Selecting your wedding dress is one of the most memorable and important shopping trips you will ever make, so we’ve compiled the perfect guide to help make your first bridal appointment successful and stress-free.

1.) Schedule 1 Appointment

Schedule only one appointment for your first day of bridal shopping. Shopping for your wedding dress can be overwhelming, so focusing on a single appointment will allow you to relax and fully enjoy your bridal fitting experience. Our bridal appointments take 1.5 hours, so be on top of your bridal shopping game by arriving well-rested and hydrated. Saturdays are usually super-busy, and fun, if you want to be around lots of fellow brides and enjoy the excitement in the air. If you would like a calmer experience, plan to go during the week for a more intimate experience!

2.) Do your research & start getting an idea of your style

To prepare for your visit, take some time to consider what style gown you want. Close your eyes for a moment and imagine yourself on your wedding day, walking down the aisle to marry your soulmate…how do you see yourself? What are you wearing in your mind’s eye? Is it a magical princess ball gown, a sleek and sophisticated satin dress, a flowy chiffon number or a vintage-inspired lace dress? Drawing a blank? Check Pinterest and bridal mags for inspiration, then send us all the inspo! Showing us what you have in mind will help us pull a perfectly curated collection for you. Also think about the kind of wedding you are planning. Any details you share about your wedding venue and theme will also enable us to find the perfect dress for you. Also decide on your bridal gown and accessory budget. This will help you and your stylist find the best look without going over budget. Help us help you by knowing your budget and being honest with yourself and us. The more we're on the same page, the better!

3.) Keep an open mind

Remember to keep an open mind. Try on several different silhouettes, including A-line, Trumpet, and Sheath gowns, or even different lace or simple gowns compared to what you originally liked! Since you are just starting your search it won’t hurt to try a few gowns that aren’t typically your style or aren’t exactly what you have in mind. You might just be surprised! Tap into your bridal stylist's knowledge and experience, they can be a fantastic resource for you!

4.) Sizing

Don’t be alarmed at the sizes! Most bridal designers run 2-3 sizes SMALLER than your regular everyday clothing. What are the manufacturers thinking, right? Who on earth wants to go up three sizes when they are wedding dress shopping!?! Remember they run super-duper small, so please don’t worry about the number on the tags. Size is a four letter word and nothing more.

5.) Choose Your People Wisely

We find that it is in your best interest to have a small group of supportive individuals with you who know you well and have your best interest at heart. Often, brides can become overwhelmed by too many opinions. Limiting the number of people you bring with you can make the decision making process easier. Always bring your decision makers, and your biggest encouragers and cheerleaders. They will make sure that you're able to be clear minded and know you well enough to be able to tell when you truly love a gown! We are also trained and coached to read your body language and listen to everything you say to make sure you find your perfect gown- we're here for you! We are on your side and want you to have the BEST bridal experience! Remember, we are here to help you! Be honest with us about your budget and what you like and don’t like. Even if your friends disagree with your opinion, yours is the only one that truly matters, and we will always be on your side. We know our inventory well and we may be able to pull a gown for you that you wouldn’t have normally picked out. Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to try on a wild card. You might surprise yourself once you start trying things on.

6.) Undergarments / What to Wear

Nude, seamless underwear will be the least distracting when you are trying on wedding dresses. All of our gowns have bra cups and boning built into them, but if you know that you feel your best in shapewear, then bring that with you as well. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and like your best self when you are trying on gowns.

7.) Once you find your dress - stop looking!

Wedding dress shopping is supposed to be fun, and most importantly, easy. Our professional bridal consultants will know how to help you find your dream wedding dress. Don’t feel like you need to go on a long, stressful hunt for the best dress. Most brides find their wedding dress the first time they go shopping. If you suffer from a fear of missing out, or you find yourself wondering if there is something better out there, know that your search could go on forever. We always say that finding your gown can be like finding your spouse- sometimes it's completely unexpected, but when you know, you know! There are many beautiful gowns. The most important thing is that you find one that you LOVE and that you want to get married in. Once that happens, say YES and stop looking.

Final Thoughts:

• Don't trust cellphone photos after your appointment. Sometimes going back to look at your dress after you've said yes, you'll notice things you didn't notice before. Your wedding day will be photographed by professionals who will get the best angles of you and your dress!
  
  
• Don't be afraid to ask questions or give feedback about the gowns or anything else! We have seen it all, so we are mini wedding guru's! Between all of us, we probably can recommend a whole handful of vendors.
  
  
• Make sure you eat something before your appointment! Trying on dresses is hard work and we want you to be fully prepared and sustained for your appointment.
  
  
• Schedule your alterations early to ensure your seamstress is available and ready for your gorgeous gown!
  
  
• HAVE FUN! We are here to be your help, hype gal, best friend, and stylist. We want to love on you and give you the best experience possible. We want you to feel all the feelings and have the best time. We can't wait to meet you!!!