1) Have a budget in mind
Do not waste time trying on a bunch of wedding gowns out of your price range. Be realistic on your price point. Keep in mind to factor in the cost of alterations, your veil, shoes, lingerie and jewelry, which can add up to more cost.
2) Start early
You need at least six to eight months to get your gown—and that's if you're really decisive. Once you've found your gown, give yourself at least eight weeks to make alterations.
3) Make an appointment
By scheduling an appointment will guarantee you will get a full hour of undivided attention.
4) Arrive in plenty of time
It is important to be punctual. You don’t want to get off to a bad start by making the assistant wait. Your appointment will likely be limited to a fixed amount of time (i.e. an hour) and especially if they have a busy schedule of back-to-back appointments.
5) Shop at the right time
Taking a half day off to shop on, say, a Tuesday morning is absolutely worth it. Consultants are fresher earlier in the day and can give you more of their attention.
6) Ask questions
If you book an appointment over the phone, be sure to ask any questions to clear up anything you are not 100% sure of beforehand – such as how many friends you are allowed to bring, if you can eat and drink during the appointment, what to bring with you etc… Educating yourself beforehand is the best way to feel as stress-free as possible before you get there.
7) Listen to advice & be open to possibilities
While you should be clear from the outset about what you definitely do not want, don't eliminate anything at first glance. Don’t be afraid to try on styles you might not have considered. You may be surprised about what you like and some of the most amazing dresses look awful on the hanger but amazing on an actual body!
8) Don’t be afraid to say no
Listen to the advice of the shop assistant and use their expertise and knowledge. However if you feel uncomfortable at any point don’t be afraid to say no. Be clear and honest about what you want and do not want.
9) Bring some allies.
Bring a small group of friends or bridesmaids with you for moral support. Pick people whose style you admire and advice you appreciate.
10) Wear good underwear
Bring a well fitting bra and if possible a strapless one to change into. Some of the dresses will look best with a strapless (or no) bra.
11) Wear comfortable clothes
Wear something that you can easily get in to and out of, so avoid outfits with lots of buttons or fiddly zips! You will most likely have to try on a few wedding dresses to choose the best option.
12) Bring heels
Most bridal shops will provide basic white satin shoes for you to try on with the dresses to give you an idea of how they look with heels. However if you have a particular style, colour or height of shoe that you know you’ll be wearing, bringing them with you is always a good idea.
13) Make sure you eat and drink water
This is not the time for fainting from malnutrition or dehydration! Dress shopping can be exhausting so you’re going to need your energy.
14) Ask if you can take photos
If you are allowed to take photos, then definitely do it. It will enable you to look back on the photos and decide if that dress seemed perfect for you.
15) Trust your instincts
When you find the right dress, you'll know—you won't want to put on anything else.
16) Read the fine print
When you order your gown from a salon, it's important to triple-check the contract carefully so you don't end up with the wrong size or color, style number, measurements, delivery date, the price of the wedding gown and number of fittings, as well as the deposit amount.
