Wedding Wednesday : Ready to Shop for Your Wedding Dress? Wait! Read this First!

Photo courtesy of Sophia’sBridalandTux.com

Hi Beautiful Brides!

Before you begin your exciting Wedding Dress shopping, we have important information on some surprising advice to help prepare you!

These tips from the Bride Talk Podcast by Desiree Hartsock Bridal’s Episode 12, “What to know BEFORE you go Dress Shopping!”, will save you time and overwhelm! Desiree has over a decade of experience working with Brides and helping them find the best bridal gowns.

Tip #1

Please call and make an appointment to meet with a Wedding Dress Stylist at your favorite bridal store.

Now more than ever, especially with COVID, many stores are limiting the number of people a Bride can bring with her. Usually it’s 2 people. The bridal store will explain their policy to you on the phone. They should also let you know if they require masks to be worn by everyone and that they have hand sanitizer.

Desiree said she has found that limiting the number of people you have with you during your visit has lessened the overwhelm that many brides have previously shown with larger groups of family/friends. When there are a lot of people with so many different ideas on what dress you should be wearing, it takes away from you being true to yourself because you want to listen to everyone.

Desiree recommends that you take your time and find your perfect dress. Once you have found it, call those you were not able to bring in with you and invite them for a “window dress reveal!” This is where they are outside the window of the bridal store and you show them the dress you chose: as you are modeling it for them!

Tip #2

At your appointment at the bridal store, your Wedding Dress Stylist will be assisting you from the moment you enter the bridal store! Your Stylist will help match the color of your skin to dresses as well as pick out some different styles of dresses that will compliment you!

Desiree said that Stylists have lots of experience with so many different body shapes and sizes. She recommends being open to at least trying on what your Stylist brings to you. She said she has surprised many brides with a style they never would have considered if she hadn’t suggested it. Also, your Stylist will help you into the gowns; they are so delicate. Be sure to be mindful and wear undergarments.

Tip #3

How many dresses can you try on at one time?

Desiree said that typically 5 at a time. Even if store doesn’t have a limit, please consider not bringing in too many at one time so you don’t get overwhelmed. She has heard of a few brides taking in like 20 at one time and was way overwhelmed. As you rule out a dress, ask your Stylist to please remove that dress to help clear your held a little. Buying a wedding dress is a very emotional experience and a financial experience. Just be open minded. I remember when I got married, I brought 1 dress in a time and that was perfectly fine with me.

Tip #4

How do you know when you have found THE DRESS?

Per Desiree: When you feel beautiful in it and you can imagine yourself walking down the aisle and seeing your finance see YOU walking down the aisle in THIS DRESS, then you will know. Don’t feel like you still have to shop other places and compare. Trust your instincts and your feeling.

Tip #5

Bring a pair of heels from home with you so you can see how it feels when you are trying on different wedding dresses with heels. Also, bring a hair tie, wear makeup, and make sure you feel confident about yourself.

Per Desiree, this makes all the difference on how your day is going to be. This will all help you feel beautiful in the dress. If you feel beautiful in the dress, you will look beautiful in the dress.

Tip #6

Most bridal stores have sample sizes of dresses. When you call to find out the store’s policy, ask about your size and make sure they have dresses in your size available for you to try on.

Desiree states that bridal dresses tend to run smaller and some stores may only have sizes in 8, 10, 12…you may end up being a size 6 but if they don’t have it for you to try on, then it will not be a good use of your time at their bridal store.

Tip #7

Be prepared to buy that day! You have worked hard in planning for this big day.

Per Desiree: If you find a gown you love, the best news is that most stores only require a small deposit, like 15% down, of the price to order your dress. Then, you will pay the balance of the dress when it comes in. Just check with the store on their policy. Please note, she has seen dresses take from 6-8months to come in. With COVID, there are delays with orders and customs. Start shopping 6-8 months before your wedding date and then allow 2 months for alterations. Don’t be discouraged. If your wedding is sooner, there are ways to rush things but it may be more expensive.

Brides, enjoy your SPECIAL days in your BEAUTIFUL DRESSES!

As long as you FEEL BEAUTIFUL in your dress, that’s what matters most!

Special Thanks to:

The Bride Talk Podcast hosted by Desiree Hartsock of Desiree Hartsock Bridal. For more Bride inspiration, please tune into her Podcast and visit her online store! You can learn more by visiting: shop.desireehartsock.com.

Sophia’s Bridal and Tux has beautiful stores located around Indianapolis! Call for an appointment, use these amazing tips we shared above, and have a wonderful wedding dress shopping experience! You can learn more by visiting: Sophia’sBridalandTux.com.