Not every wedding appointment needs to be stressful—make it a celebration! From elegant dresses to complementing heels, you'll need a wedding outfit that showcases your personal flair and style.
Pick out the perfect gowns that match the theme of your wedding without compromising comfortability. Get ready for an exciting bridal dress shopping day where you'll try on dresses, pose in front of mirrors, and connect with your close family and friends.
How To Prepare for a Bridal Dress Shopping Day
Before you step foot into your bridal boutique, you should have an idea of what kind of bridal dress you're looking for. Gathering inspiration and allocating the appropriate funds for the dress will help you pinpoint the perfect dress with ease.
Set a Budget and Stick to It
From your wedding funds, set aside a specified amount for your bridal look. Budget for the dress, potential alterations, accessories, and undergarments. By anticipating these hidden fees, you won't encounter unexpected surprises or regrets later. Share your budget upfront with the bridal consultant to narrow down the options and save time.
Create a Vision
A wedding dress appointment is much different than your traditional evening gown shopping. There are many versatile styles for you to choose from, whether you're looking for a minimalist, sleek look or a romantic and extravagant style.
Gather inspiration from platforms like Pinterest or bridal magazines to create a vision board or folder. For instance, follow this checklist for your vision board:
- Save photos of fabrics, necklines, and silhouettes you love.
- Browse designers or boutiques that match the aesthetic.
- Bring swatches of your wedding colors or themes.
Having a clear idea of your desired styles will help both you and your consultant. Come prepared for your first appointment with your dream wedding dress in mind.
Timing Your Bridal Shopping for Success
Don't stress about timing—schedule ahead! The timing of your bridal appointments can influence everything from availability to your emotional well-being. Create a planner and set the best starting point for your first bridal dress appointment.
Start Early—but Not Too Early
Leave yourself plenty of time to order, alter, and accessorize your wedding dress. Giving yourself a shorter timeline prevents you from second-guessing or considering other options in the process. Avoid leaving yourself stuck with the first design by scheduling your first appointment months before your wedding day.
Book Your Appointments Strategically
Want an unhurried, exclusive shopping experience? Book your appointment mid-week or earlier in the day. Popular salons can get busy on weekends, and you're less likely to receive personalized attention.
Also, if you have a preference, call ahead to schedule appointments with specific stylists. Reputable specialists capture the attention of many brides, so it may be difficult to find open days in their schedules.
Who To Bring Along for Bridal Shopping
Surround yourself with people who will provide the best insights as you choose your bridal dress. Bringing engaging and positive people will create an exciting bridal dress shopping day that you'll never forget.
Invite Key People Only
It's tempting to include everyone, especially if you feel the pressure from relatives or coworkers. But too many opinions can be overwhelming and could detract from the day you want to have.
Limit your group to a select few whose opinions you trust and value. Include your mom, close siblings, a best friend, or your maid of honor to hear what they have to say about your wedding look.
Prepare Your Entourage
Share your dress preferences, budget, and vibe with your group before hitting the boutique. They need to understand that you're looking for supportive, honest feedback, and they should respect your decision at the end of the day. Remind them about your stylistic choices before they overstep your boundaries.
Maximizing Time in Your Bridal Appointments
Once everyone's in the car and you packed your bags, head down to the boutique for your first bridal dress appointment. Read on to learn more about what you can expect from the day's activities and what questions to ask your consultant during your dress selection.
Dress Comfortably for the Occasion
Wear easy-to-remove clothing and simple undergarments that won't interfere with your ability to try on dresses. A nude strapless bra and seamless underwear are great choices. If you already know what undergarments you'll be wearing for your wedding day, bring these clothes for the best fitting dress.
Also, bring a pair of heels close to the height you plan to wear at the wedding. This will give you a more accurate sense of how the dress will look on the big day. Get a better idea of movement, length, and potential alterations by having these accessories on hand for your first appointment.
Communicate Clearly With Your Consultant
Match with a bridal consultant who will transform your wedding attire into the dress of your dreams. Be honest about your likes, dislikes, and budget. If you don't see any dresses you love at first, speak up—they may have hidden gems or suggestions based on their expertise.
Mention if you're looking for features like specific fabrics or necklines as well as any dealbreakers you may have regarding the design. This open conversation will help you narrow down your options and pick out the perfect dress from a smaller selection.
Turning Shopping Day Into a Celebration
Shopping for your wedding dress should feel luxurious and exciting. Turn the occasion into a day full of events to keep spirits and anticipation high.
Plan a Fun Post-Shopping Activity
Book a brunch or drinks with your bridal squad after your appointment. It's a lovely way to reflect on the experience, snap some cute photos, and toast to the occasion. This could include a mimosa brunch at a nearby cafe or a mini spa session to unwind.
Bring Small Celebratory Touches
Many boutique salons allow you to bring champagne or small treats to share with your group during the appointment. Adding this little extra can turn a fitting room into a party! Call ahead to confirm if you can bring outside food and drink and toast to your first bridal dress appointment.
As you wrap up your first appointment, take plenty of photos of the occasion! You can include this as part of a wedding album that you can share during the festivities or as a memento for years to come. Don't forget your follow-up appointments and make any additional alterations as you approach your wedding day.
Spend a day at your local bridal shops in Massachusetts and find the perfect wedding dress for you. Our team at Alexandra's Boutique would love to support and guide you through this journey as you browse an extensive collection of wedding gowns surrounded by family and friends. Bring all your essentials and book your first fitting appointment today!