What can I expect when I go bridal gown shopping?

Question

I am driving about 3 hours to go to some nice bridal shoppes, but I have never done this before!

Am I supposed to bring anything? I have some pictures of the type of gown I want but is there anything else that I should have?

What should I expect? We have 2 appointments set one in the am and then one in the pm. My mom and sisters are going with me.

What are your experiences? What do you wish you would have known prior to your appointments?

Answer 1

Everyone has GREAT answers on this one.

I am just going to list my suggestions so they will be easier to read than paragraphs.

*Take a shower!

*Wear clear under arm deodorant.

*Wear some new undies. (they just walk in on you and help you try these things on and you don't want to be caught in your granny once a month panties do ya?)

*be prepared that they may try some bras on you as well. This means your boobies may get readjusted and squished by strangers and shown to the world.

*bring a pair of shoes that are about the height that you THINK you may want on your wedding day.

*wear stockings and a girdle or slimmer if you think you will be wearing one that day. (and even if you don't...they will make you look and feel sleeker in some of the gowns)

*bring a digital camera and DON"T tell them..have your mom or gf take the pic of you in the dressing room. Many salons (especially if they are salons and not chain stores will NOT allow pics because then you can go to the chain store and find a similar gown for less)

*bring tear sheets from magazines or print outs of the gowns that interest you.

*be prepared if you are fuller size (anything over an 8) that some gowns won't zip up but that doesn't mean you can't get a good idea of what it looks like. They will hold it in the back. DON'T let your ego get in your way of looking at the entire gown.

*try on many styles.



*L I S T E N   TO YOUR MOTHER! Yes your sisters will be there but this is a very special thing for your MOM!

*pack tissues.

*color your hair and get it trimmed before you go so you look your best when you see yourself in the mirror.

*give each person coming with you a tiny notebook and a pencil and ask them to write down their initial response to each gown as you try them on. ala Project Runway.

and.. since this is a special day for your mom..maybe stop by a store and pick up a little "i love you " trinket. a little angel..or a little card for her..and tell the sales lady after you put the first gown on...

"i would really like my mommy to be the first to see me in this before anyone else.." and have mom at the door when its open.

If mom wants you try on something hideous.. TRY IT ON!

DON:T FIGHT WITH MOM it will only ruin everything for both of you.

relax. have fun. you don't have to find a gown THAT moment.

go have lunch  and talk about the gowns..gossip about the sales people and have fun!

Answer 2

Depending on the type of store, you will be bombarded with dresses.  You don't have to try anything that they push on you, but don't say no to any certain type without trying at least one, I went with a dress I never thought I'd have picked.

Answer 3

Ha! I have to agree with the first answerer, the first one I tried on was the one.

But you need to try on as many different styles and possible when you go for the first time just to see what looks good on you. You may think you hate one style, but when you put it on, you love it (not always the case, but sometimes).

You don't need to bring anything with you. Just be sure to wear nice underwear! I know that sounds weird, but you'll be changing in front of everyone, so I usually wear boy shorts and one of my "non-ugly" bras to keep face. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to bring the underwear you plan on wearing on your wedding day. You'll need that when you go to fittings for your actual gown, but too many brides think they need that on their first dress shopping day ... not necessary!

It's always helpful to bring pictures, but also, keep an open mind. It's also helpful to get people's opinion, but remember, yours counts the most.

The only thing I wish I had knows was that I'd be changing on front of everyone. I just assumed that they would stick me in a dressing room by myself to strip down and put on the dress. NOT the case. The sales associate will help you into it ... with good reason ... they're hard to get into, especially the poofy ones.

Just have fun! I was not looking forward to it at all because I don't like people fussing over me, but I actually had a lot of fun. And when I opened up to try on different styles I was really happy because it really helped me to go back to the first one ... I tried everything, so there was no excuse i could make later like, "Oh, I wish I had tried that style on ... "

Answer 4

A total stranger is going to see you in your underwear. That’s not the day to wear the ratty worn out ones.

A lot of the dresses you try on won’t be your size. They’ll either be unzipped if they’re too small or pinned in the back if they’re too big.  

Really all you need to know is the sort of dress you want and your budget. If you have a special necklace you’re hoping to wear, bring it.  Oh, and bring a digital camera so you can review the photos again later.

Answer 5

Have a very open mind! It's good to have something in mind...but said in an above answer try on different styles as well! My maid of honor  actually helped pick the one I chose and it was something I would have never imagined looking right in! Also, pray that you have nice ladies working with you...if they seem catty it will ruin your mood.. fortunately I didn't experience that dress shopping for me, but for my bridal party it was a total downer having a woman who doesn't like her job! So, I wish you luck and hope you find your DREAM WEDDING GOWN!!Have fun and make it YOUR day no one else's!    P.S.-- Be conscious to time appropriateness on actually buying...weight gain and loss can affect it dramatically if bought too far in advance!!

Answer 6

well just make sure the people are professional and know what they are doing

Answer 7

you don't need alot. try to wear a strapless bra and bring samples of your wedding colors if that'll make an impact. if you've seen gowns that you like in magazines or online print up a couple pictures. If you have long hair pull it up in a bun and wear makeup. For some reason I had a hard time picking out formal dresses if I wasn't wearing makeup.

at the boutique they'll take your measurments and help you find out what kind of gown fits your body shape and budget. Don't be alarmed by sizes. formal wear sizes are different than your typical dress and you might have to try on stuff thats too big. Don't be afraid to try on something thats not as attractive on the rack. you never know until you put it on.

I helped my sister try on dresses at a bridal show and managed to pick out the perfect gown for her. My dress was custom made by a

friend so I never went to the gown shops but I hope that helped.congratulations and good luck

Answer 8

Wear a good quality bra with clear or removable straps if you are planning to try on strapless or thin strapped dresses.  They give you are better visual that way.  Also, bring a camera, but ask if you are allowed to take pictures, and it is a good idea to bring a few pictures of styles you like, so the sales person can pull dresses in similar styles.

My best advice would be try on anything that the sales people suggest (and a few that your mom suggests to humour her).  The sales people know dresses, and know body types and what will/not look good.  So if they suggest something for you, even if you think you won't like it, give it a try.  I wasn't crazy about mermaid style dresses (because I'm short and I heard they wouldn't look good) and a sales person suggested it and I fell in LOVE.  All the dresses I tried on from then on were mermaid style, and the wedding gown I ended up designing for myself is mermaid silhouette.

Just be opened-minded!

Don't try on too many in one day either, they all start to look the same after about 10. lol. (I know that from doing 3 bridal stores in one afternoon!).

Good Luck and HAVE FUN!

Answer 9

I went with my best friend (I'm her MOH) a couple of weeks ago - here are some things we did/should have done.

You'll want to have an idea of your budget. That's one of the first things they'll ask you. Before you leave the store, ask them how much you should expect to pay for shipping and alterations in addition to the cost of the dress.

Bring a digital camera and have your mom or sis snap a front and back picture of you in each gown that you like, then write down what store you're at and what the designer/style number is for the gown. That way, you can look over them later when the salespeople aren't over your shoulder. If you like one, you'll know exactly where to find it again.

Don't get shell-shocked when the sizes seem way off. Wedding gowns, and most formal wear, are sized much smaller than normal clothes. Don't even worry about the size - remember that you're exactly the same size, it's only the number that's changed.

Wear a strapless bra (or one with removable straps) so you aren't distracted by anything sticking out when you try on strapless dresses.

Remember that you don't have to get your veil, shoes, and jewelry at the same place you get your dress, but they may give you a discount if you do.

Answer 10

You don't need to bring anything the first time. You'll probably look at a ton of dresses and end up buying the first one you try on!  

Congrats and good luck.

Answer 11

Go with an open mind. I went with a style in mind and bought something completely different. Try on all sorts of styles, and go with your gut feeling. Good luck and have fun.