I’ve mentioned it before, but I’ll say it again: I wasn’t born to be a bride. I never spent my life dreaming about this day, and I didn’t have a specific dress in mind. Honestly, the idea of wedding dress shopping didn’t thrill me. Sure, I was excited to find my dress, but I’m not one to spend hours in fitting rooms. I’m more of an online shopper who returns what doesn’t work.
I wasn’t planning to order my wedding dress online, so I headed to bridal boutiques. After three appointments, I’m no expert, but I have some tips to make your dress shopping experience a bit less overwhelming. Here we go…
1. Have a dress vibe in mind, but don’t be too rigid about it. If you’re getting married, you probably have a Pinterest board of dresses you like. I had one before we got engaged and added to it like crazy once we were. Before my first appointment, I revisited my board and narrowed down my favorites. It’s important to have a clear vision so you don’t end up overwhelmed by all the options. Appointments are usually an hour long, so use your time wisely. Try on a couple of styles you hadn’t considered to avoid future dress regret. And always stay within your budget.
2. What is a wedding dress sample sale? I focused on designers rather than individual dresses to avoid running around to multiple appointments. When I found a designer I liked, I contacted boutiques that carried them and often heard about upcoming sample sales. A sample sale is when a designer brings a selection of dresses to a boutique for a limited time, offering discounts. Rules vary by boutique, but if you’re clear on what you want, a sample sale can be a great option.
3. Who to invite to dress try-ons: Choose your guests carefully. For my first appointment, I invited three people, but only two could make it. This was perfect for a first experience without feeling overwhelmed. For subsequent appointments, I invited a small group of people I was comfortable with. Too many opinions can complicate your decision, so less is more. Also, don’t bring the same group to every appointment.
4. Don’t overdo it with appointments: More than 3-4 appointments can make the decision-making process harder. Trying on dresses can be exhausting. I booked four appointments but found my dress by the third. This was the right amount for me to feel confident in my choice.
5. Bridal consultants: I had good experiences, but there’s a bit of a sales vibe. They want to close a deal, so they’ll offer discounts and extras. Trust your gut and be honest. If you don’t like the dresses they bring, speak up. They appreciate honesty and want to make the most of your time.
6. Wedding dress sizes are weird: They’re much smaller than regular sizes, so be prepared. It was a shock to be told I was wearing a size 8 that barely fit. Some boutiques have larger sample sizes, which I preferred.
7. Ask for customizations and discounts: After choosing my dress, someone in my group asked for a discount, and we got one. You can also request customizations, like adding buttons or a corset.
8. Don’t wait for tears as a sign: The idea that you’ll cry when you find “the dress” is overrated. I didn’t expect tears, and I think it’s a lot of pressure to wait for that moment. It’s just a decision you have to make.
That’s all I’ve got! Am I missing anything? Let me know!