How to approach bridal gown shopping 101!
So you’re engaged to your soul mate (eek!) and you’re absolutely thrilled - what an exciting time for you and your spouse-to-be! It’s time to experience one of the most enjoyable aspects of getting married and planning a wedding, which is finding the perfect gown, of course. However, many brides find themselves a bit stumped when it’s time to get started. Where to begin?
That’s where we come in! Today we’re sharing some of our top tips to consider when you’re ready to begin the process of finding “the one.” (dress, of course!)
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When To Start
The entire process takes some time, from the first appointment to the final fitting. We always recommend that our brides start shopping between 12-15 months prior to the wedding date to ensure there won’t be any major rush needed. It gives you time to browse, try on dresses, make a selection, have the dress shipped to you, then have the dress tailored and fitted.
How To Choose a Boutique
When you’re looking for a bridal boutique, choose one that has a plethora of unique styles, and one that’s aligned with the style of gowns you love most (as well as the designers you’re a fan of). It’s always best to choose a boutique that offers in-house alterations, since that’s the easiest way to make sure you aren’t scrambling to find somewhere to get your gown tailored. Also, make sure they have excellent reviews! It’s a good idea to follow the boutique on Instagram, as they will often post their newest gowns, or details of upcoming trunk shows. Also, make sure you give some thought to the wedding gown budget, and bridal gowns vary significantly in price point!
Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes! Most shops operate by appointment only (we’re one of those!). It’s the best way to ensure you get the help you need to find “the one!”
How long are bridal appointments?
Typically they’re anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes.
Who To Bring
When you’re choosing who to bring along for this super important shopping excursion, it can feel like there’s a lot of pressure to invite certain family members or friends along. While we definitely think it’s fun to bring some people along, we don’t recommend bringing any more than 2 incredibly supportive friends or family members. Only bring your very best cheerleaders who will be positive; leave the opinionated people behind!
Do You Need To Bring Anything?
Absolutely nothing but an open mind! (you can always bring along a pair of heels - blocks or wedges only, or Spanx if that helps, but it’s not necessary)
What to Expect
Here at Zoya’s, your bridal appointment will likely be from 60 to 90 minutes long. While this seems like a long time, it can really fly by - make sure you take advantage of this time to the fullest! You’re going to be working with a knowledgeable and experienced bridal stylist who knows exactly how to help you find the perfect gown. You don’t have to bring photo inspiration, but feel free to if you want! It never hurts to help share your ideas of what you love most. You can expect a fun-filled appointment that will never feel rushed or pressured with us!
Will I buy my wedding dress on my first visit?
Yes! Many of our brides find great success on their first visit as we have such a variety of gowns and designers, so come ready to make some decisions, and know that we're here to help!
How much do wedding dresses cost?
Here at Zoya’s, our Couture Bridal collection ranges from $2,000 - $16,000.
Can I return a gown after purchasing?
Unfortunately, no. Especially if a gown is special order, no refunds are available here at Zoya’s. This is the case for most bridal shops!
What is a trunk show?
Usually, a trunk show is a way for designers or brands to show off their new clothing and accessories in a boutique or retail store. Historically, designers would pack their stuff into trunks and travel between stores to show it off. The term "trunk" refers to the traditional way of transporting merchandise.
Trunk shows let customers see and buy things that aren't yet in stores or online. They may require an appointment to ensure personalized attention and a seamless shopping experience. Trunk shows usually last a weekend or a few days.
What if I’m not a sample size?
First of all, that’s completely okay! In fact, most brides are not going to be a sample size when they come in to try on bridal gowns. In-store, you can try on a wide range of bridal samples. Most of our bridal samples are bridal sizes 10-14 (the equivalent of street sizes 6-10); however, we do carry some bridal sizes 6-24 (the equivalent of street sizes 2-20). We offer alterations in-house, which means we’re capable of customizing your gown as much as possible to find the one that fits like a glove!
If you’re ready to find the perfect dress, book your appointment with us at Zoya’s Atelier!