Four Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping

Image by Bryant Sanders Photography

​​Are you ready to go wedding dress shopping at bridal salons? Before you go, here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for your wedding dress. Read on before you make your dress shopping appointments.

1. Have A Budget

It is best to let your stylist know how much your want to spend. They can select dresses in your price range. This way, you don't waste time trying on a bunch of gowns out of your price range. Keep in mind that your dress budget doesn’t just include the gown but also the cost of alterations, taxes and possible shipping fees. 

2. Start Early

Wedding dresses can take six to eight months to come in.. It is best to start looking 10-12 months before your wedding so that you can make a decision 8-10 months before your wedding. If you put dress shopping off for too long, your selection of dresses could be limited or you might make a quick decision you may regret later. Once you've found your gown, it will take at least eight weeks to make alterations.

3. Figure Out What You Like

Take cues from your venue, the season and the time of day you're getting married to help narrow down your dress style. Rule out fabrics and silhouettes that won't work (for example, a bulky ball gown is probably not the best fit for a midday beach affair) and consider what styles will flatter your shape. 

4. Call in Advance

Just because a salon carries your favorite designer doesn't mean it'll have the exact dress you've been dying to try on. If you call beforehand and request a specific style, chances are the salon will be able to call in a sample of that gown especially for you. While you may get lucky and snag a salesperson just by walking in, scheduling an appointment guarantees you'll get a full hour of undivided attention. Plus, many bridal salons require you to book an appointment in order to try on gowns, so you'll want to call ahead.