When you are ready to buy your wedding dress, you have a few decisions to make. Beyond making choices around the design and fit of your gown, you will have to decide which wedding dress boutique to visit, when, and who to bring shopping with you! This is the fun part!
Once you have set a dress budget, you can choose where to shop! Do you plan a trip to one of the best bridal shops in Las Vegas, do you head to the midwest to look for couture wedding gowns in Chicago, or is your heart set on a particular wedding dress boutique in New York?
Whether you are travelling across the country or just down the street, choosing the right bridal shop could be the difference between finding THE dress or continuing your search.
Once you know where the hunt will begin, you can start to think about who to bring along! The right entourage can make your dress shopping experience something truly unforgettable.
Unfortunately, deciding who to bring with you may be a complicated process. You will need people who will tell you the truth, but also people who positively support you and your vision for your special day.
At Viero Bridal, we get it. That is why we have put together this list of tips and advice to help you choose the best and most supportive entourage possible!
Before you shop, check COVID-19 restrictions
COVID-19 restrictions have added a few extra steps to the dress shopping plans for most brides.
Many states have gathering restrictions in place and this could put a cap on the number of people you are allowed to bring with you to the wedding dress boutique.
Depending on the size of the store, and how many appointments they are booking at this time, you may only be allowed to bring one person with you. For some brides, this is perfect, for others, it is disappointing.
When booking your appointment, ask how many people you are allowed to bring. And because things are changing day to day, call before your appointment to double-check. The last thing you want to do is send people home!
If you are limited to one additional person, there are ways you can involve the rest of your entourage. Use your phone to stream the appointment to your crew through a virtual meeting app. Bring a good ring light and set the stage for a fun bridal appointment!
And remember, you may also need to wear a mask when inside the store. Do not let this discourage you! Find a bridal or wedding inspired mask, or have one made for you. Encourage your entourage to have fun with their masks as well. Get lighthearted about it and decorate masks with sequins, lace overlays, and tassels! Bridal dress shopping is the perfect time to get fancy!
Keep it simple
Your first dress shopping experience should be relaxing, but fun. Keep your entourage choices simple to avoid added stress.
You may want to limit your entourage to just your wedding party, or just a close family member or two. You will best know who your most honest friends and family are.
Ensure that you choose those who will be constructively critical, not nasty. You want to make sure that your entourage will encourage you, but also tell you what does and does not suit your body and personality.
Consider asking a close friend or family member that is not in the wedding party but that you would like to honor in a special way.
And remember, keeping your entourage numbers small means you limit the number of opinions in the room but also increases the chances that your dress choice remains a secret until the big day!
Go alone
This may seem very intimidating, or even odd, but going wedding dress shopping alone can be fulfilling.
Bridal consultants are very knowledgeable about what will look good on you. If you choose a reputable bridal boutique, trust that the bridal consultant that you are assigned to will work to get you into a dress that makes you look stunning, that you are comfortable in, and fits your budget.
If you are unsure and want a second opinion on your wedding dress choice or style, narrow down your options and invite someone to a second appointment to help you decide.
Your mother
Inviting your mother, or someone who has acted as a mother figure, to your wedding gown shopping appointment is a lovely gesture. It may also be something that your mother has imagined since you were born.
More than likely, your mother will have a good idea of what looks great on you, and what styles to avoid. She may also even have some jewelry (your something borrowed or your something old!) in mind that would pair beautifully with your chosen style of gown. She will probably feel honored to be a part of the decision making process.
If you and your mother tend to experience frequent differences of opinion, talk to her before your appointment and set some boundaries and ground rules. Let her know how you are leaning with regards to color, style, and budget so there are no surprises when you arrive at the shop. She may be able to provide some great insights at this time that can help direct your shopping experience. Be open and listen, but be assertive if you need to.
Your wedding party
You know and love your wedding party and all of the characteristics and personalities. But some voices may be louder than others, and some opinions you may value more than others.
Not matter its personality makeup, inviting your wedding party can be helpful in narrowing down your gown choices.
Enlist a member of the bridal party to take photos of you in the various dresses, and another one to serve the bubbly (where it is allowed). As with speaking to your mother about boundaries prior to the appointment, the same applies to any particularly opinionated bridesmaids. If you have a discussion about your vision in advance, you can avoid arguments and hurt feelings.
If you have some that cannot be tamed, consider sending them to look for bridesmaids dress ideas while you are trying on wedding gowns.
Your future in-laws
Inviting your future in-laws to attend your wedding dress shopping appointment may be a great way to break the ice if you don’t know them particularly well, or it can help your partner’s family to feel more involved in the planning process.
Your future mother or sister in law will appreciate the thoughtfulness of the invitation, even if they decide to not come to the appointment.
Inviting the future in-laws may mean that you are the social link between them and the rest of your entourage, so make sure that you introduce everyone so that they all feel comfortable while waiting for you to try on your dresses.
Your father
Inviting your dad to participate in your wedding dress appointment may seem like a strange choice, but, depending on your relationship, he may want to be a participant in the appointment.
Additionally, sometimes it is good to have a differing opinion on your wedding dress. Your dad may have a similar eye to that of your future spouse and can offer some insight into what looks great and what is not quite you.
Viero Bridal
Following our suggestions will leave you prepared for one of the most exciting experiences of your life. Bringing the right people along (or leaving them home) will ensure that you have covered all the options and are looking beautiful and confident on your wedding day.
Whether you have had a style in mind since childhood, or are unsure of where to start, Viero Bridal offers a range of affordable couture dresses that can make your wedding dreams come true!
With flagship boutiques in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, our bridal experts have the goods from coast to coast. View our collections and when you are ready, reach out to book an appointment!