Trying Dresses on for First time, what to expect?

I just went to one, there aren't too many choices where I am and it was a drive.
You should ask how long it takes on average to get a dress once it is ordered.
I'd reccomend nude underwear and if you have shapewear put it on so you'll get a better idea of what the dress will look like.
I wore my favorite pair of hiking boots, don't do that! Bring some example shoes you like, flats or heels depending on what you might want to wear for your wedding. It doesn't have to be THE shoes but just a pair you can use to get ideas.
Overall you might be clipped into a dress where they don't have your size so they use the clips to hold it in place, the floor dresses are worn more often and are stretched out so if the floor model fits snug go up a size. You'll probably not need a bra under your dress so don't be worried if the shop assistant sees the boobs, they've seen pleanty.
I discovered after the fact all the dresses wiped my deoderant off so I stank, I'd reccomend deoderant for after🤣

I'm so jealous and excited for you!

I went to two shops. The first wasn't great - all dresses were bagged and hard to see what they really looked like, the consultant was the only person working and had to keep checking on other people walking in even though I had the only appointment at that time, and although I meant it when I told her I was open to trying anything on, it was frustrating that she kept bringing me dresses I didn't like - she had me try on three mermaid styles in a row, and after each one I told her I didn't want something fitted below the waist.

The second shop I went to was absolutely perfect. I had a dedicated consultant who even pulled in other employees for second opinions and help clamping so I had dresses that matched what I was trying to describe and I got a better idea of what they'd look like on because they really clamped things down. My consultant there recommended a logical and super easy way to narrow down the shop into viable options: 1. Tell her what I liked and didn't like, and try to describe it instead of just saying dress styles (I said I wanted something fitted on top and loose/flowy from the waist down, but not puffy, and that I liked intricate details and lace). 2. Try on the first dress, see how it looks and feels, take pictures, etc. 3. Repeat with the second dress. 4. Compare the two. Whichever one you like more stays in the dressing room and the other goes back to the floor. 5. Repeat until you're done with what they've pulled/you're stuck on one dress that you love.

If you don't love it, don't buy it. And even if you do love it, don't be afraid to leave to think about it, and come back later. Have someone take photos and videos of you standing and walking, and also make sure you can sit down comfortably. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy it!

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Thanks for your input. I definitely would have worn running sneakers haha. I'll make sure to throw deodorant into my purse too!

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Ahh! You just made me more excited! I think I have the only appt at that time tomorrow morning, so hopefully I get all the attention I will require. I have my MOH and sister coming tomorrow so I will definitely make sure they take pictures.

I like that you said don't buy it even if I love it. I have another appt next weekend and I want to make sure I keep all my options open and this boutique has limited designers in comparison to some of the other locations I am going to.

Thanks so much!

I would go in with a general idea of what you want. Maybe look on their website and pick out a few styles to try on first. That's what I did with mine and it helped me get a better idea after the first few of what style I wanted. Best of luck!

Go in with an open mind to all styles and trust your gut. If you're feeling overwhelmed or pressured into picking something, speak up!

I went wedding dress shopping with my best friend to figure out what kind of style I wanted. With that being said, I tried on EVERY style. Anything the consultant recommended, I tried. That way I really knew what style I loved and there are so many dresses that are gorgeous but just not made for my body type. Then I went with my step-mom telling her we were just looking and not buying because there are so many options BUT I KNEW what style I wanted. Well the consultant promised me she would find my dress and the second one I tried on was perfection. I pick it up this Saturday and I can't wait for the reveal. You are going to have SO much fun. Enjoy it! Be open!

I found my dress at the first place, but I think it was only because I was honest with myself and the lady helping me about what I liked and didn't like. One thing to remember is the budget, don't let people you are with convince you to go above that.

Expect to get undressed in front of a random person who you literally met 10 minutes ago.

Expect to sweat while that same random person zips you up in 5 heavy dresses.

Expect to absolutely hate at least 1 dress that you try on.

Expect to see your size number be way bigger than what you usually wear.

Expect to not have that overall feeling that you're the most beautiful person in the room.

Expect to maybe cry that this is really happening.

Expect to discuss in great detail about bras and undergarments lol!

And lastly, expect to deal with the likely possibility that you'll have to get your dress altered and that it may cost way more than what you think.

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I wore comfy shoes and brought heels, but ended up not even using them - I was barefoot the whole time while trying on dresses and threw on the heels with the dress I ultimately decided to buy. Heels change your posture a little, but ultimately I didn't think it was enough to worry with taking them on and off so many times.

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I started a pintrest board for this. thanks girl!

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Yeah I am open to most all things except a strapless dress. I don't know why, but it's just not for me.

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Oh that's so exciting! What kind of style did you go with? I can't wait. I'm pretty open minded but I am very weary of strapless dresses.

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Thanks for the tip! I am going to do my best to stay in my budget. I want it to be perfect, but I am fully aware I will wear this dress once.

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I love this. Maybe it's the way you said it hah. But this was super helpful and realistic. Thank you!

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Oh PS I am one of those people that cries at virtually everything. So I'll probably cry when I find "the one".

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My FH is like an inch taller than me, and I rarely wear heals so I think I'll be okay. I'm probably going in flip flops.

Just have fun!!! My mom and I literally just stumbled into a bridal shop. She came to my house on a spur to have lunch. We had an extra hour on our meter so we stopped into a shop. I walked in and just kind of stood there and said I have no vision, I have no ideas, I don't even have a date set, what do you think as a professional. She asked a few questions brought in a few dresses and I just tried them on.

I had been spray painting some furniture before that so I had dried on black spray paint all over my feet, and ugly every day bra on, my hair was a mess and I zero make-up on.

I ended up taking off my bra so I would say if you don't want to show your ladies to a stranger make sure you have an appropriate bra. I really don't care about that so half the time my boobs were in this strange ladies face, but I figure she see's them everyday when she gets dressed so whats the big deal.

Second advise. Try stuff on. You can not tell what it looks like in a bag or on a hanger, just try it on, you might be surprised.

The first shop I went to was by far my favorite. I went to two others but ended up buying the dress at the first. I went in not really knowing what I wanted, but the consultant looked through some dresses with me and we decided that I liked lace and wasn’t a fan of beading. I knew I wanted straps, but as far as style I had no idea. After t

Oops, that comment posted way too early!
Anyways, after trying some on and figuring out what I did/didn’t like, she pulled out a dress that she was pretty sure I would love and we saved it for last. I didn’t even look at it until I was putting it on. It ended up being THE dress but I didn’t go back to it until my other appointments.
At David’s I didn’t have the best experience, I felt like it was a dead end and dragging on and I finally got my mom and MOH to get me out of there.
I really hope everyone gets an experience like my first one, she did an amazing job calming me down and helping me figure out what I wanted, and not just make a sale.