your exposure to different people. You can start by browsing online, creating a Pinterest board with your favourite styles, and checking out bridal shops' websites and social media channels.
Once you have an idea of what you're looking for, it's a good idea to call ahead to the bridal shops you plan to visit. Find out about their safety measures and any specific rules they have in place. Some shops may have limited capacity, allowing only a certain number of people in the store at one time, so it's best to check in advance to avoid disappointment.
When you arrive at the shop, follow the safety protocols they have in place. This may include using hand sanitiser upon entry and wearing a mask during your appointment. The seating areas may be rearranged to allow for social distancing, and you may be asked to maintain a safe distance from other customers and staff. In some cases, you may be allowed to bring a limited number of family members or friends to accompany you, but it is important to check with the shop beforehand.
Additionally, be mindful of the health risks associated with trying on dresses. While it is customary to receive assistance from consultants when trying on wedding dresses, you may now be asked to minimise physical contact. This means you might have to fend for yourself a bit more when trying on dresses, so be prepared for that. Overall, it is important to follow the safety guidelines and remain flexible as you navigate this process during the pandemic.
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At-home try-ons
If you're planning to go wedding dress shopping during the coronavirus pandemic, you might have to opt for at-home try-ons. While it may not be the traditional way of shopping for a wedding dress, it's a great way to stay safe and still enjoy the experience. Here are some tips to make the most of at-home try-ons:
Research and Consultations
Before selecting any dresses to try on at home, it's a good idea to do some research and consultations. Start by browsing online to get inspired and check out bridal shops' websites. Some shops, like Ellie's Bridal Boutique, offer virtual consultations where you can meet your stylist and send them your inspiration or Pinterest board. During the consultation, the stylist will curate a selection of gowns based on your preferences.
Selecting Dresses
After the virtual consultation, you can choose a few dresses (usually 2-3) to try on at home. Some shops may charge shipping fees for delivery, while others offer curb-side pickup options. It's important to confirm the details with the bridal shop before making your selection.
Trying on Dresses
Once you receive the dresses, set aside some time to try them on. You can even make it a virtual event and set up a time with your friends and family to connect on Zoom or Facetime. You can pop some champagne, try on the dresses, and get their feedback and input on the styles.
Returning Dresses
After you've tried on the dresses and made your decision, you'll need to ship the dresses back to the bridal shop. Remember to handle the dresses with care and follow any specific instructions provided by the shop for returning the items.
Additional Tips
- If you're unsure about a particular dress, don't hesitate to contact the designer or shop to request more information or fabric samples.
- Take advantage of online resources like Pinterest and YouTube to explore different styles and see the dresses in motion.
- Consider customisation options offered by some designers to make the dress truly yours.
- Be mindful of potential delays or supply chain issues due to the pandemic and plan well in advance to avoid stress.
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Local businesses
Local bridal shops have had to adapt to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, and many have risen to the occasion, offering new services to ensure brides-to-be can still find their dream dress.
Some shops have moved to virtual appointments, with brides encouraged to start their search online and create Pinterest boards or other digital mood boards to get a sense of what they are looking for. Shops can then offer virtual consultations, where a stylist will guide the bride through their inventory and help select dresses to try on. In some cases, dresses can be shipped to the customer to try on at home, or picked up curb-side.
Other shops have remained open, but with strict safety measures in place. This includes limiting the number of people in the shop at one time, providing hand sanitiser, rearranging seating to allow for social distancing, and requiring staff and customers to wear masks. Some shops are also sending out pre-appointment questionnaires to help narrow down the selection of dresses for the bride, reducing the number of places she needs to visit.
The pandemic has also led to a rise in local dressmakers and designers, who are able to create dresses without the supply chain issues that come with overseas manufacturing. Local businesses that do not rely on factories in impacted countries, such as China, have been able to continue operating with minimal disruption.
Overall, while the pandemic has certainly presented challenges for local wedding dress businesses, many have found creative ways to continue serving their customers and ensure that brides-to-be can still find their perfect dress.
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Frequently asked questions
Set up a time with your friends and family to connect on Zoom or Facetime. You can all drink champagne, try on dresses and get feedback from your friends on what they like and dislike.
Expect hand sanitiser stations and mandatory mask-wearing in stores. Guests may be asked to separate into households, with adequate distancing in between. Consultants and staff will likely be wearing masks or face shields.
Research and prepare in advance so that you arrive at the shop as informed and organised as possible. You may be sent a pre-appointment questionnaire to help the shop prepare an initial selection of dresses for you to try.
You can book virtual appointments with bridal shops and stylists, who will help you select dresses to try on at home. Shops may offer virtual styling services, home try-ons and ship fabric samples so you can see and touch the texture in person.
