Did you find your dress yet and how was your experience

Yay that's exciting! Dress shopping was one of the aspects of preparing for the wedding that I was most excited for!

I had mixed results when I went dress shopping. I definitely had a favorite designer in mind, had a decent idea about what I did and did not want, and was pretty set on my budget. I made my first appointment to be only myself which I recommend for people easily influenced by others/wanting to please - which I totally can be even though I try not to let others' options sway my choices. This first appointment was extremely productive because I could have a very honest conversation with the assistant, try on a bunch of dresses in different styles to see what I actually liked on, and discuss logistics with the assistant.

My next 2 appointments were mainly for curiosity and to fulfill the 'dress shopping' experience with my mom & sister and my future MiL & SiL. I went to two local dress shops with an open mind, tried on a bunch of dresses again (some I was genuinely interested in and some because one of my party liked a dress and wanted to see me in it 😅🤷🏼‍♀️). I was honestly so disappointed in these two appointments not only because they didn't carry many dress I actually liked, but also because neither of these shops properly clipped me into any of the dresses... clipping the dresses to 'fit' make a HUGE difference. I just didn't feel as attended to or helped properly tbh.

Finally, I made a second appointment at the first shop and brought my mom along. I tried on a few new dresses and pulled my top 3 from the first appointment (this shop 'fits' every single dress with clips, every single time and it helps so much). I ended up getting a dress that was at the top of my budget but I loved it and my mom loved it. My dress is supposed to arrive at the beginning of May and I cannot wait to go try it on and show a few more people my dress in person!

Sorry this was so long, lol. I really hope you have an amazing experience! If you're at the right store it will not be stressful at all, definitely follow your gut instinct. Do you have your eye on any dresses or particular designers atm?

View Quoted Comment Aww thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences with me and it helps. I'm actually going to be doing my first dress shopping for the first time and I have a couple and I hope not to go over my budget for the dress. And I only have 2 ppl going I really want to invite one of my bestfriends so I will see if she will come for support. The shop only allows 4 ppl at the appt. But I am very very excited. Thank you again for sharing ❤

Just know it’s ok if you fall in love with one that day, or need to go to a few shops to find The One. You may or may not cry but you’ll just know when it’s the right one. Have fun!!

For me, the appointment lasted way longer than expected and everyone was hungry, so I may suggest bringing snacks or making sure people eat before! Also I found it hard to just be direct and honest if I didn't like a dress, especially when the staff was trying to sell me on them, so be ready to be firm and say no to dresses you don't love. I found the dress I loved at dress #7. No tears but lots of joy. My sister found it on the rack while the staff was getting other dresses together, I'm glad I brought her because she knows me so well

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If you find a bridal store that really seems to carry your desired style of dress make sure you also inquire about the alterations process. My sister ended up going decently over her budget (after buying a floor sample & getting a discount from being referred to the shop by her best friend) because she didn't take into consider alterations and she bought the veil and belt that the assistant put on her without finding out the prices for the accessories (shop around for these, the prices care vary so much!). My sisters alterations were done by an in-house tailor that charged per service (hem, shorten straps, bustle, etc) which ended up costing a lot, but the shop I ended up buying from has an in-house tailor that charges a lump sum (which in my case will work in my favor). You can't really control how much an in-house tailor is, so definitely weigh out how much everything you'll need done will realistically total up to be before choosing which route to go.

Two people is a good entourage number, not overwhelming but there for feedback 🥰 I hope you all have an amazing day!

View Quoted Comment Hi Maggie thank you so much for sharing those tips that we all need to know. Now it will be 4 to come with me but I guess that I count myself as one of the appt. But will ask if I can start from the sells rack and then pull to up to my budget. And I definitely I will keep in mind to ask about prices about veil and accessories. And thank you I can't wait

View Quoted Comment Oh wow thanks Elizabeth for that tip I will tell them that,plus they can get hangry lol when someone is hungry. But unfortunately I think I'm only allowed to pull only 5 dresses😢with a 60mins appointment. I hope that I find my dress tomorrow I will be very disappointed

I had a completely different experience than most people! I found my dress last March, pre-pandemic lockdown. My mom and I were driving past a formal wear shop that mostly seemed to have prom and event dresses. She convinced me to go in and we found they had 2 small racks of wedding dresses. I was working on a tight budget so it wasn't hard to convince me to try on a few since most were $200-$600.


I tried 4 on total. #3 was the one. It was nothing like what I thought I wanted but I put it on, loved the way it felt, and couldn't stop smiling once I saw it in the mirror! I love lace and originally thought I would get an elegant fit-and-flare or some other type of fitted dress. Instead, my dress has a floor-sweaping skirt of tulle that whispers when I move and makes me feel like a princess.
I left the dress there that day since I didn't think it would be so easy to find a dress. I just couldn't believe it. I was a bit in shock. After agonizing over the decision for 2 days, I called them up to see if it was still there and bought it! Still made me feel just as wonderful as the first time when I tried it on again. The women at the store were so excited for me. It is a local store and they said their favorite customers were brides looking for budget or non-traditional options.
My wedding isn't until Feb 2022 so I make sure to go to my family's house and take a peak at it every so often to remind myself how much I love it. It needs only minor alterations to the shoulders and a trim to the hem since I am very short.

Hi Emma I looked on Ali Express also seen some I liked but not sure if they will make it like the picture shown. And I loved some of the dresses from DHgate that I adored and there my style to and the way I see my dress to look but I'm going to keep my fingers crossed. But I'd you dont mind me asking was getting the dress made and shipping cost ok for you. You dont have to put your total amount here just wanted to know if it was worth it with everything done. Congratulations to you for finding your dress

And I just want to Say Congratulations to all of the recently married and soon to be brides. And thank you so much for sharing all of your ideas and suggestions and stories with us. Keep sending them I love reading about your love and experiences.
Thank you

View Quoted Comment Aww Grace how fabulous is that wonderful story I'm happy that you found your wedding I'm on a budget too so I'm hoping to find something that I like. Congratulations sweetheart on your up coming wedding. I have a gind for you and others brides. Go to Thebridebox.com and subscribe to it for a few months and treat yourself or just spread the word o love my evey month

View Quoted Comment Yes I was up late last night just thinking of all these things. But not wanting to be overwhelmed with it but I it to be. And hoping that I do find it in 1 day. Thank you

Etsy also has a bunch of wedding dress designers that make beautiful dresses and they have great reviews! I actually ordered mine from one called Alexveilbridal and it should be here by May. I’m planning on going dress shopping at a couple local stores for the experience just in case I don’t love the dress in person as much as I loved it in the pics but that’s an option especially if you want to stick to a budget since they custom make it for you so u need fewer alterations, ideally only the hemming part.

Noooo I haven't went into the store yet but I have been shopping and saving pictures
I will have my mom and sister with me when I do go .
Happy Planning

View Quoted Comment Hi I have been too as well I go to my first store tomorrow with 1 of my daughter's and a bestfriend's. And happy planning to you as well

First, my tip: Check their website first (if they have one!)

Now my story: I shopped at BHLDN because I fell in love with a dress on their website. I knew they didn't have it at my nearest locations (because I called), but I still wanted to go in and try on similar dresses to get an idea of what they actually look like on me. I tried on 6, loved the first one, but couldn't forget the one online. Turns out they do 100% returns, so I bought both! (They also happened to both fall well within my budget). I received them three weeks later and tried them on. I love the one I only ever saw online, so the main lesson I took away is to trust your gut. When you know, you know! So I have to return the other one, but at least I had the salon experience!

View Quoted Comment Oh ok that's good and relief that you have %100 return

Hi Emma ok I'm happy that you are happy with your selection and process. It's a great feeling when you find that dress for that special day

Hi Beautiful brides I have found my wedding dress🎉🎉🎉😊😊👗.I am beaming with excitement and I cant wait even now to marry him. So now the tasks are be started next venue to lock it in

View Quoted Comment Now Elizabeth I know the feel that you and others brides were talking about it's a great amazing feeling