
Wedding dress shopping is an important and special experience for brides. It can also be overwhelming and stressful. To prepare, brides should do some research on styles and designers and book appointments at boutiques that carry their desired styles and price points. They should also bring a small group of supportive friends or family members to the appointment, along with any accessories or shoes they plan to wear on their wedding day. During the appointment, the bride will meet with a consultant, try on dresses, and discuss their wedding vision and budget. It's important to be open-minded and trust the consultant's expertise. Brides should also take photos of dresses they love and be honest about what they like and dislike. If a bride finds her dream dress, she can start accessorizing and celebrating with her crew.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appointment duration | Typically 1 hour, can be extended for a fee or return another day |
| Number of appointments | Average of 2 store visits, trying on 7 dresses |
| Who to bring | 2-3 close friends or family who are honest and supportive |
| What to bring | Heirloom pieces, jewellery, skin-toned underwear, shapewear, shoes similar in height to wedding shoes |
| What to do | Discuss season, venue, décor, budget, try on as many dresses as possible, take photos, ask questions |
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What You'll Learn

What to bring to your appointment
Wedding dress appointments can be overwhelming, but also fun and exciting. It's important to be prepared for your appointment so you can make the most of it. Here are some recommendations on what to bring to your appointment:
People
It's common for brides to bring along a few close friends or family members to their appointment. While some brides bring just one person, others prefer to bring a larger group. It's important to choose people who are honest, supportive, and understand your wedding vision. Remember that more people often mean more opinions, which can make the experience more stressful.
Hair and Makeup
It's a good idea to wear your hair and makeup similar to how you envision your wedding day look. This could be an updo, soft glam makeup, loose curls, or even no makeup at all. Wear what makes you feel beautiful and most like yourself.
Inspiration and Accessories
Bring along any inspiration you've collected, such as an inspiration board, magazine images, or screenshots from Pinterest or Instagram. This will help your stylist understand your style and preferences. If you have any heirloom pieces or jewellery that you plan to wear with your dress, bring those along too. This could include a family veil or a special necklace.
Underwear and Shoes
Wear underwear that makes you feel comfortable. Many brides opt for a strapless bra or nipple covers, but some dresses have built-in bras, so you may not need one. If you plan to wear shapewear or specific underwear on your wedding day, bring those along to get a better sense of how the dresses will look. Even if you haven't chosen your wedding shoes yet, bring a pair of similar height so you can see how the dresses will flow and fit.
Budget Information
Be prepared to discuss your budget with your consultant. Trying on gowns that are above your budget can lead to disappointment, so be honest about your price range. Don't forget to factor in the cost of alterations, as these can add to the overall expense.
Remember to relax, enjoy the experience, and trust your consultant's expertise. It's a special moment, so savour it and have fun trying on different dresses!
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Who to bring to your appointment
Wedding dress appointments can be overwhelming, exciting, and stressful. It's important to bring people who will make you feel comfortable and happy. Many brides want their family, bridesmaids, and other loved ones to help them make this big decision. However, more people often mean more opinions, which can make the experience more confusing. It's recommended to bring two to three people from your closest circle for a fun and efficient appointment.
Choose friends and family who are honest, understand and support your wedding vision, and have your best interest at heart. If you feel like you'd prefer to go alone, that's totally fine too. You can always bring a friend or family member to a second appointment if you feel you need a second opinion.
If you do bring a group, it can be fun to coordinate outfits. Some groups have custom T-shirts designating the bride, maid of honour, bridesmaid, and mother of the bride and groom. You could also bring signs to hold up as you rate each wedding dress style. It's also a good idea to wear similar underwear to what you plan to wear on your wedding day. If you think you'll be wearing shapewear, bring a pair to your appointment so you can clearly see your entire vision.
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What to wear to your appointment
When it comes to what to wear to your wedding dress appointment, comfort and personal style are key. You want to feel good and comfortable as you try on different gowns. It's important to note that the appointment typically lasts about an hour, sometimes more, and you'll be trying on multiple dresses, so wearing something that makes you feel confident and relaxed is ideal.
- Wear clothing that is easy to change in and out of. You'll be trying on various dresses, so choose an outfit that allows for quick changes.
- Consider the undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day. Many brides opt for strapless bras or nipple covers, but it's also common to forgo a bra, especially if the dresses have built-in support. If you plan to wear shapewear or specific underwear on your big day, wear them to your appointment so you can see how the dresses look with your chosen undergarments.
- Bring shoes similar in height to what you plan to wear on your wedding day. This helps you visualize how the dresses will fall and move with you, giving you a better idea of any needed alterations.
- If you have specific heirloom pieces or jewellery that you plan to wear, bring those along. This includes veils, necklaces, or other accessories. It's essential to see how these pieces work with the dresses you're trying on.
- Wear your hair and makeup similar to how you envision your wedding day look. This could be an updo, soft glam makeup, loose curls, or a natural look. The goal is to help you see yourself as a bride and get a complete picture of your bridal vision.
- Be mindful of the length of your outfit. Bridal boutiques have many mirrors, and you'll be moving around a lot, sitting, standing, and bending. You want to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions and feel comfortable in the outfit you choose.
- Bring a few trusted friends or family members who understand your wedding vision and can provide honest and supportive opinions. It's easy to get overwhelmed with too many opinions, so choose your crew wisely!
- Finally, don't be afraid to ask questions. Your consultant is there to help and ensure you have a positive and seamless experience. They are experts in their field and can provide valuable insights and suggestions.
Remember, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and true to yourself. This is a special experience, so enjoy the process of finding your dream wedding dress!
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How to prepare for your appointment
Preparing for your wedding dress appointment is an important step in ensuring that you have a seamless and enjoyable experience. Here are some detailed instructions to help you get ready for your special day:
Research and Inspiration:
Before your appointment, spend some time researching wedding dress styles to get an idea of your preferences. Platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok offer a wealth of inspiration. Save pictures of dresses that catch your eye, taking note of specific elements such as silhouette, neckline, sleeve type, and fabric. This will help your stylist understand your taste and vision.
Choose Your Entourage:
Decide who you want to bring to your appointment. It's recommended to bring two to three people whose opinions you trust and who understand your wedding vision. Remember, more people can mean more opinions, which might make the process more overwhelming.
What to Bring:
On the day of your appointment, bring any heirloom pieces or jewellery you plan to wear, such as a family veil or a special necklace. Wear similar underwear or shapewear that you intend to wear on your wedding day. This will give you a more accurate idea of how the dresses will look and feel. If you already have your wedding shoes, bring them along, or bring a pair of similar height.
Be Open-Minded:
While it's great to have an idea of what you want, be open to suggestions from your consultant. They are experts in their field and can offer valuable insights. Trust their recommendations and be willing to try on different styles, as you may be surprised by what you end up loving.
Ask Questions:
Don't hesitate to ask your consultant any questions you have about fittings, payments, or styling. They are there to guide you and ensure you have a positive experience.
Remember, the most important thing is to relax and enjoy the process of finding your dream wedding dress!
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What to do during your appointment
Wedding dress appointments can be overwhelming, but also fun and exciting. Here are some tips on what to do during your appointment to make the most of it:
Do Your Research
Before your appointment, do some research on wedding dress styles, silhouettes, necklines, sleeve types, and fabrics. Browse Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok to get a sense of the current trends and save some inspiration pictures. However, keep in mind that not every dress you see online may be attainable, so focus on establishing your likes and dislikes.
Bring the Right People
It's important to choose your company wisely for your appointment. While you may want to include family, bridesmaids, and loved ones, more people often mean more opinions, which can be confusing and stressful. Consider bringing two to three people whose opinions you trust and who understand and support your wedding vision.
Wear the Right Undergarments
Wear undergarments that match your skin tone or are similar to what you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will help you get a better sense of how the dresses will look and fit. Many brides also choose to wear shapewear or a strapless bra, but ultimately, you should wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.
Discuss Your Vision
When you arrive at your appointment, take time to discuss your wedding vision with your consultant. Share details about the season, venue, décor inspiration, and any specific gowns that have caught your eye. Be honest about your budget to ensure you are shown options within your price range.
Try on Multiple Dresses
Don't be afraid to try on as many dresses as possible during your appointment. Give each dress a rating and share with your stylist what you like and dislike about each one. Remember to keep an open mind and trust your consultant's recommendations—they are experts in their field.
Accessorize and Celebrate
If you find a dress that you love, start accessorizing! Try on different headpieces, veils, and jewellery to complete your bridal look. Once you're happy with your selection, it's time to celebrate with your crew and snap some photos to remember the moment (just make sure they don't end up on social media!).
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you do some research beforehand to establish a baseline of likes and dislikes. You can browse wedding dress trends on Pinterest and Instagram and screenshot your favourites to show your stylist during the appointment. You should also bring any important heirloom pieces or jewellery that will be worn with your dress. Additionally, you should wear similar underwear to what you plan to wear on your wedding day.
It is common for brides to bring their family, bridesmaids and other loved ones to help them make the big decision. However, more people often include more opinions, which can make your dress shopping experience more stressful and confusing. We recommend bringing two to three people whose opinions you trust for a fun and enjoyable bridal appointment.
The standard wedding dress appointment lasts around one hour to an hour and a half. During your appointment, you will meet with your consultant to discuss your wedding, including the season you are getting married in, your venue and décor inspiration. Your consultant will then use this information to suggest wedding dresses that capture your personal style and complement your body type. You will then try on a number of dresses, giving each a rating and telling your stylist what you liked and disliked about each.











































