Deborah Chan
Preparing for your wedding dress appointment can be a daunting task, but there are several things you can do to make the process smoother. Firstly, it is important to do your research and have an idea of the styles, shapes, and designers you like. This will help you communicate your preferences to your stylist and narrow down your options. It is also crucial to consider your wedding date and venue when making your selections. To make the most of your appointment, eat something beforehand, and bring hair ties, extra underwear, and inspiration pictures or mood boards. Most importantly, remember to enjoy the experience and trust your consultant, who can provide valuable recommendations based on your personal style and preferences.
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What You'll Learn
Do your research and save inspiration pictures
It is important to do your research and have a basic idea of what you want before going to your wedding dress appointment. This includes browsing wedding dress trends on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok, and saving your favourite styles to show your stylist during the appointment. You can also screenshot dresses you like and create an inspiration board with magazine cut-outs. Consider the wedding date and venue when looking for inspiration, as the style of dress for a summer beach wedding could be very different from a winter elopement in the mountains.
When doing your research, keep in mind that not every dress you see online is attainable for the average bride, and it's easy to get caught up in the details. What matters most is how you feel in your gown. Before your appointment, think of three words that describe how you want to feel in your gown.
It is also helpful to have a sense of your preferred wedding dress silhouettes, neckline, sleeve type, and fabric. You can do this by looking at different bridal salons' websites and seeing the wedding dress designers they carry. You should also consider your budget and the cost of alterations, accessories, and customisations. This will help your stylist pull dresses that fall within your budget.
Ideally, you should start your wedding dress research about 12 months before your wedding, or shortly after you have your wedding date and venue finalised. It might take a few appointments to find your perfect dress, but you should aim to purchase your gown about nine months before your wedding to allow time for tailoring and customisations.
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Wear appropriate underwear and bring hair ties
When trying on wedding dresses, you'll be helped in and out of the dresses, so wear underwear that you're comfortable with others seeing. Many dresses have built-in bust support, so you may want to forgo the bra. Flesh-toned and seamless underwear will be less noticeable when trying on dresses. If you plan on wearing shapewear under your wedding dress, consider wearing it to your appointment, too, so you can clearly see your entire vision.
If you have long hair, bring a hair tie to keep your hair off your face and out of the way while trying on dresses. This is especially useful if you're trying on dresses with intricate backs or strap detailing, as it will allow you to see the dress in full.
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Eat something and plan to make only two appointments in one day
Wedding dress shopping can be tiring, so it's important to fuel up before you go. Make sure to eat something before your appointment—it's a workout! Grabbing lunch a few hours before dress shopping is a good idea, as long as you give yourself enough time to digest.
It's also a good idea to limit yourself to two appointments in one day. Book one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and leave enough time in between to have a meal and discuss the dresses you tried on earlier in the day. This will give you a chance to reflect and plan for your next appointment.
While wedding dress shopping is exciting, it can also be physically demanding. Trying on multiple dresses and getting in and out of them can be a lot of work, so make sure you're well-rested and energised before your appointments.
Additionally, consider bringing a hair tie to keep your hair out of the way, especially if you have long hair. This will make it easier to try on dresses with intricate backs or strap detailing, and it will also help your stylist get you in and out of the dresses quickly.
By eating something beforehand, pacing yourself with two appointments, and bringing a hair tie, you'll be well-prepared for a successful and enjoyable wedding dress shopping experience.
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Discuss budget and who is paying for the dress
It is important to discuss the budget for the wedding dress and who will be paying for it before the appointment. This will help you understand what you can afford and what you can expect from the appointment.
Firstly, you should determine how much you are willing to spend on the dress. On average, couples allocate 6% of their total wedding budget to attire and beauty, including the cost of the dress, shoes, and accessories. It is important to be realistic about what you can afford and what you are willing to pay for the dress. This may involve compromising and cutting back on spending in other areas of the wedding.
You should also consider the cost of alterations, as these can add significantly to the overall cost of the dress. Some alterations are unavoidable, so it is worth budgeting for them upfront. Major alterations, such as changing the neckline or adding sleeves, will cost more than minor adjustments. Finding a dress that you love as-is can help to avoid costly changes.
Additionally, the designer and fabric of the dress will impact the price. Big fashion designers will come with a higher price tag, and luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, and embroidered lace are more expensive than synthetic or blended fabrics. If you have a specific designer or fabric in mind, be sure to factor this into your budget.
Finally, it is important to communicate with anyone who may be financially contributing to the wedding. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and that your spending is on track. It is also a good idea to inform your bridal consultant about your budget at the start of your appointment so that they can help you stay within your price range.
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Bring a small group of supportive people
Wedding dress shopping can be a fun but stressful experience. It is important to bring a small group of supportive people with you to your appointment. This could include family members, bridesmaids, or other loved ones. While some brides bring just one person, others prefer to bring a larger group. However, it is worth remembering that more people often means more opinions, which can make the experience overwhelming. Aim to bring two to three people from your closest circle to strike a balance between support and stress.
It is also important to choose the right people to join you. Select individuals who will make the experience better and with whom you feel comfortable. Pick those who have seen you at your best and worst and who know your style well. This way, you can trust that they will provide honest and helpful feedback and help you narrow down your options.
Additionally, consider bringing a friend who can take photos and videos of you in the dresses. This can be extremely helpful as it allows you to see angles that you may not be able to see in the mirror. Having these visual references can make it easier to make a decision, especially if you do not feel pressured to buy a dress during your appointment. Remember, it is normal to take your time and consider your options before making such an important purchase.
Finally, it is a good idea to discuss a few key things with your chosen companions before the appointment. This includes who is paying for the dress and the budget you are working with. Establishing these details privately beforehand can help avoid any uncomfortable situations during the appointment. It is also beneficial to share your wedding date and venue, as this can influence the style of dress you choose.
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Frequently asked questions
It's a good idea to do some research and save inspiration pictures so your stylist can understand the type of dress you're looking for. You should also consider who you want to bring along to the appointment. While some people prefer to go alone, others bring a few family members or friends whose opinions they trust.
You should bring hair ties, extra underwear, and any important heirloom pieces or jewellery that you plan to wear with your dress. If you plan to wear heels and/or shapewear on your wedding day, bring those too, so you can see how the dresses look with your chosen footwear and undergarments.
Wear your hair and makeup in a similar style to what you plan to have on your wedding day. You should also wear underwear that you don't mind being seen in, preferably flesh-toned and seam-free.
Bridal appointments tend to last about an hour, which is usually enough time to try on a wide selection of dresses. You'll be helped in and out of the dresses, so don't worry about struggling with zips or buttons. The consultant may hand you the dress and let you get most of it on before clipping it, or they may get the dress down to the floor and have you step into it.
Ideally, you should start shopping for dresses about 12 months before your wedding, or shortly after you've finalised your wedding date and venue. It might take a few appointments to find your perfect dress, but you should aim to purchase your gown about nine months before the wedding to allow time for tailoring and customisations.
