To ask what to expect at a wedding dress appointment?

[ElleBelleLou]

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

Have a look online before you go and see if there is any particular styles/brands you particularly like the look of. We really liked the Morilee range, they had dresses where you could have an additional detachable skirt and have 2 looks on the day. Also getting alternations can be pricey, so I wouldn’t recommend a dress that needs too much work to it. Be careful not to make a purchase on the day, it’s really easy to get pushed into a decision even when you don’t usually do this. I speak from experience, I ended up with 2 dresses 😬. Have a nice time.

My first appointment was with my best friend only. I had not a clue what I wanted.. best friend thought one thing on looking around and I had another. Tried on every cut (is what they call it I think?) and neither of us were right in our thoughts 😂
i ended up elsewhere to buy once I knew what I was looking for!
couldn’t have been more grateful to that first shop for narrowing down my “style”.

go in absolutely open minded and you’ll be surprised 🥰

@ElleBelleLou

How was it ?

excitedly awaiting an update...

I don’t think it’s really fair on the poor staff to go with no intention of buying, they are there to make a living not give you a nice day out. Go back when you know you’re definitely getting married in a reasonable time frame and can purchase

Hi everyone - it was lovely!!

I went in with a list of dresses from their website (they'd asked me to look and see what I liked the look of) and ticked them off one by one as it turns out a completely different style I'd not even considered actually suited me best. I fell in love with a dress but of course didn't buy it, but had a good conversation about prices, timescale, options to make it exactly how I wanted etc.

It was a LOVELY time with my mum and my Grandma, it was so, so good to see my Grandma happy though we did have a tear when we discussed how it won't be my Grandad walking me down the aisle.

The ladies in the shop were incredible, it's a little boutique kind of place where the dresses are designed in-house so you can change almost everything with each dress, and the prices are incredibly reasonable.

Overall it was great and I definitely have an idea of what I want, though of course no purchase will be made until nearer the time - but after seeing the quality of the dresses, the incredible customer service and how much you can change with each dress - not to mention the price - I am confident that will be where I get my dress from. I put one on, looked in the mirror and was like oh my god - I am a bride!

For those worried about them losing money / me taking the mickey trying dresses on so soon - I tipped them £50 for the incredible time they gave me. They were very hesitant to take it and insisted there is no charge for appointments, no pressure etc, but eventually agreed to take it with the agreement that if I do get my dress from there it would come off the cost.

Thank you for the advice re what to wear and what to expect, I went in prepared (in decent undies!) and overall I genuinely loved it. :)

Aw that's lovely ! very interesting to hear that it is a completely different style that suited you best - that is the whole point of trying on a variety.
It does sound like you will be back to them to buy, one day.

A successful day all round.

I'm glad to hear you had a good time!