
There are several things to consider before trying on wedding dresses. Firstly, it is important to start the process early, with some recommending that you begin dress shopping about a year before the wedding. This allows plenty of time for browsing, making selections, and alterations. It is also beneficial to do some research beforehand to establish your preferences for silhouettes, necklines, sleeve types, and fabrics. This can be done by browsing wedding dress trends on platforms like Pinterest. Additionally, it is advisable to eat something before your appointment to maintain your energy levels, and bring a hair tie or clip to keep your hair tidy and manageable while trying on different gowns. You may also want to wear a comfortable bra and shoes with a heel height similar to what you plan to wear on your wedding day. Most importantly, remember to keep an open mind and trust your bridal consultant, as they can provide valuable expertise and recommendations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to start shopping | 12 months before the wedding day or shortly after the date and venue are finalized |
| Time to purchase the dress | 9 months before the wedding |
| Number of bridal salons visited | 2 on average |
| Number of dresses tried on | 7 on average |
| Number of appointments in a single day | Not more than 3 |
| What to wear | Something comfortable and easy to change in and out of; a comfortable nude bra; heeled shoes or shoes similar in height to the wedding shoes |
| What to bring | Hair tie or scrunchie; shapewear; a Pinterest board or pictures of preferred silhouettes, necklines, sleeve types, and fabrics |
| Who to bring | People who give helpful advice and are honest, but also understand your style |
| When to eat | Before the appointment and avoid greasy food |
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What You'll Learn

Do your research and know your likes and dislikes
Doing your research and knowing your likes and dislikes is crucial before trying on wedding dresses. This involves browsing wedding dress trends and styles to establish a clear understanding of your preferences. Pinterest is an excellent resource for this, allowing you to create a board of your favourite styles, silhouettes, necklines, sleeve types, and fabrics. This visual reference will be incredibly helpful for your bridal stylist during your appointment.
Additionally, it is beneficial to be open to trying on different styles and designs. While it is essential to know your likes and dislikes, keeping an open mind can lead you to discover styles that you may not have initially considered but end up loving. This is where the expertise of your bridal consultant comes in—they can suggest styles that capture your personal taste, flatter your body type, and fit within your budget.
Starting your research early also ensures that you have ample time to explore various options and make informed decisions. Ideally, you should begin wedding dress shopping about 12 months before your wedding, giving you 2-3 months to browse and try on dresses before making a selection. This timeline also accounts for shipping times, which can take 4-6 months, and leaves room for final fittings and alterations.
While doing your research, it is helpful to determine your "dream wedding style" or "vibe." This can include exploring different aesthetics, price ranges, and must-haves. This way, you can narrow down the vast array of options and focus on styles that align with your vision for your special day.
Remember, the process of trying on wedding dresses is a unique and exciting experience. Embrace the journey, trust your instincts, and enjoy finding the perfect gown that reflects your personal style and makes you feel incredible.
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Eat something beforehand
Wedding dress shopping can be an exhaustive process, so it's important to eat something before you head out. Whether it's a full breakfast, a granola bar, yogurt, or a light lunch, make sure you have something in your system. Trying on wedding dresses can be a workout, and shopping on an empty stomach can affect your mood, attitude, and excitement about the dresses and the whole experience.
If you plan to make multiple appointments in a single day, it's a good idea to schedule a light lunch in between appointments. This way, you can relax and recharge before continuing your shopping trip. It also gives you time to reflect on what you've seen and discuss your thoughts with your companions.
However, avoid overeating or consuming greasy food, as this may leave you feeling bloated and less than your best.
If you have a full stomach, you'll be more motivated and excited about trying on dresses, and you'll have the energy to stand for long periods. So, be sure to eat something beforehand to make the most of your wedding dress shopping experience!
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Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
When it comes to what to wear when trying on wedding dresses, comfort and ease of changing are key. You'll want to feel comfortable and confident during your bridal appointment, so avoid anything that's difficult to change in and out of.
It's a good idea to wear a comfortable nude bra that you already own and can try on with different dresses. If you're trying on dresses with strapless or plunging necklines, you may prefer to wear nipple covers instead. Many wedding dresses have built-in structural elements, so wearing a bra may not be necessary. If you're planning to wear bridal flats on your wedding day, you can wear flats to your appointment. However, if you're wearing heels, bring a pair to your appointment so you can see how the height of the heel will work with the length of the dress. You don't need to bring the exact pair of bridal shoes you plan to wear, but it's a good idea to bring a pair with a similar heel height.
You might also want to wear shapewear to your appointment, especially if you plan to wear it on your wedding day. It can help smooth and hold everything in place, and give you an idea of how your dress will look and feel.
Don't forget to bring a hair tie or clip to your appointment. This will help keep your hair out of the way while you're changing, and it can also be a helpful way to visualise how a dress will look with your hair up or down.
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Bring a hair tie or scrunchie
Wedding dress shopping can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. To make the process seamless, it's essential to be prepared. One small but significant item to bring with you is a hair tie or scrunchie.
Having a hair tie or scrunchie handy is crucial if you have long hair. It will help you keep your hair up and out of the way while trying on different gowns. This not only makes changing in and out of dresses easier but also allows you to visualise how the wedding dress will look with an updo or a particular hairstyle. You can even style your hair before the appointment to match the hairstyle you plan to wear on your wedding day. This way, you'll get a more realistic image of the overall look and feel more confident in your choices.
Additionally, a hair tie or scrunchie can be useful if you feel too warm with your hair down. Trying on wedding dresses can be a workout, and you may want to keep your hair off your neck to stay comfortable. It's important to feel good throughout the process, and a simple hair accessory can make a big difference.
If you forget to bring a hair tie or scrunchie, don't worry. Many bridal salons provide basic hair accessories to make your try-on session as smooth as possible. However, if you have a particular hairstyle in mind for your wedding day, bringing your own hair tie or scrunchie in a similar colour or style can ensure you have what you need to create your desired look.
Overall, bringing a hair tie or scrunchie to your wedding dress appointment is a simple yet effective way to manage your hair and visualise your wedding day look. It can help you focus on finding the perfect dress and ensure you feel comfortable and confident during the entire experience.
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Be open-minded
While it is important to have an idea of what you want before trying on wedding dresses, it is equally important to keep an open mind. Wedding dress shopping is a unique experience, and the stylists are experts in their field. They can offer valuable insights and suggestions that capture your personal style, complement your body type, and fit your budget.
There are thousands of bridal designs and designers, so it is beneficial to be receptive to different styles and recommendations. You may be surprised by what you discover and how it enhances your vision. Having a flexible mindset allows you to explore a range of possibilities and make informed decisions.
If you are visiting multiple boutiques or trying on numerous dresses, staying open-minded can help you refine your preferences and narrow down your choices. It is a process of exploration and discovery, and you might find that your initial ideas evolve as you try on different gowns. Embrace the journey and trust that you will find the dress that truly speaks to you.
Additionally, being open-minded can alleviate potential pressures or stresses associated with wedding dress shopping. It encourages a positive mindset and allows you to enjoy the experience fully. Remember, it's about finding a dress that makes you feel your best, and sometimes that means being willing to step outside your comfort zone and embrace new possibilities.
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Frequently asked questions
It's recommended to start shopping for dresses about 12 months before your wedding day, or shortly after you've finalised your wedding date and venue. This gives you 2-3 months to browse, try on dresses and make a selection.
On average, brides try on seven different dresses before making a selection. However, don't worry if it takes you longer to find your dream dress, and don't second-guess yourself if you fall in love with the first dress you try.
Wear something comfortable and easy to change in and out of. You might want to wear a comfortable nude bra that you can try on with different dresses. If you plan on trying on dresses with low-cut backs or plunging necklines, consider nipple covers instead. Bring a pair of shoes with a similar heel height to what you plan to wear on your wedding day.
It's up to you whether you bring anyone with you to your appointment. If you're feeling anxious about multiple opinions being thrown your way, it's perfectly fine to go wedding dress shopping by yourself. If you do decide to bring people, choose those who will give you honest advice and be truthful with you.











































