Bridal Store Etiquette (and other strange behaviours)

Since most people don't frequent bridal stores, how do you know where to start?

1. Make an Appointment

Most bridal boutiques will request that you make an appointment before coming in. Its frustrating as most bride-to-be's will want to have a browse and see what you sell before committing to an appointment. In most bridal stores the dresses are kept where the brides and their family will be getting changed and trying on so its not always appropriate to just 'browse'. If you really only want to look then call ahead and if the shop is quiet then I'm sure they wouldn't object to you popping in for a nosey! 

2. Allow Enough Time

You should leave around 1-2 hours to try on dresses. Weekday appointments are best as the store won't be as busy which is ideal if you want to spend your time trying on as many dresses as you can. **The best idea is to bring one 'shopping partner' in during the week. This way you only have to ask one person to take time off work which is much easier to schedule and you only have one opinion to consider! Try on as many dresses as you can during this appointment and narrow it down to one or two styles that you like the most. You can then gather up the rest of the wedding party for a weekend appointment where you can show them your final choices. 

3. Trying On Dresses

Bring or wear a strapless bra! Most bridal shops will ask you to strip down to your underwear and give you an underskirt and shoes to try on with your gown. If you have a preference for heel height then by all means bring your own shoes. If you want to even out any lumps or bumps or plan on wearing SPANX on you wedding day then feel free to wear them to your appointment! Most dresses will be slipped on over your head and back off the same way, so expect your hair to bear the brunt! 

4. Smile for the Camera 

Most shops have a 'no photo' policy so don't be shocked if staff tell you to 'turn your camera off' or 'delete your images' from your phone. Don't worry - I find this a bit overboard too! Most stores are worried you will take photographs of the gown and have it re-created by a dress maker or worse still, order it online from China! In my experience (yes, I've ordered from China) if you want to take the chance and do that then be my guest, but don't be surprised when your dress arrives and you realise you've spent £140 a got a 'Magie Stottero' gown. I believe that if a store has gowns which are value for money and the service is exceptional then brides won't have a need to search the web endlessly for variations and 'bargains'. You know how it goes, if it sounds too good to be true........... 

5. Orders & Deposits 

While trying on dresses, you will more often than not be trying on a 'sample' dress. This is a dress that has been purchased by the store for the sole purpose of 'trying on'. Sometimes these samples dresses have been in the store for years and are in a 'questionable' state to say the least! Once you find the dress you like your measurements will be taken and a brand new dress will be ordered for you in your size. Shops can advise on delivery times (between 6-12 months depending on the store) and some will take up to 50% deposit before they will order the dress for you. 

6. I'm not a 16! The great weight debate

Wedding dresses vary widely in size, so if your a size 10 normally, don't be disheartened that you have to order a size 14 dress. Some ladies also want to lose weight for your big day and want to order a dress that is 3 sizes smaller than their current dress size. This is where it gets tricky! Most bridal stores have seen it all before. Girl tries on dress and orders much smaller one as she vows to lose weight. Dress arrives and girl has actually put on 3lbs since she ordered. HELP!! 

Can you see the dilemma? You don't have a dress that fits and the shop has an unhappy bride. Not the best situation, that's why most bridal shops will insist you order the correct size as they don't want you to be left without a gown if your weight loss plans don't go according to plan. Don't be surprised if you are also asked to sign your order form stating that you have insisted the gown is ordered in a smaller size as the shop won't want any comeback from you if they are advising you otherwise.

The best thing to do in this situation is leave it as long as time allows before ordering your dress. That way you should be on track to your target weight. Remember and get advice at the time of ordering on how much or little your dress can be altered as this may help you decide which size to go for.

Dress shopping should be fun! So remember to feel good about yourself and experiment with styles and colours outwith your comfort zone. You'll be glad you did.

Lynsay

www.the-weddingstore.co.uk

And so it begins...........

Sometimes when I look at the shop I wonder what I have gotten myself into. I haven't worked in the wedding industry before, I don't know much of the wedding lingo and I don't know if I'll ever actually fit into this 'couture' world that I have entered.

What keeps me focused is what I do know. I know how it feels to be a bride. I know how much you crave to look the best you have ever looked for your big day and I know how it feels when everything you want seems out with your budget. I understand what is out there for modern brides and what is missing. 

My aim is to fill in the blanks. Everyone wants a traditional wedding day, but traditional doesn't have to mean old fashioned or boring. We all have a personality and a style so my aim is provide traditional gowns with a modern classic elegance so that your inner Kim Kardashian or Kate Middleton can shine on through!

Many of us will read 'Real Weddings', 'Your Wedding' and 'You & Your Wedding' like a die hard, looking for tips and ideas. It's great! All the info is there, the dresses are gorgeous as well as pages of hair ideas and stockists. You're on a roll and can't wait to start your bridal shopping, so you make an appointment to try on one of the gowns you have seen in the magazines................

Problem 1 - You don't resemble the model in the magazine

Problem 2 - The dress is 3 sizes too small so you have extra back fat you didn't think existed

Problem 3 - The sales lady is telling you 'you look great' and will 'discuss costs at the end'

Problem 4 - You are standing on a changing room 'stage' next to a girl who looks like a Victoria's Secret model.



Disappointed? Just a little.

It doesn't have to be like this. I am here to provide you with a relaxing, comfortable environment and provide you with dresses that flatter your body and suit your personality. It doesn't have to cost the earth to look fabulous!

Lynsay 

www.the-weddingstore.co.uk