Hello Belles and Beaus! Today let’s get Carried Away with Bridal Appointments! Wedding gown shopping is a journey filled with anticipation, excitement, and the promise of finding the perfect dress to say I Do to your partner on your big day. At Wedding Belles you will be met with a wide selection of exquisite gowns and expert consultants to guide you through an experience that is nothing short of magical! However, amidst a flurry of tulle and lace, it is essential to approach the process with clarity and preparedness. In this guide we will delve into the intricacies of bridal gown shopping , emphasizing the importance of knowing your budget, being ready to purchase at your appointment, and bringing along supportive loved ones for that special "YES" moment. Tons of information is below and at the end, I'm even going to share with you an appointment at Wedding Belles!
Know Your Gown Budget: Before booking an appointment, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of your gown budget. Your budget will serve as a compass, guiding you through the vast array of options and ensuring that you stay within your financial means. Wedding Belles offers gowns spanning a wide range of price points, making it possible to find a beautiful dress that aligns with your budget without compromising on style or quality. Our gowns available for special order range from $999-$3000 with the bulk of styles in the $1200-$2200 range.
When determining your gown budget, consider factors such as your overall wedding budget, financial constraints, and any contributions from family members. It's important to be realistic about what you can afford and to resist the temptation of trying on gowns that exceed your budget. By staying within your financial parameters, you'll avoid unnecessary stress and disappointment down the road.
Do Not Try on Gowns Outside of Your Budget: It's essential to adhere to your gown budget and resist the allure of trying on dresses that are beyond your financial means. While it can be tempting to indulge in the fantasy of wearing a couture gown, it's important to remember that there are plenty of stunning options available at every price point. Trying on gowns outside of your budget can lead to unnecessary heartache and make it challenging to find a dress that meets your criteria without breaking the bank.
To stay on track, communicate your budget clearly with your bridal consultant at Wedding Belles. They will work with you to select gowns that align with your financial parameters while still capturing your desired aesthetic. Trust their expertise and remain focused on finding a gown that not only looks beautiful but also fits comfortably within your budget.
Be Prepared to Purchase at Your Appointment: When scheduling your bridal appointment it's essential to be prepared to make a purchase. While it's natural to want to explore all of your options before committing to a dress, Wedding Belles operates on a timeline that requires brides to be ready to say "YES" to the dress during their appointment. This means having a clear understanding of your budget, preferences, and timeline for purchasing your gown. We offer our customers discounts at their first appointment that can seriously save you hundreds of dollars! So when you book before your ready to start the ordering process, you lose all those discounts.
If you're not quite ready financially to make a decision, it's best to wait until you're fully prepared to buy before booking your appointment. Trying on gowns without the intention of purchasing can not only create confusion and can also be incredibly upsetting. Falling in love with a gown and then it being discontinued before you are able to purchase it can be heartbreaking and frustrating. By being honest about your budget ensures a successful shopping experience. We also offer payment plans! It is half down to place a special order and the rest breakdown into interest free monthly payments to make it easier on you.
Bring Supportive Loved Ones for Your "YES" Moment: One of the highlights of bridal gown shopping at Wedding Belles is sharing the experience with your closest family and friends. While it's tempting to invite everyone you know to join in the excitement, it's important to limit your entourage to a select group of supportive individuals. Wedding Belles recommends bringing no more than four guests over the age of 12 to your appointment to ensure a focused and intimate experience. If you need additional guests, give us a call to schedule.
Choose loved ones who know you well, understand your vision for your wedding day, and will provide honest and constructive feedback. Avoid inviting individuals who may overshadow your experience or impose their own preferences onto your decision-making process. Remember that this moment is about YOU and finding the dress that makes YOU feel beautiful and confident as you walk down the aisle.
Do Not Over Shop for the Experience: While bridal gown shopping is undoubtedly a memorable and joyous occasion, it's essential to strike a balance and avoid over-shopping for the experience. Wedding Belles recommends limiting your appointments to three or fewer to prevent overwhelm and decision fatigue. Trust your instincts and be mindful of the fact that many brides find their dream dress during their first appointment. Often it is even the first one they try on!
Instead of chasing the elusive “unseen” gown, focus on finding a dress that makes you feel radiant and reflects your personal style and preferences. Keep an open mind and be willing to explore different silhouettes, fabrics, and embellishments. Remember that the most important thing is how you feel in the dress, not how many you try on.
Have an Idea of What You Like but Stay Open-Minded: Before your appointment at Wedding Belles, it's helpful to have a general idea of the styles and silhouettes you're drawn to. Browse bridal magazines, Pinterest boards, and Wedding Belles' social medias to gather inspiration and pinpoint elements that resonate with you. However, while it's beneficial to have a starting point, it's equally important to remain open-minded and receptive to your bridal consultant's suggestions.
Wedding Belles' experienced consultants are experts at helping brides navigate the vast array of options and find the dress that best suits their body type, personality, and wedding theme. Trust their expertise and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. You may be pleasantly surprised by a gown that you hadn't considered but falls perfectly in line with your vision for your wedding day. The amount of times we see brides fall head over heels in love with a gown they would have never tried on with some prompting is countless!
Wear Appropriate Undergarments: When trying on gowns at Wedding Belles, it's essential to wear appropriate undergarments to ensure a seamless and comfortable fitting experience. Opt for nude underwear and a strapless bra that provides adequate support without detracting from the silhouette of the dress. Alternatively, some brides prefer to forego a bra altogether for a more natural and unrestricted fit. All of our gowns have cups in them already, so if your comfortable trying on without a bra we highly recommend it!
By wearing the right undergarments, you'll be able to visualize how the gown will look and feel on your wedding day. Avoid wearing heavily padded bras or sports bras. If you plan to wear shapewear, feel free to bring it because that will alter the fit of the dress; also, how you see yourself in the mirror. Remember you want to feel confident and at ease as you try on different styles and silhouettes.
Production Time Frames: The journey to the perfect gown is exciting, but it's also a process that demands careful planning and foresight. Many brides may not realize that the creation of a bridal gown is a time-intensive endeavor. With production times typically spanning 6 to 8 months, designers meticulously craft each gown, from selecting the finest fabrics to hand-stitching delicate details. This timeframe ensures that every aspect of the gown embodies the bride's vision of elegance and romance. Gowns are made to order, however, they are not made to custom measurements. Additional tailoring will be needed 99% of the time.
Alterations: Following production, the journey continues with alterations, a crucial step in ensuring that the gown fits flawlessly on the big day. Tailors require 4 to 6 weeks to tailor the gown to the bride's unique measurements, ensuring comfort and confidence as she walks down the aisle. Given these timelines, it's evident that it's never too early to start the search for the perfect gown.
We suggest beginning the process well in advance allows ample time for browsing, fittings, and any necessary adjustments. However, while it's never too early to purchase your gown, it's crucial to recognize that it can indeed be too late for a special order. Special orders, which often involve customizations like adding additional sleeves or boning, require additional time for consultations and crafting, extending the alterations timeline beyond the standard window. Waiting until the last minute to secure a gown risks disappointment, as rushed orders may limit choices to purchasing off the rack. Therefore, by starting the gown selection process early and remaining mindful of production and alteration times, brides can ensure a stress-free and unforgettable journey to the alter.
Bridal gown shopping is a momentous occasion that should be approached with excitement, preparedness, and an open heart. By knowing your gown budget, resisting the temptation to try on dresses outside of your financial means, being prepared to purchase at your appointment, and bringing along supportive loved ones for your "YES" moment, you'll navigate the process with ease and confidence.
Remember to trust your instincts, stay true to your personal style, and keep an open mind as you explore the exquisite selection of gowns at Wedding Belles. Whether you find your dream dress during your first appointment or at your last, cherish the experience and savor the moment of saying "YES" to the dress that will make you feel like the most beautiful, confident version of yourself on your wedding day!
Here is a video of an appointment here at our store!
Let me know if you have any other questions!!
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