Gown Shopping: What to Know Before You Begin!
Gown shopping season is upon us! It’s completely normal for brides to have dozens of questions before embarking on the unfamiliar world of gown shopping. It’s likely this is something you’ve never experienced before, but have only seen on tv! We at House of White are here to dispel all your worries, calm all your fears, and get you excited to say ‘yes’ to your dress.
Here are a few answers to our most commonly asked questions about gown shopping:
When is the busiest time to shop for gowns?
Most bridal boutiques are at their busiest between the months of October through March, and we can attest to especially busy times around holidays: lots of brides take time to gown shop when they’re home for the holidays. With that said, it’s recommended to be proactive during these times, as it may take longer to get an appointment time, especially on Saturdays.
If you’re looking to ‘just browse’, we always recommend booking an appointment on a weekday during these busy months. Bridal boutiques are already hustling to accommodate the volume of brides looking to shop, and often extend their hours as needed. If you’re looking to just explore your options, consider avoiding those congested times for a nice calm experience.
What should I bring to my bridal appointment?
No need to overthink it! The things you need for your bridal appointment are pretty simple. We suggest wearing flesh toned undies, bringing the essential people who you want to witness this moment, an established budget, and your method of payment! That’s it! No need for extravagant undergarments or footwear. Just make sure that your undies aren’t distracting you from your wedding day look, and that you have those special people present! As for budget and method of payment, it’s essential for your stylist to know your gown budget, so that they don’t put you in a gown that exceeds your budget.
How long does it take for a gown to come in?
Wedding gowns typically take 4-6 gowns to arrive to us from the designer, but with current supply chain issues, delivery is typically 6 months from the time of ordering. And since standard alterations take around 8 weeks, we recommend budgeting plenty of time for your gown purchase. Most brides purchase their wedding gown one year ahead of their wedding date, but rush options are always available for an additional fee.
How much should I budget for my wedding gown? And do I have to pay for it upfront?
There’s no concrete rule in terms of what percentage of your wedding budget should go toward your gown: it all depends on your priorities! Speaking from a mid-to-high end boutique like ours, I will say our gowns range from $1800 - $7000, with the bulk of our inventory ranging between $2500 - $3500. In general you can find stores that have wedding gowns for $900, and stores that have wedding gowns for $25,000. The difference between these gowns will be the fabric quality, fit and construction, and the conditions in which they are manufactured. Determine a budget you are comfortable with before your appointment, that way there aren’t any unpleasant surprises during your appointment.
It’s good to be prepared to pay for your gown in full, but there are often options for payment plans at most boutiques…such as ours!
It’s important to remember that every bride’s gown shopping experience is different: some brides face it with excitement, others with dread. And that’s ok! The best thing to do is be true to who you are and your shopping style, and be gentle with yourself. We’re ready to help a bride find her wedding gown using whatever approach feels right to her. Happy shopping!