Trying on dresses, any words of advice?

[August2010Bride]

I'm so excited!! I plan on going to try on wedding dresses in the next couple of weeks. I'm also nervous and don't know what to expect. I plan on trying on different styles of dresses and buying my actual gown online or wherever I can get the lowest price... Has anyone done this? I just don't want the salespeople to pressure me too much into buying from them. I also need advice on how many people to bring with me. Right now I'm thinking 3-4 but that seems like too many.

 

Ladies please give me some tips as to how I can make trying on dresses a great experience.

[foxytv]

I went shopping with my Mom the first time - and brought a friend the second time. If you have one person who's opinion you trust - then one person is all that you need.

 

My best advice would be to try on dresses that might not be a style that you envision. I had my mind set on a couple styles that I LOVED ... however, after trying numerous dresses on in thos estyles, I found nothing that was flattering on me, much to my dismay.

 

However, my Mom brought over a few dresses that were NOT what I envisioned at all ... but I tried them on anyway - and THAT was the style that flattered my body type AND made me feel like a beautiful bride. None of those dresses are anything Iwould have chosen to try on if it hadn't been for my Mom.

 

So, keep an open mind and try on EVERYTHING!

 

Good Luck! Can't wait to see your top picks!

[krayzeekitty]

I agree - try on all different styles and have fun doing it!! Some bridal salons won't tell you the designer (so you don't go buy it elsewhere) so keep that in mind. I bought my dress from a salon only because I heard that buying a dress online can be risky (ie you may get a knock off). I typically brought only 1-2 people with me for the initial visits but when I was down to "my dress" I brought all the girls with me! Just have fun and try on many dresses at many different salon! Good Luck

[August2010Bride]

Thanks Ladies!

Did they let you take pictures in the dresses?

[foxytv]

Some salons would others wouldn't. Davids let us ... but some of the smaller boutqies would not. If they don't, use your camera phone and sneak in a few pics anyway!

[nibsmom]

I would recommend just bringing a few people if you're going to bring them at all!

 

I found my dress shopping alone, then later I brought back a bunch of my friends to see it - it worked better that way. No pressure!

 

I would suggest using the salespeople for what they are worth - I am a two dress bride, and both dresses were suggestions of the sales women at the stores I went to - ones I probably would have never tried on if left to my own devices! If you feel like they are pressuring you into buying, go somewhere else!

[*HOLLY*]

My advice is keep and open mind. Try on something you dont think you would like because those usually are the best . Also bring people who you trust.

[blushingbride]

I agree with the ladies on here, keep an open mind when trying on the dresses. I also thought certain styles would look "better" on me and as it turned out I ended up loving one I didn't initially. Taking too many people may be too confusing so if you can take one or two whose opinions you trust, it would prob be better. Sometimes with too many opinions you can get swayed into choosing a dress you don't absolutely love. I just brought my mom with me when I found my dress. Some brides found "the one" going alone, so it's totally up to you. And yes, don't let them pressure you into buying. If you feel pressured or rushed, go somewhere else where they can give you their undivided attention. Best of luck and i'm sure you'll find one for you!

[Sapphire723]

If you think that the salespeople are going to pressure you, then you can always use the phrase "I like it a lot, but I don't know if it's THE ONE. I'm going to have to sleep on it." But in all fairness, most of their paycheck probably depends on you purchasing your gown through them.

 

I would suggest that you see if your bridal salon can help lower their price to make it more affordable. The ladies helping you pick out/try on dresses are likely to be working on commission, and they would probably rather try to see if they can finagle a price drop (and get a lower commission) than to lose all the money they earned by helping you out. Alternatively, you may want to try a salon whose consultants don't work on commission or a designer (I think Jessica McClintock may be one of them) who has stores where you can pull your own dresses from the rack, so you're not intentionally using their services for free.

[jenniebey]

I recommend bringing at least one person who will run interference with the sales person if needed. Both my friends were awesome and if they knew I wasn't feeling it, they vetoed the dress so I wouldn't have to deal with it. They were also great about taking notes on the dresses I did like.

 

Also, be sure to go to at least one fancy boutique. I went to Monique Lhuillier even though I knew I would never be able to afford a dress from there. I was glad I did b/c it's just fun to try on all the princess dresses you think of when you think bride.

 

Have fun!