What to Expect When Dress Shopping?

View quoted message It depends on what you want. If you've been looking at the latest trends (long sleeves for example) it'll be harder to find samples that may be reduced. Know what you're comfortable spending, and if anyone is chipping in what they are contributing.


I went in hoping to spend $**** hopefully with alterations. $1500 is probably more realistic. I lucked out with a sample dress on clearance for $700, but I also tried a few closer to $1500 that were gorgeous.
If you're shopping a sample sale show you can find a dress for about $1000, but it will likely need more alterations than a brand new dress making it closer to $1500 as well.

View quoted message What is a modest budget? What is realistic?

Do not take way too many people. I had my mother in law, my parents, and 2 bridesmaids... I found it to be overwhelming!! Went back with just my dad and found a dress so much easier.
Also do not walk in with an idea of what you want and just be stuck with that. I really wanted mermaid style, but after trying on 3 dresses like that I found out that style just wasn't what i wanted. I got a dress that was the complete opposite of what i had in mind and it actually was beautiful and i love it now!!
Do not think you're being picky, I tried on like probably 30+ dresses before I found the one I loved! Some dress store salespeople are very pushy and you need to just take a breather and think about what you want, not what they are pushing on you. If you have a max budget tell them beforehand, it's just sad when you find a dress you love but it's way out of the price range you have.Good luck!!

Don’t take it too seriously and be willing to be honest (with yourself and your support team) about whether you like a dress or not. Look for details you like and slowly narrow it down! When I bought my dress, I went in with a specific idea (Lace/bling etc) and walked out with the complete opposite! Be open to trying everything on and remember to have fun! You’ll only do it once! 😊

Call a bridal store near you and make an apt. bring in a photo of a style of dress that you and then try them on!!

There really isn't much to it besides what the other girls have said. The consultants know their jobs and will guide you every step of the way. Also, don't be afraid to leave without purchasing anything if you're not sure - it can be very overwhelming! I actually went back to one store by myself before making my decision since I found the entourage opinions were clouding my judgement.

I called a bridal store that I wanted to go to and booked an appointment. I have 5 girls standing up with me and I only took my MOH, my mom , my mother in law and my grandmother in law. I wouldn't take a bunch of people as more people means more opinions. I do suggest trying on very type of dress just so you know if you like it or not. If you can go during the week stores are usually less busy then a Saturday. I bought the first dress I tried on that my consultant brought me. but I tried on probably like 20.

Make sure you check each store to see if there is a max. amount of people that can come with you! And also the store I went to was a scent free zone due to the owner being highly alergic to most fragrances - so if you are going to any local stores check on that too.

Otherwise I would say to make sure you don't try on any dresses above your budget, give your opinion before your family and friends, try on ALL the styles of dresses - you may be surprised!, and bring a fan!!! lol It gets super hot in the change rooms!!!

I would recommend being open to trying things on. Some of the styles that looked good on me I never would have picked for myself, but it's also ok to say no. Eat something before, it's a workout!
Bring a hair elastic so you can see the dresses with hair up if you want. Don't wear makeup ( or a lot of makeup), they might make you take it off so it doesn't get on the dresses.

Nude underwear and bra are a good idea. I ditched the bra really early on as the dresses were supportive enough without it. Be mentally prepared for a stranger to see you in your undies, don't worry they do it all day long!

Have some pictures of dresses you like to show to your consultant but be open to their suggestions! I actually chose a dress suggested by my consultant.


Don’t book too many appointments in a day. I found my max was 2 appointments a day - that was the max I could handle. I only went to 3 appointments total.
Also have a budget in mind, or at least a range so your consultant isn’t pulling you like 10k dresses if you know you don’t want to spend that much. Let your consultant know your budget.
If you end up finding a dress you love ask how long it takes to come in and ask if they have an alteration package. Sometimes you get a better deal if they have seamstresses on site.