The 'Ultimate' Guide For Wedding Dress Shopping

It is most important to us that we go above and beyond to exceed our bride’s expectations of her experience in finding the perfect wedding dress for the big day.

Yay, you’re engaged! And if you are anything like us, you are most excited to go dress shopping! A wedding dress is so much more than something you will simply wear for a day. It will be the focal point of most of your wedding photos. The same photos that you will look back on for many years to come.

While we live in an era where social media platforms are endless pools of inspiration from all things weddings to interior design to lifestyle, it is almost an expectation for a bride to come in showing us her Pinterest finds. And while it is every bridal stylists’ intention to match a bride’s gown to her inspo boards, in many cases our brides find themselves leaning towards gowns or silhouettes they didn’t initially have in mind. Keeping your venue in mind while shopping as well will also play a role in what kind of gown you may want. Something so important to also keep in mind, is to give yourself more than enough time to start shopping! Most gowns are made-to-order and rush orders are not always available. If possible, start shopping for your gown a year in advance so you allow plenty of time for it to come in and have a seamstress alter it to perfection. Here are some tips that we would love to share with all of our brides as they start their dress shopping journey!

Tip #1: Make a plan

Understanding what kind of bride you are and what kind of experience you are looking for will give you a great idea of what to search for. First and foremost, you will want to have an idea of what your investment range looks like. This is how much you are planning to spend on your wedding dress. In most cases, bridal boutiques will include the price range of the designers they work with on their website or social media pages. It is also a great idea to financially plan for your veil, accessories, and alterations. Your stylist will use your measurements to order the most accurate dress size, however, finishing touch alterations are always recommended so your gown is more custom fit to your body. We always recommend planning for an extra $300- $1,000 for alterations, but in most cases it will never be quite that much! It all depends on what alterations are needed and any other customizations that you desire.

Now that you have thought about your investment range, take into consideration what kind of appointment you would like to have. Do you want to invite your closest friends and family? Do you want a private and intimate experience? Do you want to go by yourself and let your gown be a surprise to everyone? Some boutiques offer a special appointment for the most private experience, while others do not require appointments to be made to go try on a gown! Deciding what is important to you will also help you decide what bridal boutique to book your first appointment with.

Tip #2: Be Open-Minded

In some cases, it can become very overwhelming looking at all of the different options that come with wedding dress shopping. There are so many different silhouettes, necklines, and fabrics. A great stylist will help you work through all of the options to find the details that you love while also working out what you maybe don’t like as much. Perhaps the ballgown silhouette you swore you

could never wear gives you butterflies. It really is so important to be open-minded and maybe try something different!

Tip #3: Come Prepared

Even though you are just in the shopping process, it is always a good idea to come prepared with all of the extras you will want to have for the big day! It always makes us extra happy to see our brides bringing heels to try on gowns! It’s never necessary but always helpful to bring some shoes that will be about the same height as the shoes you will wear on your wedding day. Another great idea is to bring some similar undergarments as what you will wear on the big day. Shapewear, a strapless bra, or sticky bra are all great extras to bring with you! It is also important to keep in mind that at your bridal appointment you are trying on a boutique’s sample gowns that future brides will also try on. Boutique’s want to keep them in the best condition possible so save your sunless tan for the big day and this helps ensure the quality of the gowns remains intact!

Tip #4: Be Exclusive

While there is so much excitement that comes with planning a wedding and celebrating an engagement, it can be so easy to lose sight of who is being celebrated. A bride finding her wedding gown is so important and the experience should always be centered around her! When inviting guests to come shop with you, keep in mind who is the most supportive. You will want to be surrounded by positivity and encouragement. If you would like to keep your appointment intimate, our favorite photo op on the wedding day is a ‘first look’ with the entire bridal party. It makes for such a fun photo and an emotional entrance. Your bridesmaids will have long anticipated your aisle-ready glam!

Tip #5: Take Advantage Of The Day

Our biggest advice to you is to have fun! After an exciting day of bridal try-ons, enjoy a nice lunch with the people whom you just shared such a special moment with. It will be a day that you will remember and cherish for many years to come, take every opportunity to make it unforgettable!

Kaylee Cogburn

Owner | Bridal Consultant

I would love to extend my best wishes to you during this exciting time! If you are anything like me, you have dreamed of your wedding for as long as you can remember and the KC Bridal Co team is here to offer you an unforgettable experience while finding your dream gown. We look forward to meeting you and are so excited for you to say “YES!” to the dress at KC Bridal Co.

See you soon, babes!

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The ‘Ultimate’ Guide For Wedding Dress Shopping