You've set the date, you've found the venue, and now it's time for one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning: finding your dream dress! Wedding dress shopping should be a magical, fun, and stress-free experience. Knowing what to bring to your appointments can make all the difference in helping you say "yes!" to the perfect gown.
We're so excited for you to start this journey. To help you prepare, we've created the ultimate checklist of what to bring wedding dress shopping. Think of us as your friendly guide, here to make sure your day is as smooth and joyful as possible.
Before You Shop: Laying the Groundwork
A little preparation goes a long way. Before you even step into a bridal boutique, taking care of a few key details will set you up for success.
Set a Budget
First things first, decide how much you're comfortable spending. Having a clear budget in mind before you start trying on gowns will help your stylist pull dresses that fit your price range. This saves you from the potential heartbreak of falling in love with a dress that's out of reach. Remember to account for alterations, accessories, and a veil, as these costs are typically separate from the gown's price tag.
Research Styles and Trends
Do you dream of a classic ballgown, a sleek modern sheath, or a bohemian lace number? Spend some time on Pinterest and Instagram to gather inspiration. Having a general idea of the styles you're drawn to will give your bridal stylist a great starting point. Create a vision board with your favorite looks to share at your appointment.
Make Your Appointments
Bridal shops often operate by appointment only to ensure every bride receives personalized attention. Book your appointments a few weeks in advance, especially if you plan to shop on a weekend. Try not to schedule more than two or three appointments in one day—dress shopping is a marathon, not a sprint, and you don't want to feel rushed or exhausted.
The Essentials: Your Shopping Day Checklist
The big day is here! Here’s exactly what to bring wedding dress shopping to make your appointment a success.
1. Your Supportive Entourage
Choosing who to bring with you is a big decision. While it might be tempting to invite all your friends and family, a smaller group is often better. Bring one to three trusted individuals whose opinions you value and who will offer positive, constructive feedback. You want a crew that will lift you up and keep the focus on you.
2. Inspiration Images
Remember that vision board you created? Bring it with you. Showing your stylist photos of dresses you love will help them understand your personal style and vision for your wedding day. This is the quickest way to get on the same page and start pulling gowns that you'll love.
3. Comfortable Shoes
While you might be wearing stunning heels on your wedding day, you’ll be on your feet a lot during your appointment. If you already have your wedding shoes, bring them along to see how they look with different dresses. If not, bring a pair of heels with a similar height to what you plan on wearing.
4. The Right Undergarments
What you wear under the dress matters. Opt for a nude, seamless thong and a strapless bra. This combination works well under most gown styles and won't create any distracting lines. Many brides also find shapewear helpful for creating a smooth silhouette, so feel free to bring that along if it makes you feel more confident.
5. Accessories and a Veil
If you have any accessories you know you want to wear, like family heirloom jewelry or a specific veil, bring them to your appointment. This will help you visualize your complete bridal look. Don’t worry if you don’t have these yet—most bridal shops have a selection of accessories you can try on with the gowns.
6. Payment Options
You might just find "the one" when you least expect it. Be prepared by knowing your budget and bringing your preferred method of payment. Boutiques typically require a deposit (often 50-60%) to place the order for your dress.
During the Appointment: Make the Most of Your Time
You're prepared and ready to go! Here are a few tips to ensure your appointment is productive and fun.
Be Open-Minded
You may have a specific style in mind, but trust your bridal stylist. They are experts and might pull a "wild card" dress that you end up falling in love with. Be open to trying on different silhouettes and styles—you never know what might surprise you.
Communicate Clearly
Your stylist is there to help you, so clear communication is key. Be honest about what you like and dislike about each dress. Do you love the lace but not the neckline? Do you feel amazing in the silhouette but wish it had more sparkle? This feedback will help your stylist narrow down the options and find a gown that checks all your boxes.
Take Photos and Notes
It can be hard to remember every detail of each dress you try on. Assign someone in your group to be the official photographer and note-taker. Take photos from all angles (front, back, and side) and jot down the style number and your initial thoughts on each gown. This will be incredibly helpful when you're reviewing your options later.
After the Appointment: The Final Decision
Once your appointments are done, take some time to review your options. Look through your photos and notes, and think about how you felt in each dress. Which one made you feel the most beautiful, confident, and like yourself? Trust your instincts—usually, there's one dress you just can't stop thinking about. When you know, you know!
Let Us Help You Find "The One"
Wedding dress shopping is an unforgettable part of your journey to the altar. We hope this guide helps you feel prepared, confident, and excited for your appointments.
At Elegance Wedding & Evening Wear, our elegant bridal boutique is here to make your dress dreams come true. We offer a personalized experience for every bride and are known for having the largest bridal selection in the Highland, Indiana, area. Our collection offers something for every budget without compromising on style or elegance, because we believe every bride deserves to feel like royalty.
Ready to find your perfect dress? Our expert stylists can't wait to help you. Book your appointment with us today!