62: The Appointments: What to Know Before You Go

Dressed, Styled, and Down the Aisle - The Stylish Bride

Today, we are excited to dive into crafting your ideal wedding dress shopping plan.

Julie, our founder, is a seasoned pro. With twenty years of experience shopping for wedding dresses, she has a wealth of insights to share.

Get ready for an episode filled with expert advice on creating a shopping plan that is uniquely yours!

Considerations Before Shopping

Four essential aspects to consider when finding the perfect wedding dress are the type of wedding you are having, your personal style, body type, and budget.

Setting a Budget

Although the limited transparency in pricing may make it hard to set a budget, Julie recommends checking a free download on their resources page for detailed guidance on navigating wedding dress pricing.

Scheduling Appointments

Brides should plan their shopping day several weeks in advance. Julie suggests calling salons beforehand to find out about their average dress prices, appointment durations, and restrictions on group sizes and for information on any ongoing trunk shows.

Preparing for Appointments

Brides do not need to bring much to appointments, as most salons provide all the necessary items. However, Julie recommends bringing shoes, undergarments, and snacks. She also suggests wearing something easy to change in and out of to make trying on dresses easier.

Choosing Companions

Brides should only have two supportive and positive companions to accompany them. Julie advises against including anyone who may impose their opinions or agendas on the bride.

What to Expect in the First Dress Appointment

There is a difference between shopping for wedding dresses and regular clothing. Julie advises brides to approach the initial session with an open mind, explore a variety of dress shapes, and consider any unexpected choices that consultants may offer. Brides should reflect on the experience afterward, acknowledging the insights they gained during the first appointment to inform their decision-making in subsequent sessions.

Bridal Salon Consultants

With their extensive knowledge about dresses, bridal consultants are a valuable source of information. Brides should be honest and open and offer constructive feedback when communicating with consultants.

Addressing Personal Challenges with Consultants

Working with bridal consultants can sometimes be tricky. Julie assures brides that requesting a different consultant is a reasonable and acceptable step if the relationship is too challenging.

Practical Tips for Brides

Julie advises brides to document every dress they try on with photos or videos, making notes of their likes and dislikes. (Collage apps can be a helpful decision-making tool for side-by-side comparisons.) After selecting a dress, brides should sleep on their decision before making a final commitment.

Join us next Tuesday for our discussion on the controversial topic of whether or not wearing black to a wedding is acceptable.

Links and Resources:

The Stylish Bride

The Stylish Bride Resource Library

The Stylish Bride on Instagram