Wedding Dress Shopping

elannis

I'm totally clueless, so please help me out. What do I need to bring? What should I know? What should I expect? What should I ask?

I'm not buying today, just shopping to get an idea of what I like, but I have never done this before and would love some guidance! Thank you! : )

becunning2

Bring a camera so you can take pictures and remember what you like!  Make sure you have batteries for that camera.

And post pictures!

Ollie08

A strapless bra, and full coverage panties (so you're not flashing the sales lady). Oh, and shoes about the height you think you'd want to wear (although most bridal shops have shoes too)

polkadot111

Ditto on the full coverage modest looking underwear. I was wearing some sexy ones when I went once and I didn't want the sales lady in there with me because of that! So, wear non sexy ones. On the strapless bra, they'll usually give you one to use if you forget one, but I'd rather bring my own.

lunarsongbird

You may want to brring a few hair bands to see what you would look like with your hair up and down. Also- don't forget to bring an open mind. I can't wait to see pictures!

elannis

I don't think I own a strapless bra, but think I might pick one up that has full belly coverage, lol.

Definitely good idea on the batteries too. I accidentally dunked mine in the lake this summer so now it works fine except that it likes to turn itself on and off and drain the battery.

SKP82

I didn't need a strapless bra at the shops I went to.  They gave me a long line bra, which is what you would really need to wear.

I agree on a full-coverage panty, though, in case you try on a dress that's a little small so the whole word doesn't see your behind.  If you plan on trying on more slim-fitting dresses, you might want to wear spanx.  But you're a skinny minnie, so maybe not. 

And definitely a camera. 

I also found that I felt better with my hair and make-up done so I would feel better overall about my look.

I don't think the shoes matter, either, because you can have the dress hemmed to the right length for the shoes you'll wear.

Don't have too many expectations on your first attempt.  I did and was kind of disappointed.  Have an open mind and try things on that you normally wouldn't.  I thought I wanted a fitted bodice with a full skirt, and that looked horrible on me.  I ended up choosing something much more fitted through the hip with an A-line skirt.

Definitely AW for us after!!

AnneR15

ditto bringing a camera (or use your phone).

Keep in mind that the dresses you try on probably come in different colors. So if you try on a really white one that you think is too bright, they might also have it in ivory or champagne. I think that can make a big difference sometimes.

I needed help getting into most of the dresses I tried on, so definitely be prepared for the consultant to be in the dressing room when you're in your skivvies.

Have fun!

elannis

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_wedding-dress-shopping?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:f579eecd-aa5c-4e6f-84ee-3344cd9fe59aPost:868900b5-73a5-41a3-b5e0-b462dfd248a3">Re: Wedding Dress Shopping</a>:
[QUOTE]I didn't need a strapless bra at the shops I went to.  They gave me a long line bra, which is what you would really need to wear. I agree on a full-coverage panty, though, in case you try on a dress that's a little small so the whole word doesn't see your behind.  If you plan on trying on more slim-fitting dresses, you might want to wear spanx. <strong> But you're a skinny minnie, so maybe not.  ;</strong>) And definitely a camera.  I<font color="#800000"> also found that I felt better with my hair and make-up done so I would feel better overall about my look</font>. I don't think the shoes matter, either, because you can have the dress hemmed to the right length for the shoes you'll wear. Don't have too many expectations on your first attempt.  I did and was kind of disappointed.  <font color="#008000">Have an open mind and try things on that you normally wouldn't.  I thought I wanted a fitted bodice with a full skirt, and that looked horrible on me.  I ended up choosing something much more fitted through the hip with an A-line skirt. Definitely AW for us after!!</font>
Posted by SKP82[/QUOTE]

<strong>This made me smile! : ) I've never been called that before, lol.</strong>
<font color="#800000">
That's a good idea. I have no idea even if I want my hair up or down, but messy bun is probably not the way to go, lol.</font>

<font color="#008000">I will try my best. I think I'll just ask to try on one of each style so I know for sure what I like and don't like. And I will definitely be asking opinions from you ladies too! : ) </font>

elannis

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_wedding-dress-shopping?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:f579eecd-aa5c-4e6f-84ee-3344cd9fe59aPost:bbd4cded-3a45-4f4c-8c26-d3ede2ee518d">Re: Wedding Dress Shopping</a>:
[QUOTE]ditto bringing a camera (or use your phone). <strong>Keep in mind that the dresses you try on probably come in different colors. </strong>So if you try on a really white one that you think is too bright, they might also have it in ivory or champagne. I think that can make a big difference sometimes. I needed help getting into most of the dresses I tried on, so definitely be prepared for the consultant to be in the dressing room when you're in your skivvies. Have fun!
Posted by AnneR15[/QUOTE]

I need to remember this because I'm not a huge fan of plain white, so I'll probably be less likely to like a dress if I'm not fond of the color. For example: I love my ring, but it just wouldn't be the same if it was white gold. Just my preference. I'm a weirdo there it seems, lol, white gold seems to be in right now.

cu97tiger

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_wedding-dress-shopping?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:f579eecd-aa5c-4e6f-84ee-3344cd9fe59aPost:df41edd4-121c-4f83-be1f-85819ac36e91">Re: Wedding Dress Shopping</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Wedding Dress Shopping : <strong> I think I'll just ask to try on one of each style so I know for sure what I like and don't like</strong>. And I will definitely be asking opinions from you ladies too! : )
Posted by elannis[/QUOTE]

<div>Do this! Wedding dresses fit differently than any other dresses you've ever tried on. I literally made myself try on mermaid, a-line, dropped waist, natural waist and big poofy skirts.</div><div>
</div><div>(Proof):</div><div>
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<a href="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/0/5/e0caba54-fad6-44a4-a50e-446341297aea.large.jpg" title="Click to view a larger photo" onclick="return gSiteLife.LoadForumPage('ForumImage', 'plckPhotoId', 'e0caba54-fad6-44a4-a50e-446341297aea', 'plckRedirectUrl', gSiteLife.EscapeValue(window.location.href));" class="PhotoLink"> <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/0/5/e0caba54-fad6-44a4-a50e-446341297aea.medium.jpg" alt="" /></a>
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<a href="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/9/0/29378c5b-24f4-4d6f-807f-ee92ae5c1bdf.large.jpg" title="Click to view a larger photo" onclick="return gSiteLife.LoadForumPage('ForumImage', 'plckPhotoId', '29378c5b-24f4-4d6f-807f-ee92ae5c1bdf', 'plckRedirectUrl', gSiteLife.EscapeValue(window.location.href));" class="PhotoLink"> <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/9/0/29378c5b-24f4-4d6f-807f-ee92ae5c1bdf.medium.jpg" alt="" /></a>
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</div><div>Maybe also bring a notepad for your mom to write some things down. After trying on a bunch of dresses, you might start forgetting what it was you liked about dress #2. It might be that you like more/less bling, higher/lower waistline, chiffon/satin/lace, etc. </div><div>
</div><div>Also, make sure to nail down your budget BEFORE you go. You do NOT want to fall in love with a dress that ends up being outside of your price range. I think you said your mom was paying, so make sure to nail that down before you go. Keep in mind that alterations can be expensive (mine will prob be around $250), plus shoes and accessories (maybe $100-$200?).</div><div>
</div><div>HAVE FUN AND POST PICS!</div>

jemmini6

Definitely keep an open mind.  I went in thinking I wanted a strapless, satin rouched dress and not much else.  Then I decided to think outside of the box and try on my dress which is lace, with cap sleves and I loved it.

CCO2012

I just wanted to pop in and say good luck! I can't wait to see pics!

doubleSS07

I went with my friend recently to get her dress and it was definitely a different shopping experience than any other!  Camera and hair ties/clips were great to have and the budget even if you are just looking.  But like most of the ladies have already said be sure to bring your open mind.  My friend for sure had in mind what she wanted and was dissapointed when she actually tried those dresses on.  We convinced her finally to just try on some different styles and she walked out of there with something that wasn't even close to what she "thought" she wanted.  Have a great time dressing up and narrowing down what looks best on you for the buying appointment!!

elannis

Tiger: I love your face in the poofy one at the end, lol.

CCO: Thank you much! : )

Jemmini: I kinda have an idea of what I like, but I will remember to try stuff even if I hate it on the rack! Never know until you try it, right?

Liv: I'm thinking my mom will be bringing her camera and she is a click-a-holic. She loves taking pictures, so I'll post asap. : )

pockysquirrel

As PP haves said, bring the camera. But be aware that some stores get into a snit about people taking pictures of the dresses. My advice if this happens is to be sneaky and do it anyway, but don't be surprised if someone tells you to put the camera away.

NurseyK

Don't bring an entourage of people... it makes things confusing for you when there are too many opinions in one room.

Camera

Notepad

Patience

Full butt underwear

Gas-x (I think farting in a wedding dress is so uncouth)

Water bottle

elannis

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_wedding-dress-shopping?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:f579eecd-aa5c-4e6f-84ee-3344cd9fe59aPost:3294a03a-f5dc-4294-8a2c-0ca2746412c7">Re: Wedding Dress Shopping</a>:
[QUOTE]Don't bring an entourage of people... it makes things confusing for you when there are too many opinions in one room. Camera Notepad Patience <strong>Full butt underwear Gas-x (I think farting in a wedding dress is so uncouth) </strong>Water bottle
Posted by NurseyK[/QUOTE]

Hahaha, I love reading posts like this and giggling even though I'm not even awake yet, lol.

My worst fear ever is to go to one of my yearly lady check-ups and fart in my doc's face all spread eagle and stuff. I would die! And then I would have to switch hospitals, lol.