Say Yes to the Dress
If you follow us on social media (you totally should)… you know that it has been a personal goal of mine to gain experience in every aspect of a wedding. This is an incredibly important quality in a wedding planner, because then they can not only better understand the vendors but better service their clients during planning.
My current learning experience is in bridal fashion. I won’t say where, but I have been growing as a stylist there for the past five months. So I wanted to share with you some things that I have learned from being a bridal stylist. And if you haven’t already make sure you check out my blog on Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids for tips and tricks when it comes to styling your wedding party!
Wedding dress shopping is a big deal! You are shopping for the most important article of clothing that you will ever wear! But don’t start freaking out because I’m going to give you some insider tips on how to make sure that you have a wonderful experience and find the dress you have been dreaming of!
1. Do your homework
I know you probably aren’t in school anymore…but just like going into a meeting with a florist you need some ideas of what you want. Your stylist is going to have a hard time helping you find the dress if you don’t know what you are looking for. Check out the shops website before you visit (even if it is just in the car ride over) and pick out some ideas of what you would like to try. Your stylist can’t read your mind if you don’t tell her what you like.
2. Only bring the most important people
I know this is a tough decision because your most important people are probably all of your bridesmaids. And I’m sure they all want to come with you. But unfortunately most bridal salons don’t have enough seating for your entire bridal party to join you. Not only that but the more people you bring means more opinions which might not be a good thing. While your friends and families opinions are important, at the end of the day it is your wedding and all that matters is if you are happy. And if you are happy they will be happy for you!
3. If you want to visit multiple stores don't schedule all of your appointments on one day
Wedding dress shopping can be exhausting. And while it might seem fun at the beginning to make a day of it you might find yourself regretting it later. Most appointments last an hour and a half sometimes even two hours. At each store you are likely to try on five or six dresses. Before you know it the dresses can start to look the same. Instead space your appointments out, then you have time to process. Plus, going back to number 2 you can invite different people to each appointment so everyone feels included.
4. Life isn't a TV show
As much as I love Say Yes to the Dress life doesn’t always work so perfectly. Not every shop is so lucky to have a Randy to run and get the perfect dress. You might not find a dress that you love during your appointment. And instead of leaving feeling discouraged know that you made huge progress! Maybe you decided that you hate strapless or you love the A-line silhouette. All of these realizations are little victories that get you one step closer to finding your perfect gown. Plus you can always schedule a comeback appointment with your stylist to ensure that all of that hard work isn’t forgotten.
5. Don't stress
I know that is easy for me to say. You probably started worrying as soon as I said you have homework. But relax if bridal shopping was easy you would be able to do it by yourself. But you don’t have to! That is why you have a stylist! They are a trained professional and are there to help you and be there for YOU! Not your mom or your opinionated bridesmaid… they are 100% on your side. They want you to feel beautiful and sometimes that means not listening to what your entourage has to say. As long as you are honest with them about what you are thinking (likes AND dislikes) they will find you the dress that you have been dreaming of!
