One of the most enjoyable parts of planning your South Florida wedding is trying on a variety of beautiful wedding gowns. Seeing your image standing on the pedestal with a silk organza San Patrick gown and veil reflected in the mirror brings a certain reality and excitement to your engagement.
Photo credit: Sasha's Bridal Boutique
Here are 6 tips for brides planning a trip to a wedding salon for the first time:
- Schedule An Appointment. Walk-ins are not recommended since gown shopping is so customer service intensive. It involves assistance unlike any shopping experience you ever had. The sales consultant will provide suggestions for styles that accentuate your body type, industrial strength bridal clips to envision a true fit and help removing the dresses from the fitting room that don't make the cut. She will also write down the dresses that you like if you have a few.
Call for a time slot during the week, if possible to ensure a stress-free, less busy environment. Also, ask when the appointment ends ahead of time so you don't infringe on another bride's time slot. Make a second appointment, if necessary.
Photo credit: Sasha's Bridal Boutique
2. Think Venue. Keep your South Florida wedding venue in mind when selecting your gown style. A beach wedding compared to a historic mansion reception each have a different atmosphere.
3. Pre-shop Bridal Magazines. Have an idea of your gown preferences by scoping out pages in bridal magazines. However, be open to suggestions from your sales consultant. He or she is an expert, having fitted numerous brides of varying types.
4. Keep A Budget. Have a budget in mind to help choose which salons to visit--consignment shops, exclusive salons, the bridal salon at your local department store or the sample rack at a boutique. Set a limit to prevent heartbreak from trying on gowns outside of your budget. Also, budget accordingly for veils--they don't come free with the dress.
5. Limit Your Entourage. Bring a select group--perhaps your mom, sister or maid of honor. Too many people and their differing options can hinder the process rather than help select the right gown.
Photo credit: Coral Gable Bridals
6. Undergarments and Shoes! Bringing the right undergarments and shoes help because you have a better idea how the gown looks and fits. Many salons offer a strapless bra, if you need one. Also, wear those "granny panties" and leave the thong at home. Why? Some consultants provide support with enough distance for privacy while others…not so much. Neither you nor your consultant want that view from the three way mirror or from the opposite side of the curtain. So, cover up to avoid awkward moments.
These tips will set you up for an enjoyable and successful gown shopping experience for your South Florida wedding.
Photo credit: Coral Gable Bridals