XP - Where to start for a bride with no idea what she wants in a dress? CN at bottom.

Mimmer04

So I feel like every bride I have ever talked to knew exactly what she was looking for in her dress before she bought it.  I don't.  I haven't been dreaming of my perfect dress since I was a little girl.  Now that its time to start looking (I have been engaged since Sept.), I am totally overwhelmed and have no idea where to start.

I have been looking online and at bridal magazines for months, flagging dresses that I like, but there is no consistency.  The dresses I like vary in style, cut, neckline, fabric etc.  The only thing I know for sure is that I don't want a big ball gown, which probably means that I will end up in a ball gown .  I am fairly petite and I think I will get lost in a big ball gown.

I think at this point I just need to start trying on dresses to see what cuts/styles I like and look good on me so I can narrow my focus.  My MOH is flying in two weeks from CA, so I will be dress shopping for the first time then.  I live in NYC (Manhattan) and am looking for suggestions for places to go.

Should I book appointments at full service salons or just drop in places and try some dresses off the rack?  What stores will have a good selection of lots of different styles so I can narrow down what I want?  I am ok with purchasing a dress the first day out if I find one I love (whatever that is), but I think its unlikely.

So what stores do you recommend?  My parents have graciously offered to purchase my dress and have given me a budget of $2500 for just the dress, not including alterations, accessories etc.  So while I can't afford some of the ridiculous designer gowns, I should be able to find something in my budget almost anywhere (I hope).  Thanks for your help. (I have also posted on the NYC board.)

CN: I don't really know what style/silhouette/fabric/neckline etc. I want for my wedding dress.  I am going to begin shopping/trying on dresses in about 2 weeks in NYC.  Where should I go first?  Should I try full-service salons or more low-key pull off the rack yourself kind of places to start?  My dress budget is $2500 for just the dress, not including alterations, accessories, etc.

jagore08

First, start your search by calling salons, making sure they have plenty gowns within your price range, and book your appointment.

Second, when you go in for your appointment tell your consultant that you are not sure what style you'd like.  Give details of your ceremony and reception location so you're not over- or under-dressed for your venue.  

Then try on every style. It will be easier for you to figure out what style you want once you have it on your body.

MrsKathyC

I can't offer any stores to try but I definetly think you should try on all styles of dresses.  The dress I bought was completely different than the the dress I liked online.

kushie77

I had the same issue.  

I wound up making an appointment at David's and took a friend and just tried on different styles until I found what I wanted and looked good on me.  After that I was able to narrow down what I was looking for and went to a salon.  Fell in love with a dress there but it was more then I wanted to pay, wound up buying the same dress as a sample off recyclebride.com in my size for bing savings.   Here's what I wound up with:

http://www.recycledbride.com/listing/wedding-dresses/mon-cheri-st1740

the only flaw the dress had was a bent hook for the bustle which was not a biggie since the bustle had to be adjusted when the shortened the gown.

Good Luck!

becky659

If the magazines are stressing you out, stop looking at them and wait to worry about the dress until you actually go try some on!
I had NEVER thought about what my wedding/dress would be like until a few months into our engagement at which point I was like "Oh crap, gotta plan a wedding."

I went into DB with my mom and sister/MOH and tried on basically all the dresses that I loved when I saw them. The last one I tried on (I thought) was a long shot, but I LOVED it because it was comfortable and didn't make me feel like a sausage (I'm petite too and I felt silly in many of the dresses).

So you'll figure it out when you get there! And if the first day is overwhelming, take a step back and figure out what you liked and didn't like about each dress to help you know what to look for in the future.

dewingedpixie

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_xp-where-to-start-for-a-bride-with-no-idea-what-she-wants-in-a-dress-cn-at-bottom?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:5898819a-1050-4c3e-ae89-bdb9675418cfPost:e9c63988-fd22-44d5-87a7-b71f9748fcf7">Re: XP - Where to start for a bride with no idea what she wants in a dress? CN at bottom.</a>:
[QUOTE]I can't offer any stores to try but I definetly think you should try on all styles of dresses.  The dress I bought was completely different than the the dress I liked online.
Posted by MrsKathyC[/QUOTE]

This is exactly what happened to me. I had a list to try on, and saw one at a bridal show that stopped me in my tracks. It was everything I had negated in my dress originally. When I tried it on the next weekend I was done looking.


<strong>OP </strong>Let the salon pick styles they think will flatter your body type and wedding style, and try these on. Once you try a  few on you'll probably have  a better idea of what you want and will be able to narrow things down from there.

LaceyS25

I, like you, had no idea of what I wanted either. I looked at magazines and online and had a stack of ideas that I would consider. Then I made appointments at different kinds of places, like a higher end bridal salon as well as David's Bridal. I tried on many different styles until I started getting a feel for what I really liked. Trying on dresses at a variety of stores gave me a good idea of what a better made dress felt like and helped me determine what I would and would not consider. Finally I tried on a dress that was similar to the ones I had narrowed down but had something different about it...and fell in love. So, I guess what I am trying to say is just be open to trying different things...you will figure out what you like as you go along. And if you take people with you don't let their opinions persuade you to wear anything that you don't like!

welches79

Make an appointment for your first few visits. It guarantees that at least one person will have the time to give you their full attention to help you on your dress hunt. Then when you get there, explain that you don't know what you want for style/fabric/etc..., but that you as a person are generally _______ (whatever kind of person you are.) The best wedding dresses will not only be figure flattering, but will also reflect who you are as a person.

Not only do the sales associates get paid to run around at your beck and call for your hour appointment, they usually are knowledgeable about helping overwhelmed brides choose gowns based on their body types and personalities.

Shawn69

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_xp-where-to-start-for-a-bride-with-no-idea-what-she-wants-in-a-dress-cn-at-bottom?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:5898819a-1050-4c3e-ae89-bdb9675418cfPost:ccb76133-49e1-4505-99a9-9873a0678e14">Re: XP - Where to start for a bride with no idea what she wants in a dress? CN at bottom.</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: XP - Where to start for a bride with no idea what she wants in a dress? CN at bottom. : This is exactly what happened to me. I had a list to try on, and saw one at a bridal show that stopped me in my tracks. It was everything I had negated in my dress originally. When I tried it on the next weekend I was done looking. OP Let the salon pick styles they think will flatter your body type and wedding style, and try these on. Once you try a  few on you'll probably have  a better idea of what you want and will be able to narrow things down from there.
Posted by dewingedpixie[/QUOTE]

I agree with this completely.  I thought I liked what I saw online until I got to the store and then fell in love with a gown that I saw one of the consultants helping another client with.  Try on all the styles until you find what you love.  Don't rush it though.

Giaspo

If you have time before your friend comes into town, you may want to make 1 or 2 appointments and go by yourself.  1-on-1 time with a consultant might help you narrow down the silhouette, style, detail, etc. even if you don't find anything that wows you.  That way, you can feel a little more prepared when you go with your friend.  I started at DB and went on from there. 

I've heard that RK Bridal has a lot of dresses but I think it's self-service and a little challenging.  What about the Pronovia's salon on 52nd?  They have gowns in your budget and from what I hear, it's a lovely experience.  If you have a car, you should try Bijou Bridals in Paramaus (just over the GWB or Lincoln Tunnel on Route 17).  They had gorgeous gowns and the consultants were so nice.  Good luck!!  It will be fun! 

AshLouise13

I really didn't know what I wanted either. I've been to 4 different bridal stores and I finally figured out  what I want! You just need to try on dresses and see how the styles look on you and if you are comfortable in it. Don't feel rushed. You'll start noticing what you like and what you don't and the consultants will be able to get a feel for your 'style' and help make suggestions. Enjoy your time dress shopping:) It's a lot of fun! Good luck!

ladydaisy

In Response to XP - Where to start for a bride with no idea what she wants in a dress? CN at bottom.:

I was the same way.  I had NO idea what I liked or wanted when I started looking for dresses.  This is not my first wedding, so I actually thought I would be looking for something other than a true wedding dress.  I started at Davids Bridal and worked my way through several shops.  I tried on every style I could and it didnt take long at all to figure out what I Dont like and with that, I got closer and closer to what I want. 

In the end I got a real wedding dress after all.  It even has a small train.  I love it and I'm very happy with my choice!