First dress fitting

Is this your first time shopping for a dress or are you having an alteration fitting for your dress?

If it is your first time shopping my advice for you is:

Make an appointment if you can (some shops do walk in only).

Have a list of 4-5 dresses (various designers/styles) that you know the shop carries.

Know your budget and stick to it! Keep in mind that alterations can be between $500-$1000

If you find "the one" sleep on it for a few days. Dress regret is real.

They will usually start a file for you and list your picks so you can come back another time.

They shouldn't really pressure you to buy right away, if they do tell them you have appointments at another shop and you need time to think about it.

Good luck!

I'm assuming you mean an appointment too - and those are all great tips. I'd also add:

Take as many pictures as they'll let you, from all viewpoints, and have the people you bring take photos.

Try sitting down in the dress - I did this without thinking about it, but later saw a post from a bride lamenting that her dress is great while standing, but uncomfortable to sit in.

Bring people who support you, and make sure they also know that you don't necessarily want to commit to a dress today. I only brought my mom with me - she knows my taste, can tell when I don't really like something, and was super supportive.

Be open and honest with your consultant. Tell them specifically what you like and don't like, even if you only realize it once you have a dress on. It's better to ask for A-line dresses, put one on, and then tell them that you actually don't like that shape on you than suffering through an appointment where you don't like anything you're trying on.

Hope that helps - good luck and have fun!

My advice is don't bring too many people. I had two close friends and my mom and that was it. These people are supportive and know me really well, and they know what I like. When I finally tried on "the one" we all knew it, there was no question and not one of them was trying to make me like something that I didn't.

The first time I brought my mom, gma, and sister. Even that was too many I thought. I had a budget but no real idea of what I wanted so i really wanted to try on all kinds of styles and silhouettes. The second time I went alone and narrowed down to 5 options that I really really loved. Then I brought that back and asked for opinions only on the ones I knew I liked! It worked great

Don't try on anything over your budget and keep in mind that alterations usually happen as well.

I brought my Matron of Honor, Maid of Honor, and mother. My MoH's are my sisters!

Make an appointment or call ahead so they know you're coming

Have a general idea of what you'd like but keep it open as well

Stick to your budget, be firm

DON'T TRY ON SOMETHING OUTSIDE OF YOUR BUDGET - you don't want to fall in love with it and have to go into debt over it

I knew my dress was the one because I saw myself marrying Ethan in it and also cried and bought it right away. Others need more time to consider it. Write down the style number, take photos if allowed, and take a couple of days to think.

Be upfront with your consultant. Don't be afraid to say exactly what you dislike about a dress, I told mine absolutely no feathers and no lace. Beautiful, but not for me. I did try on ONE lace dress but it wasn't for me.