Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life, and it all starts with finding the perfect dress. But before you start envisioning yourself gliding down the aisle in a stunning gown, you need to schedule your first wedding dress appointment.
While it may seem overwhelming, with a little preparation, you can make the most of your appointment and come one step closer to finding your dream dress. If you’re anxious to know what to expect and how to prepare, let’s take a look at what to expect from your first wedding dress appointment.
Preparation Is Key
Before your appointment, take some time to think about what you already know you want in a wedding dress, and communicate those preferences to your bridal consultant. Most bridal dress boutiques you visit will have a wide range of dresses, so if you come without an idea of what you’re looking for, you may end up being overwhelmed.
You should also have a general idea of your wedding budget and what you’re willing to spend on a dress. Don’t be afraid to bring inspiration photos or pictures of dresses you love—the more information you give your consultant, the more they can help you find your dream dress.
Be Ready To Try On Dresses
When getting ready for your appointment, make sure you wear comfortable undergarments, possibly a strapless bra and nude underwear, so that you don’t have to waste time fussing about bra straps and visible panty lines. Another thing to consider is bringing your mom, sister, or maid-of-honor with you for support and to help with the decision-making process.
When you arrive, be ready to fill out a form detailing the basics, such as your budget and wedding date. Having this form filled out ahead of time can save you precious time to try on more dresses.
Be Open to Trying On a Variety of Gowns
When trying on dresses, you will likely encounter a range of fits, fabrics, and styles. Don’t be afraid to try on something outside of what you thought you wanted, as you may be surprised at what looks and feels best on you.
Additionally, don’t stress too much about finding “the one” on your first appointment. Some brides find their perfect dress right away, while others take a few appointments to discover it. Keep in mind that you can always make alterations to a dress after purchasing, if necessary.
The Boutique Experience
Every bridal salon has different policies, but typically, you can expect to have a bridal consultant who will guide you through your first wedding dress appointment. You may browse the racks and pick out some dresses to try on, or your consultant may show you dresses based on your preferences.
Once you have a selection of dresses, you will go to a fitting room where you can try them on. During the process, don’t hesitate to ask your consultant for advice or for different options—the consultant is there to find you your dream dress!
Take Photos and Video for Future Reference
It can be a challenge to remember which dress looks best on you, particularly when you’re trying on multiple ones. Taking photographs and videos throughout the try-on session will make it much easier for you to remember what you like and don’t like later on.
Take a full-length shot of both the front and back of the dress to evaluate how it looks from all angles. This can help you narrow down your options, and you can revisit the images when making the final decision.