Congratulations! You’ve began your wedding planning journey and you’re ready to find the perfect wedding dress – how exciting!
In todays post we’re going to share our top tips for making this journey as exciting and stress-free as possible. From when to look to what to bring with you to your appointments, you’ll be a shopping pro in no time…
1. Be ready to buy
Yes, you might be tempted to shop around and just have a look at what’s out there but this could end up confusing you more. We suggest not making appointments until you are really ready to purchase, around 12 – 15 months before your date. Go too soon and there’s a small chance your dress will be discontinued by the time you’re ready to book, or you’ll find too many that you love and become very confused.
2. Do your research
With a world of wedding dresses available to view at the touch of a button it is essential you do lots of research before you book any appointments. Setting up a Pinterest board of dresses you like the style off is a great place to begin and will help you choose the bridal boutiques to visit or designers that appeal to you. Be sure to check out any potential boutiques websites. Many of them now have most of their collections online so you can spot any dresses you would like to try on.
3. Three is the magic number
Aim to book appointments at three bridal boutiques, any more and you’re head will start spinning with too much choice! We’d suggest keeping bookings to two a day maximum, again to stop the feeling of overwhelm. It’s also a good idea to keep the appointments close together in terms of days, as you will be able to compare your thoughts on each dress better. Many stores will not allow photos to be taken so you will have to remember how you felt in each dress.
4. Know your budget
If you’re sticking to a strict budget make sure to keep this in mind and tell your consultant at each appointment. There’s no point falling in love with a dress only to discover it is out of your price range.
5. Tell the time
Make sure your consultant knows your wedding date so that they can show you dresses that will be available within that timeframe. Each designer has a different timeframe for making the dresses, which may have changed recently during the pandemic.
6. Be prepared to pay 50% deposit
Every boutique will have their own booking format but it’s not unusual for many to request 50% payment upfront to order your dress. Again, it’s important you are ready and financially able to order your dress when you begin searching for it as prices may increase during the period if you shop too early.
7. Choose your shopping partners wisely
In 2022 it’s not unusual for bridal boutiques to cap the number of guests you can bring with you. Be sure to check their number when booking and think very carefully about who those special people or person will be. Who has your back no matter what?
8. What to wear
The ultimate best item of underwear to wear to all your bridal appointments is a seam-drew nude bra and pants. Believe us, you don’t want to be distracted by black pants showing through the dress when you’re trying your best to imagine your wedding day! If you plan to wear your hair up on your wedding day it’s a good idea to have it up for your appointments too.
9. Enjoy it
Have fun and remember the job in hand!
The WeddingsOnline recommended Bridal Boutique Listings are a fabulous place to begin your wedding dress search.
(Featured image: Amsha Bridal)
