How to Prepare for Your FIRST Gown Appointment (EEK!)
During my time working as a consultant intern at a famous bridal salon (if you want to figure out which one, just go to my “About” page), I learned the many ins and outs of what to do and what is a hell naw when it comes to your first time shopping for a wedding dress. The first appointment can be exciting, yet stressful, so here are a few recommendations to keep in mind when it comes to going on your gown hunt.
1. Establish your budget.
It’s important to establish your gown budget before shopping. We’ve all heard of those brides that try on a gown wayyyy out of budget and then disaster ensues when they fall in love with it and nothing else can compare. You do not need that stress, and neither does your mom, and your best friend probably doesn’t want to hear it either, so do me a favor and please don’t torture yourself. Just be aware when deciding on a budget that you may also need shoes, a veil, and accessories (and you will need alterations…no gown is perfect off the rack unless you are super duper lucky). When giving your consultant your budget, make sure to just state the gown budget alone, or else they may end up pulling dresses that are outside of your price range.
2. Choose your posse, squad, groupies, whatever you want to call them, wisely.
You know what is terrible? When someone rains on your bridal parade. So don’t invite any toxic, jealous people to come to your appointment. The only toxic thing allowed is Toxic by Britney Spears playing in the car on the way to the bridal salon. Keep your group small because more opinions usually means more stress, and make sure to invite people who are supportive and honest. Remember, you want someone who will tell you if something flatters you while keeping their personal opinions out of it. There’s a difference between someone who says she doesn’t like ball gowns because SHE doesn’t like ball gowns and someone who doesn’t like ball gowns on YOU. Big difference.
3. Wear the proper undergarments. (Both you AND your consultant AND your shopping posse will thank you.)
When it comes to gown shopping, the right undergarments are everything! They can really help you decide whether to say yes to the dress or not. A pair of seamless skin tone panties (wow I hate that word) is perfect, as well as any other undergarments you think you may wear (like Spanx). Why skin tone you ask? You can see pretty much any other color underneath (especially when it comes to fitted gowns), and this can be a major distraction when you’re trying to envision yourself in the gown on the big day. Also, please do your consultant a favor and wear a pair that are a fuller coverage. I’ve seen my fair share of booties (all consultants have), but I prefer you cover up the goods. As far as bras go, chances are you will try on your gown without one (most gowns these days don’t require any kind of bra if they are well constructed or backless), so just wear one you are comfortable in and that you haven’t owned since the dawn of creation. BUT do make sure that you wear one to your appointment! For measurements you will need to wear one.
4. Come with inspiration!
To get the most out of your appointment, it’s best to come prepared with a Pinterest board, photos, or old fashioned tear sheets from bridal magazines. Make sure to tell your consultant what you do and don’t like as far as fabrics, details, and silhouettes are concerned. Just remember that chances are you have never tried on a wedding gown before and therefore what you originally envisioned you may end up not even liking, and that’s totally okay! More to come about that in another post.
5. Seems super obvious but you would be surprised: bring your moolah.
You would honestly be surprised to hear how many brides say they weren’t expecting to find THE gown on their first trip and didn’t bring a checkbook, the right credit card, bars of gold, etc. Make sure you’re packing some currency people.
And above all, HAVE FUN! Gown shopping should be an enjoyable experience. I mean how many times in your adult life do you get to play dress up for the day, sip champagne, and have people constantly tell you how pretty you look? Sounds great to me!
