Wedding dress shopping should be exciting, not something you feel like you have to perfectly prepare for. Still, a little planning before your appointment can make the experience much easier. From bringing too many opinions into the fitting room to forgetting about your overall budget, a few common mistakes can turn an exciting appointment into an overwhelming one.
Before you head to the bridal salon, take some time to think about what you want from the experience. Knowing your wedding date, having a realistic budget in mind, choosing your shopping crew carefully, and keeping an open mind about styles can help you get much more out of your appointment. Here are some of the most common wedding dress shopping mistakes to avoid before you say yes to your gown.
Waiting Too Long to Start Wedding Dress Shopping
Rebecca Ingram
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One of the biggest mistakes brides can make is putting off their dress search until the last minute. Wedding gowns are typically ordered from the designer after you purchase them, and the process can take several months before your gown arrives at the boutique. You'll also need time for alterations once your dress comes in.
For many brides, starting the search around 9 to 12 months before the wedding provides plenty of breathing room. If your wedding is less than a year away, don't panic. Your stylist can help you understand the timeline and discuss options based on your wedding date, including gowns that may have a shorter turnaround time. |
Bringing Too Many People to Your Appointment
It's tempting to invite everyone who wants to be part of the experience, but a large group can quickly become overwhelming. Every person may have a different opinion about the neckline, fabric, silhouette, or overall look, making it harder to focus on what you actually like.
Consider bringing two or three people whose opinions you genuinely trust. Your mother, sister, best friend, or another close loved one can be part of the experience without turning the appointment into a group decision. The goal is to have support while still leaving room for your own reaction to each gown.
Shopping Without a Wedding Dress Budget
Sottero and Midgley
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It's helpful to know your comfortable gown budget before you start trying on dresses. Otherwise, it can be easy to fall in love with a gown without considering the other costs that come with completing your bridal look.
When setting your budget, remember to account for more than the gown itself. Alterations, a veil, shoes, jewelry, and other accessories may all be part of your final bridal wardrobe. Let your stylist know your budget at the beginning of your appointment so they can help you shop within a range that feels comfortable. |
Getting Too Focused on the Size on the Tag
Bridal sizing doesn't always match the size you typically wear in everyday clothing. Different designers use different sizing charts, and your bridal gown size may be different from what you're used to seeing on a clothing label.
Rather than getting caught up in the number on the tag, focus on the gown itself and how it feels when you're wearing it. Your stylist will take your measurements and use the designer's size chart to determine which size to order. The gown can then be tailored during alterations to create the finished fit.
Only Trying on One Type of Wedding Dress
Martin Thornburg
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Having an idea of what you like before your appointment is helpful, but treating your initial inspiration as a strict checklist can keep you from discovering something unexpected. You may arrive convinced you want one particular silhouette and end up loving another.
Try to approach your appointment with some flexibility. If you're interested in an A-line, for example, your stylist may also suggest a ball gown or fit-and-flare so you can see how the different silhouettes compare. You might also discover that a fabric, neckline, sleeve, or detail you hadn't considered is exactly what you were looking for. |
Photos and inspiration are useful starting points, but your appointment is where you get to see how different gowns actually look and feel on you. Let your stylist help you explore the possibilities.
Forgetting to Consider the Rest of Your Bridal Look
Your wedding dress is the centerpiece of your bridal look, but it's not the only piece you'll be wearing. Before your appointment, think about any accessories or details you already know you want to incorporate.
For example, if you're dreaming of a cathedral-length veil, statement earrings, or a particular pair of shoes, mention it to your stylist. These details can help when you're comparing gowns and imagining the finished look. You don't need to have every accessory picked out before you shop, but having an idea of the overall direction can be useful.
Feeling Like You Have to Buy Your Dress Immediately
Modeca
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Some brides know the moment they put on their gown that they've found the right one. Others need to sleep on it, compare a few favorites, or come back for another appointment. Both experiences are completely normal.
Don't feel like you have to make a decision simply because you've found a beautiful gown. Take a moment to consider how you feel, whether it fits your vision and budget, and whether you're comfortable moving forward. A bridal appointment should give you the opportunity to explore your options, ask questions, and make a decision that feels right for you. |
Forgetting the Basics on Appointment Day
A little preparation can make trying on gowns much easier. Wear comfortable clothing that's easy to change out of, and consider bringing the undergarments and shoes you'd like to wear with your dress if you already have them. If you have specific accessories you'd like to see with a gown, bring those along, too.
It's also a good idea to arrive on time and avoid bringing food or drinks into the salon. Bridal gowns and sample fabrics require care, and keeping drinks and snacks outside the fitting area helps protect the dresses you're trying on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start wedding dress shopping?
Many brides begin shopping about 9 to 12 months before their wedding date. This allows time to find and order a gown, wait for it to arrive, and complete alterations. If you're working with a shorter timeline, talk with your bridal stylist about gowns and ordering options that may work for your date.
How many people should I bring to a bridal appointment?
Two to three trusted people can make a bridal appointment feel supportive without becoming overwhelming. Choose people whose opinions you value and who will help you focus on what you want.
What should I bring to my wedding dress appointment?
Bring any inspiration photos that reflect your style, along with shoes or undergarments you'd like to wear with your gown if you already have them. You can also bring accessories you'd like to incorporate into your bridal look.
Do bridal dresses run smaller than regular clothing?
Bridal sizing varies by designer and may be different from your usual ready-to-wear size. Your stylist will take your measurements and use the designer's size chart to determine the appropriate gown size to order.
Ready to start shopping? Schedule your personalized bridal appointment at Loretta Bridal Boutique in Bonita Springs, Florida. Our stylists are here to help you explore the collection, answer your questions, and make wedding dress shopping an enjoyable part of your bridal experience.