What to Bring Wedding Dress Shopping
The wedding planning magic has begun! Now it’s time for the moment you’ve been waiting for—finding your wedding dress. Shopping for your dress should be magical, fun, and totally unforgettable. A little preparation goes a long way to make sure it’s all of that and more. After all, you want to feel comfortable, confident, and ready to say ‘yes!’ when you find the one.
We're here to help you get ready for this amazing milestone. This ultimate checklist will cover everything from who to bring to what to wear, ensuring your dress shopping day is as stress-free and joyful as possible. Let's get you ready to find the dress of your dreams!
Before You Go: A Little Prep Work
A successful shopping trip starts before you even leave the house. Taking a bit of time to prepare can make all the difference and help you feel calm and focused.
Research and Inspiration
Start by gathering some inspiration. Browse Pinterest, flip through bridal magazines, and check out Instagram to see what styles catch your eye. Are you drawn to classic A-line gowns, romantic ballgowns, or sleek modern sheaths? Having a general idea of what you like will help your bridal consultant pull dresses that match your vision. Create a mood board or save photos on your phone to bring with you.
Set Your Budget
Before you fall in love with a dress, it's so important to know what you're comfortable spending. When setting your budget, remember to account for alterations, accessories like a veil or jewelry, and taxes. Being upfront with your consultant about your budget will help them show you gorgeous options you can actually afford, saving you from potential heartache later.
Who's on Your Team?
Choosing who to bring wedding dress shopping is a key part of the experience. You want a supportive and positive crew that will cheer you on and give honest, kind feedback.
Think about inviting a small group of your most trusted friends or family members—maybe your mom, a sister, or your maid of honor. While it might be tempting to bring everyone, having too many opinions can get overwhelming and confusing. A smaller group keeps the focus on you and how you feel in each dress. The goal is to have a team that lifts you up and celebrates with you.
The Ultimate Checklist: What to Bring Wedding Dress Shopping
Okay, you've done your research, set your budget, and chosen your support squad. Now, what should you actually pack in your bag for the big day? Here’s your go-to checklist.
What to Wear to Your Appointment
Nude and Seamless Undergarments: This is our top tip! Wearing nude-colored underwear, including a strapless bra, will give you the most accurate idea of how a dress will look. It prevents distracting colors or straps from showing through delicate fabrics.
Shapewear (Optional): If you plan on wearing shapewear on your wedding day, bring it along. Trying on dresses with the foundation you intend to wear will ensure a perfect fit and help you visualize your final look.
Essentials for Your Bag
Inspiration Photos: Your Pinterest board or saved photos will be a huge help to your consultant. It gives them a visual guide to your style preferences right from the start.
Comfortable Shoes: You'll likely be standing on a pedestal to see the full effect of each gown. Having a pair of shoes with a heel height similar to what you plan to wear on your wedding day can help you envision your complete look and check the dress's length.
Hair Ties or Clips: You'll be trying on a lot of dresses! Having a hair tie or some clips on hand will let you easily pull your hair up to see how different necklines look.
Minimal Jewelry and Accessories: If you have specific jewelry you know you want to wear, like heirloom earrings, bring them along. Otherwise, it's best to keep accessories minimal to avoid distracting from the dresses themselves.
Water and Snacks: Dress shopping can be surprisingly tiring. Pack a bottle of water and a small snack to keep your energy and spirits up throughout your appointment.
A Notebook and Pen (or Your Phone): You might think you'll remember everything, but after trying on several dresses, they can start to blend together. Jot down notes about each dress—the style name, what you loved, and how it made you feel.
A Camera: Don't forget to take photos. Seeing pictures of yourself in a dress can give you a different perspective. Just be sure to ask the boutique for permission first, as some have policies against photography.
During Your Appointment
You're here! Take a deep breath and enjoy every moment. This is your time to shine.
Be Open-Minded: You might have a specific style in mind, but don't be afraid to try on something your consultant suggests—even if it's not what you expected. They are experts and sometimes, the dress you least expect is the one that steals your heart.
Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask about customization options, alteration costs, and the timeline for ordering and delivery. Understanding the full process will help you make an informed decision.
Focus on How You Feel: Ultimately, the most important thing is how a dress makes you feel. Do you feel beautiful, confident, and, most importantly, like yourself? When you find "the one," you'll just know.
After the Appointment
Once your appointment is over, take some time to reflect. Look through your photos and notes. Talk it over with your support system. It's perfectly okay if you don't find your dress on the first try. The journey is part of the fun. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision on the spot unless you are 100% certain.
Your Dream Dress Awaits
Finding your wedding dress is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. By preparing ahead of time, you can walk into your appointment feeling relaxed and ready to enjoy the process. Remember to trust your instincts, have fun, and soak in every moment of this special journey.
If you are still looking for the perfect wedding dress, Atlanta Street Bridal offers a stunning collection of gowns tailored to your unique style and vision, ensuring you feel radiant on your special day. Book your appointment today and let us help you find the dress of your dreams!
We are so excited for you and can't wait for you to have that magical "say yes" moment. Happy shopping!
