Tips for First Bridal Appointment

Bring a strapless bra and wear underwear! Keep in mind, it doesn't have to be what you will wear that day. Keep an open mind about styles, but maybe have a few ideas of dresses you would like to try! It will be so much fun! I only had one appointment, since I found my dress at the first appointment. Enjoy it! It flies by!

Depends, I would bring the bra. Some places I went to had corset bras for you to put on the try on dresses. are you ready to buy a dress? some sales ppl REALLY don't like having time wasted, esp on the weekend, for ppl who are just there "having fun" and not looking to buy.

When I went, one of the salons actually had a strapless bra and heels to use while I tried on dresses, but the other one didn't. I would recommend wearing nude undergarments, and wearing some makeup so that you can picture it better with the overall look. Also, bring pictures of stuff you love/hate or at least have an idea. Just have fun, try on lots of different materials / shapes so you can narrow it down.

Try on everything! You may be surprised at what you find.

PP had good tips. Strapless bra and nude underwear are good starting points. Pretty yourself up a bit. The first time I went shopping it was unexpected and we just happen to be driving past a store and they took me as a walk-in. I was in sweats and my hair in a crappy pony tail. I didn't look my best or feel my best and it definitely made trying on dresses harder because I couldn't see myself in any of them. Be willing to try on different styles. I was dead set on organza fit and flare with tons of beading. I ended up with a blush a-line dress with minimal beading and lace. Don't get discouraged if you don't like any of the dresses. I tried on 50 before I found my dress. I only liked 2 out of the 50. It wasn't me being picky either my mom and BP even said that none of the dresses were working. I was really frustrated until I found my dress. Make sure wherever your appointment is that you get your own consultant. I was a David's Bridal with another bride and the consultant was waiting on 3 girls. It was completely horrible because the consultant only brought 2 dresses to the bride to try on the entire hour and half appointment. Then she got mad at us (bridesmaids) for picking out a few for her to try on.

Wear nude underwear. The last time I went I had no lie striped colored underwear. I was so embarrassed. Shave your armpits and legs.

Thanks for all the helpful advice! I'll definitely bring a strapless bra and nude undies. Keeping an open mind and trying on different styles is going to be hardest for me. Im pretty set on a long sleeve lace a-line gown. But especially since it's my first go around, I will definitely keep in mind I need to try on some different looks.

If I found "the dress" I'd definitely be willing to buy it. I'm a very picky shopper so when I find something I like I jump on it.

I will make sure wear some makeup as well, I was going to skip it entirely (I was worried some might get on the dresses). I'll make sure throw on an extra layer of deodorant as well! I don't want to be that person...

Keep an open mind because sometimes what you think you want is totally the opposite!

I started bringing along a hairbrush to appointments so that I could fix my hair if it started to get tangled. I ended up not bringing a strapless bra, but just tucked in my bra straps and was fine. If a salon recommends you try their undergarments and you realize they are uncomfortable, tell them that you would prefer to put your own bra back on or take off the slip. I agree that you should be willing to try as many different silhouettes and dress materials as you can. I also ended up with a different shaped dress than I thought I would want.

@Sarah so happy you asked this question because I have not gone dress shopping yet and was curious about the process too! I am so excited and will definitely be taking these tips into consideration! Happy Dress Shopping

It may sound weird but consider what type of shoes you want to wear on wedding day; especially if you are tall (I am 5'8" and was told that if I was going to wear heels I would need to order extra fabric at the bottom of my dress so it is something to consider).

Also, make sure you eat before your appointment and bring bottled water. Most stores don't allow food or any liquids that are not clear.

Where I went had a corset bra for me to put on. I wore full back nude undies because my bff worked at a bridal shop in high school and complained about girls wearing thongs and their ass cheeks were right in her face when she went to zip/adjust.

I would say be open minded about dress styles. It's good to have some idea what you would like but you may end up with something completely different. Also I would say nude or white strapless bra, underwear and/or shape wear. Heels are also a good idea they can change the look of a dress.

Keep an open mind and try on styles you would expect. Keep within your budget and prepare for opinions. My mom loved everything at the first appointment and at the second she finally got over the initial reaction and gave me opinions. I would definitely bring undergarments. Some places may provide and some don't. If you are allowed to take pictures, I would have your friends do that.