Dress Shopping

I’ve got a few appointments and every one has told me 1 1/2 hours for bridal, 1 hr for bridesmaids. But I can’t say for sure since I haven’t gone to the appts yet.

My experience was yes, an hour was plenty. I also don’t think its a hard deadline unless they have another appointment (which they usually leave some breathing room). But I also planned two shops in a day (so an hour each plus 30 minutes travel). So you can try to schedule another shop after if you want to get more out of the experience for your friends. I did go twice with 2 different groups on different Saturdays and each time an hour per showroom was enough—the group was getting antsy sitting for an hour. Don’t underestimate how exhausted you’ll be too. The dresses are heavy and honestly I was exhausted after trying on at each bridal store. I did not feel rushed and probably tried on at least 20+ dresses throughout.

My appointment was scheduled for 90 minutes, but it only took just under an hour to find "the one."

I think it's a good idea to have looked on the website ahead of time, so you know what you aren't interested in as much as what you are interested in. I had "favorited" a bunch of dresses from the website, and my consultant started with those. I had tried on 10 dresses, when I put on #11, which turned out to be my favorite!!

If you don't find the one at this first appointment, you can always make another appointment.

In my opinion, " No!" An hour is not enough time to not feel rushed. I, too, had people traveling to be with me. This particular bridal shop offered a private showing. I had to schedule it 6 weeks in advance. Just me & my crew. They served wonderful refreshments, I only had water since I was trying on the gowns 😂, and we were there 3 hours. Never felt rushed. Tried on at least 10 gowns( heavy, takes awhlie), but the last one was THE ONE!! Have fun!!

I also thought an hour would not be enough time. I went to three 1 hour appointments. It felt like enough time at 2 of the shops, and I felt rushed at 1 of them. But if you run out of time at a shop you love, maybe you could go back on your own a few weeks later to continue shopping? I feel you though, everyone came from out of town to shop with me too so I wanted them there when I found “the one”!

It really varies from person to person. It’s very normal for shops to limit appointment times, but some brides only need one and some brides need 8. Go in with an idea of what you like, but an open mind, and don’t have the expectation that you’ll find “the one” at your first appointment. That way, it’s a bonus if you do, but you won’t be let down if you don’t.

Are you able to book a appointment at another store also? Yes, look ahead but styles you think you might like you may not like once you try them on. Be open !

My appointment was scheduled for 90 minutes and I used the whole time because I didn’t want to take my dress off. Lol I had 4 ladies with me. I had searched online and favorited ones on David’s Bridal.com so when I came in she had those picked out for me to try on. It’s different for everybody, look around for some styles that you like. The stylist are there to help you figure that out too.

I had an hour and a half at each of my appointments, but we started late at my 1st one and had a slower start (wasn't sure what direction I wanted to go in yet), and the 2nd appointment I barely needed 30 minutes xD. Go in with an idea of what you like, but be open to trying something else. You'll probably have enough time. Worst case, you have to go back alone or with other people for another appointment (since the people you invited lie fairly far away). You'll be fine.

I don’t think an hour is enough, personally. All of my appointments were around 90 minutes. The first 10 are usually spent with your consultant describing what you like, what you are looking for, and talking about your wedding. If you have some dresses in mind to try on, I would start with those, but be open minded to trying in other words styles. Don’t feel obligated to find something at your first appointment. You can always go back or try another store.

I had an hour for my appointment and tried on 8 dresses. The last one ended up being “the one”. I think it just depends on the person.

View Quoted Comment Thank you all for your reply and input!