The dress you’ve been dreaming up awaits….
But first, let me tell you a few things that will be helpful with the decision process and during your styling appointments!
Deciding where to shop
There are so many different places to choose from, and many times what is close in proximity is easiest. However, keep in mind each store or boutique has different price points and styling services. Places like David’s Bridal will be more budget-friendly and have some assistance in styling, while boutiques and specialty wedding stores will have a higher price point and private or semi-private styling services. Another thing to check is size availability. Some boutiques only carry a small selection of sizes and usually larger sizes to accommodate a variety of brides. This, however, makes it very hard to see what the dress truly looks like when the size is very far off (but in my case, it did work out! I got a size 14 and I was a size 6…miracles do happen).
Only schedule a couple fittings per day
Once you’ve found some places you’re interested in that have your price range and sizes available, then schedule only 1-2 fittings in one day. As much fun as it is dress shopping can still be exhausting and by the second or third store, and it may be a bit overwhelming with choices. I went to one boutique, had a favorite dress by the end of the appointment, then made another appointment at the same place for a week later.
Which is another side tip: don’t feel like you have to go with the first favorite from the first visit! As fun as it is getting the “I found my dress” picture, making sure you actually love the dress you chose is more important! I tried on more selections at my second appointment, compared them to the favorite, and ended up having a new favorite which I bought! The dress I chose ended up being the style I was dreaming of having but didn’t find the first time. So it was great to go back with a more narrowed style and find something closer to what I originally wanted! But who’s to say you can’t find the dress for you at the first fitting? I’ve seen that happen too!
Bring heels or your actual wedding shoes!
Bring a pair of heels or shoes that will be similar height to your actual ones for the wedding, or bring your wedding shoes if you get them beforehand! DSW is where my best friend and I got our wedding heels…on sale!
Along with shoes consider wearing or bringing a strapless neutral color bra. Many dresses have them built in but you may be more comfortable still wearing your own or having extra support.
Tell your stylist these Things
Many stylists and places will ask you to send inspiration of the dresses you like or even your Pinterest board..because we all know you have one 😉 but tell them if you are willing to have them suggest something new or if you would like them to only pull ones that match your style. Sometimes trying on new styles that you didn’t think you would like may end up leading to finding a new style you love! I’ve seen it happen…
Next and really important tell them your budget!! Places are not as great about this because they don’t want to limit you and let’s be honest, it’s a business, they want to make a good sale. However, don’t be afraid to tell them you would like to stick to a budget range, and ask them to check prices before you try a dress on. It’s very disappointing to try a dress on and love it and then find out it’s out of the budget. Save yourself the heartache and tell your personal stylist beforehand.
Ask about Sales!
Dresses are expensive, depending on where you go, and every bit helps! Even if the store itself is not having a typical sale ask about off-the-rack options (which is buying the sample dress you try on as is), or if there’s an all cash payment discount (as long as you have the cash). I was able to do both which helped a ton!
Happy dress shopping!
Take and leave my advice as you please! These tips are just to give suggestions and bring awareness before you go. I hope your experience is fun and special, and you are able to say yes to your dress soon!
