Deborah Chan
Wedding dress shopping is an exciting experience for many brides, but it can also be overwhelming. To make the most of it, it's important to be prepared. Before you start, determine your bridal style by compiling a file of your favourite wedding dresses from magazines, Instagram, Pinterest, and online boutiques. Identify common themes among the styles you like and bring your ideas to your appointment. It's also helpful to consider your wedding venue and theme to ensure your dress complements the overall aesthetic. In terms of who to bring, it's recommended to limit your entourage to two or three people to avoid conflicting tastes and distractions. These could include your maid of honour, mother, grandmother, sister, or other close family members. Remember, it's also perfectly fine to go wedding dress shopping alone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people to invite | 2-3 people including the maid of honor, mom, grandmother, or another close family member |
| Time taken | 1-2 hours |
| Number of shops to visit | 2 shops on average, but it varies depending on personal preference |
| Number of dresses to try | 7 dresses on average, but it varies depending on personal preference |
| Preparation | Compile a list of favorite wedding dresses, determine the wedding design, and decide on the hairstyle |
| Budget | $2000 for the dress, but additional costs for tailoring, accessories, and cleaning |
| Timeline | Start shopping right after selecting the wedding venue, and buy the gown 8-10 months before the wedding |
| What to bring | Socks, heels, hair ties, clips, and shapewear |
| Who to invite | People who will be honest and truthful, such as parents, close family, maid of honor, or bridesmaids |
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What You'll Learn
- Who to bring: 2-3 people max, like your maid of honour, mum, or sister?
- What to bring: Hair and makeup trials can be scheduled for the same day?
- When to start: Right after you select your venue, with 8-10 weeks for alterations?
- Where to shop: Check the salon has your desired dress styles and designers?
- What to expect: An hour-long appointment, with the option to extend?
Who to bring: 2-3 people max, like your maid of honour, mum, or sister
Wedding dress shopping is an exciting time for brides-to-be, but it can also be overwhelming. It is important to keep your entourage small, with a maximum of two to three people. This will ensure you have a positive experience without too many conflicting opinions.
The people you choose to bring should be those whose opinions you trust and who know your style. They should be able to give honest advice while also understanding that they are helping you choose a dress that reflects your personality and vision for your wedding day. It is a good idea to bring your maid of honour, as your "number one gal", and your mother, who has likely been dreaming of this day for a long time. Your sister is also a great choice if you have one.
You may also want to consider bringing your bridal party or bridesmaids, but be mindful that too many opinions can be distracting and stressful. It is a good idea to check the salon's guest policy in advance, as some may have restrictions on the number of guests you can bring.
Remember, this is your special moment, and it is important to do what makes you feel comfortable. If you prefer to go wedding dress shopping alone, that is perfectly fine too!
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What to bring: Hair and makeup trials can be scheduled for the same day
Wedding dress shopping can be an overwhelming experience, so it's always good to be prepared. Hair and makeup trials can be scheduled for the same day as wedding dress shopping to further enhance the dress shopping experience.
Firstly, it is important to note that you should never show up to a hair or makeup trial empty-handed. It is recommended to bring the bridal hair accessories you plan to wear, such as a veil or hair extensions, so that your stylist can incorporate them into your look. If you have a specific hairstyle in mind, communicate it to your stylist beforehand. You should also bring any makeup products you know you want to use on your big day, such as a specific lipstick or false lashes.
Secondly, bring a trusted friend or family member with you, such as your maid of honour, best friend, mother, or sister. They can offer their honest opinions and help you make important decisions. However, avoid bringing a crowd as too many opinions can be overwhelming.
Thirdly, it is beneficial to wear something similar to your wedding dress, especially for the hair trial. Mimic the neckline of your wedding dress to allow your hairstylist to create a hairstyle that complements your gown. If you plan to wear heels on your wedding day, bring a pair with you.
Lastly, communicate with your hairstylist or makeup artist about pre-trial prep. Discuss any concerns you may have, such as skin breakouts or hair texture. Provide them with details about your wedding, including the venue, date, and overall look and vibe. Bring pictures of your dress and a few ideas for the hairstyle and makeup look you desire. Be open to suggestions and give them the freedom to experiment.
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When to start: Right after you select your venue, with 8-10 weeks for alterations
Wedding dress shopping is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. To ensure that the bride finds her dream dress, it is important to start looking early and allow ample time for alterations. While it may be tempting to start the search right after getting engaged, it is more practical to begin after selecting the wedding venue. This allows the bride to focus on finding a dress that complements the venue and overall theme of the wedding.
Ideally, wedding dress shopping should begin eight to ten months before the wedding. This timeframe provides a comfortable buffer for finding the perfect dress and allows for any necessary alterations. It is worth noting that the process of ordering a dress can take six to nine months, depending on the complexity of the alterations and any customisations requested. Therefore, starting the search with a year to spare is often recommended.
Once the dress arrives, the alterations process can begin. This typically takes place three months before the wedding and involves multiple fittings. During the first fitting, the seamstress will discuss any custom additions or removals, alter the hem length, and determine how much the dress needs to be taken in or let out. This appointment is crucial for assessing the necessary alterations and ensuring a flawless fit.
It is important to remember that the timeline for alterations may vary depending on the extent of the changes and the seamstress's schedule. Custom alterations, such as adding intricate details or modernising a vintage dress, can take significantly longer. Therefore, it is advisable to leave extra time for these adjustments to ensure a stress-free experience.
To summarise, it is advisable to start wedding dress shopping soon after selecting the venue, with eight to ten months as a recommended timeframe. This allows for dress selection, ordering, and the crucial alterations process. By starting early and allowing ample time for alterations, the bride can confidently walk down the aisle in a perfectly fitted dream dress.
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Where to shop: Check the salon has your desired dress styles and designers
When it comes to choosing a bridal salon, it's important to ensure that they stock your desired dress styles and designers. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:
Firstly, do your research. Before stepping into any bridal salon, take the time to explore their designer selection. Most bridal shops have a list of the designers they carry on their websites, so you can easily check if they stock the designers you're interested in. Even if a salon doesn't carry your desired designer, it's worth checking them out, as you might discover a new designer that suits your taste. Additionally, don't forget to consider your budget. Knowing your price range will help you choose salons that align with your financial plan.
Compile a list of your favourite wedding dresses, whether it's from magazines, Instagram posts, Pinterest boards, or celebrity looks. Identify common themes among the dresses you've chosen—do you lean towards open backs, embellishments, lace, or fitted silhouettes? Understanding these preferences will help you communicate your style to the bridal salon and guide them in curating options that align with your taste.
If you have a specific dress in mind, be sure to give the salon a heads-up. While a bridal salon may carry a particular designer, they might not have the full collection in-store. Therefore, communicating your preferences in advance increases the likelihood of trying on your dream dress during your appointment.
Trunk shows are also a great way to explore a wider range of styles from a specific designer. These events often come with perks like discounts and the opportunity to be styled by the designer or their representatives. Keep an eye out for these shows by checking the designer's website or the salon's events page.
Lastly, don't be afraid to reach out to bridal boutiques near you, especially if you have specific requirements, such as size selection or accessibility needs. A good bridal salon should be able to accommodate your unique needs and guide you towards finding the perfect dress that aligns with your personal style and wedding vision.
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What to expect: An hour-long appointment, with the option to extend
Wedding dress shopping is an exciting and unfamiliar experience for most brides. It is important to be mindful of the time constraints of bridal stylists, who typically spend an hour and a half to two hours with a bride. The standard appointment lasts for one hour, with the option to extend for an additional fee, depending on the salon. If more time is needed, another appointment can be made for a future date.
To make the most of the appointment, it is recommended to limit the number of guests to two or three people. This could include the mother of the bride, maid of honour, a close family member, or a small group of bridesmaids. It is important to consider whether you want anyone to see your gown before the wedding day and whether you feel comfortable with a large crowd. The chosen guests should be supportive and offer helpful, honest advice while understanding the bride's personal vision.
Before the appointment, it is beneficial to create a vision board or compile a file of favourite wedding dresses. This can include saving Instagram and Pinterest posts, browsing online boutiques, and tearing pages out of magazines. Identifying common themes among the saved styles, such as embellishments or open backs, can help guide the bride's choices during the appointment. It is also essential to be mindful of the wedding timeline, as the gown will need to be finished at least two months before the wedding date to allow for alterations.
During the appointment, the bride will typically try on multiple dresses. It is recommended to go barefoot or wear socks and bring heels if planning to wear them on the wedding day. Bridal stylists suggest forgoing a bra, as most wedding gowns provide built-in support, but the bride can bring adhesive or strapless bra options if preferred. Hair ties and clips can also be useful to sweep hair up and provide a better view of the gown's neckline.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to limit your entourage to two or three people at most. While it may be tempting to bring your entire bridal party, conflicting tastes and too many opinions can quickly become overwhelming and stressful.
Your maid of honour, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, or another close family member or friend. Anyone whose opinion you value and who will be supportive and not overly critical.
It is recommended to only book a few appointments in a day or a weekend to avoid feeling oversaturated and forgetting what you liked about each dress. The average bride visits two stores and tries on seven dresses before making a selection, but there is no need to feel discouraged if it takes longer.
It is suggested to bring hair ties or clips to sweep your hair up and off your neck. If you plan on wearing shapewear or a bra under your gown, bring those along, especially if it will help you feel more comfortable. If you plan on wearing heels, bring those too.
It is recommended to buy your gown nine months ahead of your wedding to accommodate alterations, which can take eight to ten weeks. So, if your wedding is a year away, you have about ten months to find your gown.
Happy wedding dress shopping!
