Big Day Small Talk Episode 6: Six Tips for the Best Gown Shopping Experience
Gown Shopping Season has arrived! (fyi, it’s unofficially December 26 - March 1) So, to kick off another amazing season of hundreds of brides saying ‘Yes’, owner Andrea Whitehead has provided a quick little video with six easy tips for the best possible gown shopping experience! Take a look and hopefully you’ll pick up a few pearls of wisdom so that your gown shopping experience is stress free and full of joy!
Hello! Welcome to another episode of Big Day Small Talk. My name is Andrea and today I am here with six easy tips to help you have an absolute blast when you are bridal gown shopping.
Most brides are nervous about starting the gown search process, and we completely understand that. But with these six very easy tips, you can have fun and bridal gown shopping can be the absolute joy that it’s supposed to be. Tip #1: Book an appointment. Most bridal stores operate by appointment these days, although most will allow for walk-ins if you do pop-in and want to shop. However, in order to have the best possible experience, book that appointment, get that time slot you want, so then both you and the store are prepared for you to have an amazing experience.
Tip #2: Choose the group you shop with very wisely. It doesn’t matter if you’re bringing one person or if you’re bringing six. What’s important is that each and every person in your shopping party is going to be supportive, positive, enthusiastic. So if you’re considering inviting someone along for gown shopping, as yourself “would I ever go shopping with them on a regular day for normal, everyday clothes?” If the answer is heck no, don’t bring them along gown shopping. It’s a very high stakes shopping environment, and you don’t need any negative energy. There are a lot of opportunities throughout your wedding to include those people in other ways. You can invite them along when your gown arrives and take part in that experience.
Tip #3: have a general idea what you’re looking for. My best piece of advice for doing this is to just spend a little time on pinterest. That way you have a general idea of what you’re looking for. That doesn’t mean you have to be super specific. It is good to be open minded. And for sure share what you’re pinning with your stylist as well. It’s just good to determine, “am I a boho bride? Or am I a classic bride? Or am I a traditional bride?” This way you can start to hone in on your personal wedding day style.
Tip #4: Limit yourself to no more than two stores in one day. I would not recommend packing a full day of multiple bridal stores, as it will complete exhaust you. But that said, go into each appointment with a positive attitude and with the expectation that “I’m going to find my wedding dress”. You can say yes whenever it feels right to you.
Tip #5: before you put on a single wedding gown, establish your budget. No trying on gowns just for fun. There’s always the risk that you’re going to fall in love with that gown that’s over budget, and that always leads to heartbreak. Before you try on any gowns establish first: who’s paying for the gown? Is it one person? Is it a collection of different people? Whoever it is, have open communication with them about what the budget expectations are. Then, convey that budget to your stylist. That way everyone is aware, and there are no awkward money conversations when you’re trying to enjoy the moment and say yes to your dress.
And lastly, #6: be positive! Have fun! This really should be one of the most fun aspects of planning your entire wedding. Go into it with a positive attitude. Eliminate any negative self talk. Be kind to yourself. It really is as simple as looking at yourself in each gown and asking yourself “Does this gown make me happy?” Because we’re having the HAPPIEST day of your life. Not the thinnest day of your life, or the most perfect day of your life. It’s the happiest day of your life. So go on out there, ladies, find that gown, and savor every moment of it.