How do I prepare for my first bridal appointment? Tips from a Scottish bridal boutique

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. So, to ease some of those stresses, we turned to Alychia Hull, owner of the brand-new Limitless Bridal on Dunblane’s High Street, for some inside information.

How early should you book your bridal dress appointment?

“Everyone deserves that ‘yes moment’,” smiles Alychia, whose boutique stocks Justin Alexander, Sophia Tolli and loads of other top designers in sample sizes 12 to 24. “I believe 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 up to eight months.”

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 – in Alychia’s experience, brides very often fall in love with her ‘wild card’ picks.

Who should I bring to my dress appointment?

Give some thought to who’ll accompany you, she adds: “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,” emphasises Alychia. “We recommend you wear nude-coloured underwear and a good strapless bra. A lot of dresses do have built-in support, so don’t be alarmed if we ask you to take your bra off – trust that we’ll know what works best for you and that particular dress!”

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 Alychia urges you to 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. “But let’s be honest, nobody is going to see the numbers on the label on your dress – it just doesn’t matter,” Alychia points out reassuringly.

“Dress shopping is supposed to be exciting, it shouldn’t be a stress. Remember that a gown can be taken in or let out up to two sizes, so you do have some flexibility. I’d always advise against ordering a dress that is too small, though, 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”, says Alychia. But don’t worry if you’re undecided yet: “There’s no judgement from us – if you want to turn up in odd socks or slippers, feel free!”

Trying on dresses can be thirsty work, so be sure to stay hydrated and eat something before your appointment, she adds. “Most importantly, just have fun!”

Looking to find the dress of your dreams? Find out about Limitless Bridal and other Scottish boutiques via our exciting new directory...