Whether you've always dreamt of walking down the aisle in a ball gown, can't wait to rock a fitted style that shows off every curve, or have no idea what your dream wedding dress might look like just yet, there's one thing we know for certain: dress shopping is one of the most exciting parts of the wedding planning process.
No matter how many hours you've spent in fitting rooms looking for pieces for your everyday wardrobe, there's no experience that quite compares to trying on bridal gowns. It's lots of fun to imagine how each style could play a role on your special day, but there are also a few things you should keep in mind ahead of your appointment to make sure it goes off without a hitch. Here's our helpful guide to finding the wedding dress of your dreams once you've made an appointment at a bridal boutique. (Haven't done that yet? No sweat. Find your nearest location and request an appointment through our store locator.)
How should I prepare to shop for wedding dresses?
Researching styles ahead of your appointment is a great way to prepare. As a nearlywed, you've probably already started pulling inspiration for how you'd like your wedding to look and feel. Sharing this inspo with the stylist you'll work with at your local bridal boutique is a great way to help them help you.
There are a few places you can gather wedding inspiration. You can create an account on our website to save your favorite styles. From there, you can create a shareable link that allows you to pass that list along to your bridal stylist.
If Pinterest is more your jam, we've got you covered there, too. Each of our brands has a dedicated Pinterest account filled with inspiration to meet your bridal vibe. Our advice? Re-pin your favorite styles from our pages to a secret board you can show your stylist at your appointment.
And of course, our Instagram accounts are filled with closer looks at our latest styles, footage from real weddings, and more content you can interact with as you plan.
Who should I bring wedding dress shopping?
Wedding dress shopping quickly becomes a core memory, so of course, you'll want a few of your nearest and dearest there with you. Before you drop an invite into your full wedding party group chat, take a moment to think about who you really want to have there with you. While it's an exciting part of your bridal journey, having too many cooks in the kitchen might just make it difficult to make a decision that feels entirely yours. Narrow your "I do" crew down to just a few people whose opinions you value most.
The very best bridal appointment guests know that they are ultimately there for support. They'll understand that it's all about making memories, not about trying to influence your decision.
There are also plenty of ways to make the members of your wedding party who may not be invited to the appointment feel included. Depending on your comfort level (and how much of your bridal look you're happy to reveal ahead of the big day), you can always have them weigh in on accessories, hair and makeup, or other details you'll be picking out.
What should I bring to my bridal appointment?
Spoiler alert: Probably less than you think you should!
At a minimum, it's best to wear a pair of nude undergarments, so that you can try on dresses comfortably and without distraction. Everything else is based on your comfort level, but is totally optional. (Unless your bridal boutique states otherwise!) For example, you don't really need to worry about the kind of bra you wear, as it's usually best to try wedding dresses on without one. Bridal gowns typically provide enough structure to deem bras unnecessary, but if you have a trusty strapless bra that will make you feel more confident, it won't hurt to bring it along. If you're uncertain about additional undergarments, like shapewear, it may help to have them just in case. They can always be removed once you start trying on dresses.
The same applies to shoes. It's certainly easier to change in and out of wedding dresses without them, but if you're starting to lean towards a specific gown and want to get a better feel for how it will look on your big day, it might be nice to slip into a pair of heels to get the full picture.
You may also find it helpful to bring hair clips or ties if you'd like to keep your hair out of the way or get an idea of how different hairstyles might look with a variety of necklines.
Any other bridal appointment tips?
Keep an open mind! You may have always envisioned yourself in a certain silhouette, only to find yourself gravitating towards someting completely different once you begin to try on dresses. The most successful bridal appointments are a result of open communication, and a willingness to try new things. In short: expect the unexpected!
Ready to shop? Find your closest bridal boutique and request an appointment below!