10 Tips For A Successful Bridal Shopping Experience

Going to the bridal shops in CT and shopping for a wedding gown is often one of the first steps that a bride takes as she embarks on the journey of her engagement. Wedding dress shopping is an exciting, but often daunting task. Following are 10 tips that if followed will help to make the experience memorable, enjoyable and lead to the gown of your dreams. 1. Secure your wedding date and venue Before beginning to shop for your gown, you should have your wedding date and venue secured. Your decision will be much easier to make if you can envision yourself wearing your gown in the setting of your wedding.   2. Set a budget In creating your wedding budget, be sure to include a realistic budget for your wedding attire. Your budget should include an allocation for not only the gown, but accessories (bra, veil, and shoes), alterations and gown cleaning and preservation after the wedding. Websites like The Knot and Brides.com can assist you in determining the price range of different designers. It is very important to articulate your budget to the sales associate when shopping for your gown. You do not want to fall in love with something that does not fit your budget.   3. Do your research  Prior to beginning to shop, research salons that carry designers that meet your taste level and budget. Evaluate the types of stores that you like to shop in for your everyday clothes and be sure that you select the correct shopping environment for you. If you are a department store shopper, a larger bridal salon with a large selection of gowns may be the right fit for you. If you prefer to shop in small boutiques, then a smaller more intimate bridal store would most likely be best for you. Visit the salon’s website before calling to set an appointment to ensure that the selection and price range meets your needs. It is also helpful to read the bridal blogs to find out what other brides to be have to say about the stores that you plan to visit.   4. Plan ahead Call to schedule an appointment a minimum of one week in advance. By scheduling an appointment, it allows the salon to provide you with their undivided attention and have a sales associate dedicated specifically to you. Keep in mind that it takes approximately 4 months to produce a wedding gown. You should begin shopping for your gown a minimum of 8 months in advance of the wedding to allow enough time for alterations once the gown arrives.   5. Limit opinions This is a momentous and joyous time in your life, so naturally you want to share it with your family and friends. Be careful however of bringing a large group with you. Too many opinions can be detrimental to making a decision. If you have bridesmaids or family members who insist on being part of the process, a suggestion might be to shop with 1-2 very close family members or friends who understand and respect your personal style. Once you have finalized your decision, then you can bring back other people to show them the gown that you have decided on. The key is to remember to take opinions into consideration, but ultimately you know yourself best. Your opinion is truly the only one that matters- It is your day and you are the one wearing the gown.   6. No fiancés! The one opinion that should never be asked is that of the fiancé! When it comes to the gown, it is the bride’s decision. Do not show your fiancé photos of you in your wedding gown and by all means DO NOT bring him with you to shop for the gown. The reality is, he loves you and he will think that you look beautiful in whatever you wear!

7. Communicate Bring photographs of styles that interest you and articulate your vision and budget to the sales associate that you are working with. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you don’t like something. Who knows- perhaps there is something that can be done to the gown to make it perfect for you! Before making the final decision on your gown, be sure that you understand the policies of the salon at which you are purchasing it. Ask about their policies for payment, alterations and whether or not you will receive a discount on bridesmaid dresses if you purchase a gown there.   8. Be wary of photographs Although it can be very helpful to take photographs of yourself in the gowns as you try them on, be very careful about using the photos to make your final decision. If the gown is not in your size, the fit many not be perfect for you. Keep in mind that your hair and makeup are not done as they will be on your wedding day. Also, the lighting in the store might not be reflective of the lighting on your wedding day. Photos certainly can assist in making your decision, but they should not be THE deciding factor.   9. Have an open mind Trust the sales associate that you are working with. If they are good at what they do, they will listen to your vision and make suggestions of gowns for you to try on. Even if you do not like the way that a gown looks on the hanger, TRY IT ON!!! It could be the gown of your dreams!   10. Enjoy the experience The most important tip is to HAVE FUN!! How often in life will you be able to try on beautiful gowns and be treated like a princess? Enjoy every minute of it! The key is to make sure that you are working with a store that maximizes your shopping experience and allows you to feel comfortable in your buying decision. HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!   Beth Chapman is founder and owner of The White Dress by the shore, a couture bridal boutique located in an antique home in historic Clinton Connecticut. The boutique features couture bridal gowns, accessories and chic attire for mothers and maids. For more information visit www.thewhitedressbytheshore.com.