First time shopping

asummerly

I'm going dress shopping for the first time tomorrow.  For girls who have gone before, is there anything you wish you had done to prepare a little before or thought of that you didn't before you went?  I feel like I'm going to show up and look like an idiot.

Thanks! 

futuremrsmagnan

Make sure you know the difference between every type of gown -- a-line, ball gown, trumpet, etc etc. Also, don't wear a thong or go commando! It's just embarrassing because the consultant is all up in your business and you don't want to show your goods to them (nor would they like to see all your goodies). But, then again, I am sure she has seen it all. Also, lastly, be prepared to try on YOUR wedding dress -- you might cry, you might have a realization that this is for real and you are getting married, and you may just pass out at how amazing you look in a wedding dress. Most of all, have fun! :-)

desert*bride

wear full coverage panties and a strapless bra. some places also have corset bras you can use that will suck you in better. look at pics online and see if there are any types of dresses or specific dresses that you especially want to try on - but still be open to trying on just about anything cuz you never know.

and take a bottle of water. the nicer places will offer you water while you're there... but some places don't. and it can get really hot if you're trying on dresses for awhile, so you might need some water!

Sapphire1002

As PP's mentioned - definitely a strapless bra (and one you feel comfortable in) and full coverage underwear.  I actually brought hose b/c I wanted to see how the dresses would truly fit - glad I did. If you don't find your dress on the 1, 2, 3, etc shopping trip, don't be discouraged.. I probably tried on 40+ dresses until I found mine.  I'm not sure how many people are accompanying you, but sometimes less is more... too many opinions skew the brides thoughts and many salons don't care for the entourage.  Most importantly, go have fun!!!  It really is an exciting thing to do! 

starlite21l

full coverage panties! I never thought of that one!  Thanks ladies!!

JenO24

-if you plan on wearing makeup for your wedding make sure you wear makup to try on dresses.
-bring something to pull your hair up w/ so you can see the look of the dress w/ hair up or down. 
-wear white or nude color panties and bra so you don't have any fun colors popping through your gown.
-have some ideas of styles you'd like to try on first.
-remember to communicate w/ your sales associate, tell them they type of venue (church, outdoor, beach), atmosphere (formal, casual), and dont forget to tell them your budget!!!
-have a person you bring w/ you take pics of you in each dress so that you can see what you really look like in them.  plus you'll have more than just your memory to pull from when you try to remember what a dress looked like.

Cleo7

Be prepared that you'll be trying on dresses that are sized WELL above your street size (if you're an 8 in street size, you might be trying on gowns in the 10-14 range).

Have an idea of what you want, but keep an open mind.

Don't feel pressured to buy a dress right then and there.

Pay attention (or have a friend/family member keep track) design features you like and don't like - it will help you find a gown that has all of what you want.

Don't try on dresses that are out of reach based on your budget or that are totally inappropriate for your venue.

If you feel overwhelmed, it's okay to take a break.

Have fun!

brianabrad

Great tips. I have my first appt to try on dresses on the 28th. I am so glad I saw this thread.

baileykm

If you know what shoes you are wearing, or what size heel you want, wear those.  It helps you see what you will look like, and some designers will make the dress the appropriate lenght.  I got a lace casablanca gown, which really cant be hemmed, so the consultant measured my height with my heels on!