Now that you are engaged, you are going to start thinking about buying a wedding dress. I wanted to break down the dress shopping experience so it is fun and stress free.
Timing for Purchase of a Wedding Dress
The first thing we think about with wedding dress shopping is timing. Typically, we say start shopping for your dress about a year from your wedding date. That’s a general rule of thumb. Wedding dresses typically take about 6 months to come in and you need about 2 months for alterations. So, if you wedding is in October of 2026, you need to be pretty sure about a wedding dress probably by the end of April. If you are sitting there thinking wait, my wedding is in June, don’t worry we have options for you too! We offer a large selection of “off the rack” wedding dresses that you may put in layaway or take with you that day. That means you will be shopping for wedding dresses that are very close to your size so you don’t have to do a lot of alterations. Also, some designers keep some stock on dresses, so we can often get one quickly. For example, Essence of Australia is a designer based out of Kansas City, so if they have something in their warehouse in KC, I get it very quickly. If you wedding is in October 2027, maybe wait a little bit and start shopping at the end of summer or early fall for your wedding dress. We buy wedding dresses twice a year. In March, I buy my fall line. That means I have those dresses in store by July, usually. In August, I purchase my spring line that arrives by January.
Make an Appointment
So now you are ready to start shopping to find your dress. Make an appointment with a local bridal shoppe. I prefer The Bridal Shoppe, but when you work with someone local, often the owner is there and helping you have the best experience. Also, if something happens to go wrong, you know that you will come to me and I will make it right and take care of you.
Who Should I Bring
I suggest trying to limiting it to 2-4 people. At my store, we say no more than 6 on a Saturday. During the week we accommodate larger crowds. It can be overwhelming to have a lot of different opinions and suggestions from your group. We always tell the bride to respect everyone’s opinion, but it is your choice when it comes to what you like and don’t like. Make sure all your important decision making people are at your appointment.
What Should I Bring To My Appointment
Honestly, it’s up to you. Most dresses have built in support, so you often do not need a bra with your dress. You will decide your comfort level on what to wear. You may want a strapless bra or shapewear, but our only rule is you take your shoes off to make it easier to get into and out of a dress.
What to Expect When I Arrive
You will be greeted and seated in the store. We have two private suites and three fitting rooms where you open to your guests seated on the couches. We like to be introduced to your guests. We ask about your vision for your wedding day, ask if you’ve tried on a wedding dress before, and look at any inspiration photos you have. It’s okay to be nervous, often girls come in worried or anxious, but usually after the first couple of dresses girls relax and start to really enjoy themselves.
Can I pick out my own Wedding Dress
At The Bridal Shoppe, I allow the bride and one guest to look at dresses and select what dresses you like. We suggest 4 dresses to start. Usually after the first selection of dresses, you get a good idea of the things you like and do not like in a dress. As you are trying on, usually myself and my manager Andrea come around to help listen to what you like and pull some options based on what you like.
Fitting Room Expectations
In the fitting room, your bridal stylist will be helping you get into and out of your dresses. Typically, you step into and out of a wedding dress. We have clips and straps to help you get into dresses that may not be exactly your size. We typically only have one dress in each size. Since I buy every dress in the store, I prefer to have different styles versus duplicates of dresses in different sizes.
Selecting your Favorites
Usually you have 2-3 favorite dresses as you are trying on. When we go through the favorites, we get a veil and flowers so you can imagine yourself walking down the aisle. Typically, the bride has a favorite dress that is pretty evident to your stylist and your group. Don’t worry if you don’t cry. Not everyone has that experience. We usually see a bride relax, maybe start moving or swaying in her dress. Often the bride does not want to take the dress off. At The Bridal Shoppe, 70% of our brides say yes during their first appointment, so don’t be surprised if you find the one the first time out.
Let’s Talk Money
The Bridal Shoppe, like bridal stores, does not offer any refunds or cancelations. We request 50% down when you order your dress. You can make monthly payments of $30/ more for the balance. If you purchase a dress off rack, you put 20% down and make monthly payments. So how much is a dress? Usually somewhere between $1000-$3000 is pretty average. We have a sale section with dresses $500-$1000.
What Size Dress
We measure you, and put in the size closest to your measurements. Usually bridal is about 1-2 sizes smaller than your typical clothing size, so don’t be alarmed or upset if it’s a number you are not used to seeing. We understand it’s different than normal sizes. It’s always easier to take something in than let it out.
Alterations
Alterations are usually needed on a wedding dress. Most common alterations are taking in the bust, adjusting the straps, shortening the hem, and adding a bustle. Your wedding dress does not come with a bustle, that is added at alterations based on your height. You usually do alterations about 2 months before the wedding date. You need anything you are wearing with the dress and shoes for alterations. We do not offer any in house, but have a list of people that you can use.
Don’t Forget to Send Pictures
My Favorite part of every wedding is getting to see my beautiful brides and their fiance(e) at their wedding venue. Please submit your pictures for us to enjoy and share!