Going wedding dress shopping isn’t quite like any other experience. Every salon has their own way of doing things- some are very strict about what you can and cannot do, others take a more laid back approach. You may be allowed to browse through gowns or you may not. Some shops allow pictures, others do not, etc. No matter the store, it always helps to be prepared and have done your homework so that you can make the most out of your trip and not end up frustrated or disappointed. Here’s a checklist to look over before you set off on your spree to make sure you have the most productive experience possible.
1) Check to see if you need an appointment, especially if you’ll be shopping over the weekend. Even if the store will accept walk-ins, you’re better off setting up an appointment to make sure you’ll be able to try gowns on. Find out how long the appointment is and whether or not you need a separate appointment for bridesmaids and wedding gowns if you wish to look at both.
2) Many stores will have websites that list the designers they carry, and designers will also list the stores that carry their gowns. However, just because a store carries a line does not mean they will have a sample of every dress from that line on hand. If you are interested in a specific dress, find out which stores in your area carry that line and then call the stores to see if they have that particular sample. Not all stores will give out this information, but it’s worth a shot.
3) Do some looking online to see what’s out there and what you think you may like. It’s hard to know what will look the best without trying gowns on, but if you’ve done some looking before you go in to the store you’ll have a bit of an idea of what you’re interested in. Bring in pictures to show your sales consultant what you mean until you become more familiar with dress terminology.
4) Wear underwear you’re not scared to be seen in and that won’t get in the way. Your sales consultant is most likely going to be helping to dress and undress you to some degree, so be ready for that. I have seen quite a few hot pink thongs during my career, and while I don’t mind if you don’t mind, sometimes they show through the gown and if you aren’t able to zip the sample it can be a little awkward with that flash of pink in the back. If you have a strapless bra, bring it. It is also a good idea to bring shoes that are approximately the height you'll be wearing on your wedding day.
5) If you have your heart set on wearing you grandma’s necklace or tiara or a particular pair or earrings, etc, bring them or something similar along so you can make sure they’ll work with your gown. You may not want to try them on with every dress, but have them on hand so that when you think you’ve found “the one,” you can try them on then and there to make sure.
6) If you want another opinion as you shop, bring a trusted friend or your mom, at MOST 2 people. Do NOT bring 5 or 8 friends and relatives along for the ride. Most fitting rooms cannot accomodate more than 3 people comfortably, and until you get things narrowed down, you do not need extra people telling you their opinion and trying to get you to choose THEIR dream gown. If you have a lot of friends/cousins/aunts you’d like to include in the process, send them pictures of dresses you’re considering (or similar styles if you can't get a picture of the dress in question) and invite them to see your dress once you’ve gotten it home.
7) Realize that not every store has every dress in every size. Be prepared to imagine, and to not be able to try on everything you’re interested in because of the size factor. Most samples that designers send out are 10’s and 12’s, although some allow stores to choose what size they will get. Some stores have wider ranges of sizes than others. The good news is that the dress doesn’t have to be the right size for you to get the idea, although if it’s huge or too small to get on you may have to forgo trying it on.
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