The moment you book your first bridal appointment and start scrolling online dreaming in bridal silhouettes, you officially enter the magical world of wedding dress shopping! Here at Dearly Consignment Bridal, we've helped countless brides find the one, and we’ve heard it all: the laughs, the happy tears, and the universal sentiment of "I wish I knew that before I came in!"
Consider this your backstage pass to make your dress shopping experience as joyful and stress-free as possible. Here are the top things brides wish they knew before wedding dress shopping!
1. Fuel Up for the Fun
Remember to eat and drink water before.
This isn't just polite advice; it's essential! Wedding dress appointments can be surprisingly physical - you'll be standing, posing, and shimmying into gowns. Low blood sugar and dehydration are the enemies of a good time and clear decision-making, so this is certainly not the time to skip breakfast or lunch. Make sure to at least grab a healthy snack and a big bottle of water before you arrive so you can focus on feeling fabulous, not famished.
2. The Appointment Prep
Don’t go heavy-handed on makeup for your appointment.
We want you to feel beautiful, of course, but heavy foundation or self-tanner can easily transfer onto delicate white and ivory fabrics. A light base, a little blush, and mascara are all you need. We're showing off the dress, after all! And here’s a little tip that many brides don’t think about: if you already feel beautiful in a dress without a ton of makeup on, just imagine how gorgeous you’ll feel once you’re in full glam on your big day!
Bring your wedding day shoes (if you have them!)
If you already know what shoes you want to wear for your wedding day, bring them along to your appointment so you can see if they match the gowns you love. If you have no idea what shoes you’re wearing, that’s totally fine - we usually have brides try on gowns barefoot.
Your stylist will be helping you in and out of dresses.
This is a big one! When you arrive, be prepared for an intimate experience. Our goal is to make the process stress-free and seamless, and that means we’ll be zipping, lacing, and clipping you into those gorgeous gowns. Wear comfortable, easy to change undergarments that you feel confident in. Trust us, we’ve seen everything, so don’t get insecure about changing around us! We’re here to make sure you’re comfortable throughout the whole process.
3. Understanding Bridal Sizing
Your wedding dress size will most likely be at least two sizes larger than your everyday size.
Deep breaths. We know how much that size tag can mess with your head, but bridal sizing is not street sizing. It’s an industry standard that typically runs small. Please, we beg you, ignore the number and focus on the fit. You are beautiful, and the goal is to get a dress that fits your beautiful body now. That said …
Get the size you need today, don’t size for your "goal body."
This is the most crucial piece of advice. Never, ever purchase a dress that is too small hoping you'll slim into it. It adds massive stress, often results in expensive and complicated alterations, and can even make a dress unwearable. We don’t recommend purchasing a dress too small unless you’re comfortable to potentially add a corset back to add extra room.
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4. The Financial Realities
Alterations are not free, so factor that into your overall budget.
It’s a common mistake! Brides often fall in love with a gown, spend their entire budget on it, and then are shocked when they realize basic hemming, bustling, and bodice adjustments can add several hundred dollars to the final cost. Be sure to set aside a dedicated fund for tailoring.
5. Mindset Matters
Be open-minded about what you’re willing to try on.
You might be convinced you’re a sleek sheath bride, but sometimes the trumpet gown your stylist pulls for you is the one that brings the tears. Use your appointment as a chance to explore! Many brides end up falling in love with a silhouette they initially dismissed.
Be honest about what you don’t like.
Don’t just say "it's fine" if you hate it. Your stylist is a professional, and they want to help you find the perfect match. Constructive criticism ("I love the fabric, but the neckline feels too high") is helpful! The more honest you are, the better we can narrow down your dream dress.
6. Timing Your Trip
Keep your timeline in mind.
Because all of our bridal gowns are sold off the rack, you’ll need a minimum of 3-4 months to accommodate for alterations. However, the more time you have, the better for less stress! Just keep your personal timeline in mind so we have plenty of time to get your dress ready for the big day.
Now that you're armed with insider knowledge, you're ready to find that perfect, pre-loved gown. Book your bridal appointment with Dearly Consignment Bridal today!