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Original poster

To ask what to expect at a wedding dress appointment?

82 replies

ElleBelleLou · 02/05/2025 13:35

I have my first appointment tomorrow at a bridal shop to try some dresses on, we're planning for a May 2028 wedding.

I know there's a LOT of time before May 2028, but I don't have even a slight clue what style of dress I might like or would suit me, so I wanted this initial appointment to try different styles on and hopefully get a bit of an idea.

My mum is coming, and my Grandma - we recently lost my Grandad so my mum and I thought this would be a nice little thing to do with my Grandma and get her out.

I am nervous as I have no idea what to expect - do I just turn up, tell them I am clueless and follow their lead?! What do I wear? Should I have some kind of Pinterest board with me? (joking .... I think)

If anyone can give me a heads up as to what to expect, and anything I may need to know or do I would appreciate it. I have anxiety hence the panicking about the unknown!

Thank you in advance

OP posts:
Original poster
ElleBelleLou · 02/05/2025 13:51

I'm definitely going in there with no intention of buying a dress which I think was my DP's fear - I know my tastes (and maybe my body shape!) will change over the next 3 years, but I'd like to at least rule out some styles. Decent underwear noted!

I think I have no interest in big princess style or sleeves but aside from that I am open to anything! Not sure I have the assets for strapless which may limit me lol

OP posts:
Marianwallace · 02/05/2025 13:50

When I went with DIL she had a fixed idea of what she wanted , but they told her to browse and tag ( with little coloured discs) styles she liked. And then she tried them on.

DownWhichOfLate · 02/05/2025 13:50

What’s your usual style? Are you looking for traditional dresses or something a bit quirky? Strapless? Sleeves? Etc. Have you looked at anything online you like?

Wear decent underwear - they will probably help you in and out of the dresses!

DappledThings · 02/05/2025 13:49

do I just turn up, tell them I am clueless and follow their lead?!
That's what I did. Said I had no real.idea what would suit me or what I liked other than I wanted some kind of sleeve. They picked out a few suggestions. I said yay or nay to them, tried on 5 or 6. Narrowed it down to 2 immediately and to 1 within the hour I was there. Hadn't expected to be so definitive but I had it ordered by the end of that first appointment. It's fine to not have a clue till you get there. I think that's half the fun for them as well as you!

What do I wear? anything you can easily take off. There's no requirement to be wearing anything specific. Just a decent bra that gives you the best support you have to get a good idea of how something will look.

stichguru · 02/05/2025 13:47

They will have lots of dresses in lots of styles - just try on lots. Some will be lovely, some won't look right on you, some maybe will be a style that you, your mum and nan hate, and you can all have a laugh about how rubbish you think it looks! Make a mental note of bits you like (e.g. this length, that bodice, those sleeves) and gradually you can home in on what you want.

RosesAndHellebores · 02/05/2025 13:47

Just tell them you would like to try a range of styles to get ideas. Perhaps don't get too fixed as your view of what you might like/trends is likely to change in the next couple of years.

hopeishere · 02/05/2025 13:43

I’d just be honest and say you’ve no idea what you’d like and ask if you could try a range of styles eg big skirt, fitted, strapless etc and then take it from there. Wear decent underwear.