Going to start dress hunting -- what should I expect?

[jplovesme]

I'm starting to make appointments in a couple bridal shops in my area to start trying on dresses. I have an idea of what I want (hellooooo, Maggie of course!), but I don't know what to expect on my first appointment. Or who should I bring with me?

 

I thought about bringing mom, since she will pay for the dress, but if I bring her to the first fitting, I KNOW she'll get on my nerves and pick things that I probably wouldn't like, then we'd end up arguing. I will definitely bring her after I narrow down the choices.

 

So i guess my real question is, what did you ladies do in your first dress shopping experience? Who was with you the first time around? How many times does it take to choose your dress, or was it immediate?

 

Do I need my shoes yet? Geez, i feel lame asking. Thanks for any input!

[*Lo*]

I just brought my mom, but I'd already picked out what dress I wanted online first. I only went to one store and I tried like 5 on (mostly for my mom's benefit) and ended up getting the one I originally wanted. Super simple and easy.

 

From what I've heard though it doesn't always work out as nicely as it did for me!

 

I think though, my advice would be to definitely look a lot in magazines and online first to have an idea of where to start. I think a lot of brides end up getting something completely different than they thought so also go with an open mind, and be willing to try things the salesperson suggests. Sometimes they just have an eye for what looks great on your body type.

 

I wouldn't bring more than 2 people though, you don't want multiple opinions clashing when ultimately it's YOUR decision and YOUR dress. Bring someone who's opinion you respect and trust.

 

And enjoy it!! It's part of the fun of getting married.

[amybermuda]

The thing about dress shopping is that the ladies helping you will pick things more than your mom picking them. Typically you try on 4 - 5 dresses and it might not be a bad thing that on your first trip you try on dresses that you think you wont like. I bought my dress online but my best friend and I went shopping with her mom for her wedding and we all decided the crinkley fabric was ugly - but then the lady at one store made her try on a crinklely fabric dress and it was amazing and thats the one she bought!

 

If you think your mom will get on your nerves, maybe only take her to one store with you !

[amybermuda]

Oh and they have shoes there to try on with the gowns and since the dress has to get altered, its not a big deal if you have on a higher or lower heel than you would normally wear. You need the shoes for your fitting though.

[**~Linda~**]

Id definitely start narrowing choices through the net. See what type of styles you prefer etc. I also second the the not bringing more than 2 peeps with you. It just makes it harder to chose when you have to many opinions going around! You'll know when you find the dress you want. Try to stay open minded and definitely shop around give yourself time to chose and stay focused! Don't feel pressured into purchasing anything right away =)!

 

Good luck and have fun dress shopping!

[jplovesme]

Thanks ladies! I'll definitely have the styles researched before I go in. And no more than 2 peeps. Knowing myself, I'll get stressed by too many opposing opinions. As for mom, if I have a friend with us, maybe she won't be so controlling or vocal.

 

woo hoo! Can't wait to get started!

[shellk]

i took my mum and sis and best friend.remember to try and have fun casue its not great i wont lie to you lol.you need to go to at least 3 shops before you make any descisions unless you totally fall in love with one.dont worry if you dont get the "this is the one feeling" its very common.good luck

[roxyqt]

Yeah!! I wish you lots of luck!!!! I went with just my sister for my 1st trip. I knew she would be honest and tell me how it was:)! My sis lives in NY & me FL, we both got engaged around the same time so it was something we were able to do together!!!! We chose a salon close to her. The salon let us take pictures to share with our mom (she lives in FL) and friends. So definitely ask if that is allowed .

I went into the store expecting to love one designer and picked a few dresses I had seen online, but had the consultant pick a few out that would flatter my figure. I mean, they see people all day long try on dresses and I am sure learn what looks good on different body types. Boy was I right! They had me try on a Paloma Blanca first and I loved it!!! I tried on 5 from her collection and 6 from another, nothing compared!

I went to a few salons at home w/friends and tried on about 15-20 dresses, at 4 different salon, but kept thinking about the first dress. When I was back in NY helping my sis w/BM dress and tried on the Paloma again and 4 others. Yep it was the 1st!

 

The shop should have shoes to try with the dress, but maybe bring your own strapless bra , they will have some to try on I just liked having my own

and dont let them talk you into doing anything you are not sure of!! They want the sale, but you don't want to walk out of there unhappy or having buyers remorse. Good Luck and all the Best!!!! Keep us posted on your search!!!!!

***OH! I almost forgot, make sure you SIT in the gown!!! Wow, that was a deciding fact for a few of the dresses I tried on!! It was impossible to sit in a few of them!! and though I plan on standing and dancing the majority of the night. I felt sitting comfortable was a requirement.

[roxyqt]

Yeah!! I wish you lots of luck!!!! I went with just my sister for my 1st trip. I knew she would be honest and tell me how it was:)! My sis lives in NY & me FL, we both got engaged around the same time so it was something we were able to do together!!!! We chose a salon close to her. The salon let us take pictures to share with our mom (she lives in FL) and friends. So definitely ask if that is allowed .

I went into the store expecting to love one designer and picked a few dresses I had seen online, but had the consultant pick a few out that would flatter my figure. I mean, they see people all day long try on dresses and I am sure learn what looks good on different body types. Boy was I right! They had me try on a Paloma Blanca first and I loved it!!! I tried on 5 from her collection and 6 from another, nothing compared!

I went to a few salons at home w/friends and tried on about 15-20 dresses, at 4 different salon, but kept thinking about the first dress. When I was back in NY helping my sis w/BM dress and tried on the Paloma again and 4 others. Yep it was the 1st!

 

The shop should have shoes to try with the dress, but maybe bring your own strapless bra , they will have some to try on I just liked having my own

and dont let them talk you into doing anything you are not sure of!! They want the sale, but you don't want to walk out of there unhappy or having buyers remorse. Good Luck and all the Best!!!! Keep us posted on your search!!!!!

***OH! I almost forgot, make sure you SIT in the gown!!! Wow, that was a deciding fact for a few of the dresses I tried on!! It was impossible to sit in a few of them!! and though I plan on standing and dancing the majority of the night. I felt sitting comfortable was a requirement.

[lalanyc]

I am still in the process of dress hunting (and made the mistake of not doing much dress research before going to the first shops... but that's another story). One thing that has struck me is the huge variability in the vibe and helpfulness of each shop. I dont know if it's a Manhattan thing but I've gone to "high" end shops w/ very apathetic assistants or with very dirty, messy assortments of dresses. I never know what to expect walking into each store! Also, in some shops, you can browse and pick out the dresses yourself while in others they only allow the assistant to choose them for you (unless you ask for a specific dress). Finally, just because they carry a certain designer doesn't mean they have the full collection. Sometimes, they'll only carry a handful of dresses!!! The entire process has been quite an experience... good luck!

 

** Oh, one more thing - definitely take a strapless bra unless you don't mind showing off your assets. While some places give you bras, most I've seen do not.