The Bay Bride

Today I went wedding dress shopping for the 2nd time in 2 weeks.  My two experiences were very different.  I learned from my newbie mistakes which made my second experience much more pleasant.  Here’s a few tips that can make your trip less embarrassing.. and more worthwhile.

Tip #1: Wear your good undies

Well first of all, I didn’t realize that the dress consultant actually helps you into every dress.  So make sure to wear a nice pair of underwear, not your holey pair that you out grew 10 years ago.  Yes, I felt quite embarrassed but that’s what happens when you don’t do laundry for a month. Also, a strapless bra is a must. Not sure if they can lend you one but yeah, it’d probably be better to bring your own.  Some B2B (brides to be) even bring Spanx and other undergarments.

Tip #2: Do Your Research

It pays to do some research.  First set a budget for the dress and then start looking in magazines or online to find a style you like.  Create a list of bridal shops in your area and research away.  Call them to find out which bridal gown lines they carry.  Ask if they have any events like trunk shows or sample sales coming up? If you need to set an appointment (you usually do)?  What the price range is for the gowns?  How far in advance do you have to order the dress? I usually go on Yelp, WeddingWire or Project Wedding to find out as much as possible before booking an appointment.

Tip #3: Start Early

It’s never too early to start looking for a dress!!!  I only wish I had more time!  The more time you have the more time you’ll  be able to shop around and find the best deals. I would definitely try to hit up as many sample sales as possible.  Most sample sales happen about once a year so its hard to time it right if you only have 1 year to plan.  If you don’t end up buying your dress at a sample sale, some dress shops can take up to 6 months for your gown to arrive.  Though not every bridal shop will take this long its always better to be safe than sorry.  I heard some places make you pay a rush fee so when you call to make your appointment ask them how far in advance you’ll need to order your dress.  You’ll also need about 4-6 weeks before the wedding to have time for final fittings.

Tip #4: Bring Pictures/Magazines of Wedding Dresses

Make sure to bring some pictures of dresses that you like especially if its a shop where they have bridal consultants bring you dresses to try on based on what they think you want. I forgot this very important detail and the lady grabbed like 8 dresses, all of which I really didn’t like and I just felt bad.  It was definitely a waste of both our times.  This was at Trudy’s in Campbell, CA.

Some places let you browse the dress rack (such as Gabrielle’s in Los Gatos and The Unique Bride in Burlingame) and let you pick the ones you want to try on.  Call the store to find out what their policy is.

Tip #5: Bring a Friend (and a digital camera)

Bring a friend who knows what’s up.  Someone you trust who will be honest yet tactful and knows a thing or two about clothes/fashion and understands your style.  Your friend can also help take pictures (if the shop allows it) so later when you need some motivation to work out you can blow up the picture and tape it on your fridge.  Oh yeah, also it may help you later when you want to ask family and friends for their opinion or for reference when you’re ready to make a final decision.  In my case, I will be using it as a motivation technique.  I swear, camera’s really add 20 lbs.  After my friend took the picture I asked her politely if she could take a few shots at various angles (bc the angle made me look…. 20 lbs heavier).  She later told me that the first shot was the most flattering angle she could get.  HAHA she cracks me up.

Any other dress shopping tips you’d like to share?