Wondering how to navigate your first wedding dress shopping appointment? We've got the lowdown
Hazel crepe fit and flare wedding dress with floral cape, Veni Infantino Bridal
Ask yourself this: how many times a day do you say yes? In answer to everything from ‘do you fancy a cuppa?’ to ‘is Tie the Knot Scotland the best tool for planning a wedding?’ (obvs), it’s fair to say this little word probably passes your lips a lot.
But when the question is ‘is this the dress of my dreams?’, that same three-letter word fills many brides with terror. Don't worry, we've got the insider information to ease those stresses.
How early should you book your bridal dress appointment?
You can never book in too early – arranging your first appointment anywhere between 12 and 18 months before the day is advisable, partly because the lead time for some dresses can be eight months or more.
Looking to find a dress that doesn't compromise your personal style or preferences? Read our guide here...
Should I know what I want my wedding dress to look like?
It’s worth doing some research before you go, but it’s also valuable to have an open mind towards the boutique’s suggestions – brides very often fall in love with a stylist's ‘wild card’ picks.
Ariana two-piece boho wedding dress by Maggie Sottero, available from Kudos Bridal Dunfermline
Who should I bring to my dress appointment?
Give some thought to who’ll accompany you. You want to bring people who support you, those who’ll hype you up and not dull your sparkle.
Too many opinions can become slightly overwhelming and there is nothing worse than loving something but the pals you’ve brought disliking it. Bring people who will let you shine!
If you feel confident when you’re trying on dresses, it will really help, and there are some definite dos and don’ts here to get you on the right track.
What should I wear to my dress appointment?
Don’t wear fake tan – trying on dresses can make you hot and sticky – and there's a risk of transfer onto the samples.
Many boutiques will recommend you wear nude-coloured underwear and a good strapless bra, but that's not crucial.
Many wedding dresses have built-in support, so don’t be alarmed if your stylist asks you to take your bra off (if you feel comfortable doing so) – trust that they know what works best for you and that particular dress.
The fitting rooms are where the magic happens at Eleganza Sposa in Glasgow
I'm worried about the size of my wedding dress. Is this an issue?
Brides can often feel pressure to look a certain way or be a certain size, but we say you should love the skin you’re in (see, Olay were on to something…)
It’s worth noting that wedding dress sizes often don’t correlate with high-street sizing. Remember: nobody is going to see the numbers on the label on your dress – they just doesn’t matter.
Bear in mind that most gowns can be taken in or let out up to two sizes, so you do have some flexibility.
However, boutiques will advise against ordering a dress that is too small, as altering it too much can change the entire look and style of the garment. The dress should fit you; you shouldn’t have to try to fit into the dress.
Should I bring along any shoes or accessories?
If you have already purchased any accessories such as shoes or headpieces, feel free to bring these along to see the full look, but don’t worry if you’re undecided yet.
Trying on dresses can be thirsty work, so be sure to stay hydrated and eat something before your appointment. There shouldn't be any light-headedness in the fitting room – until that moment when you find the one!
Looking to find the dress of your dreams? Find out about Scottish bridal boutiques via our exciting new directory...
