Trying on Dresses...What to Expect? I'm Really Nervous! Also, Too Early to try on Dresses?

disturbedkitty

Hey everyone! I have never posted on this board before. I have lurked a little bit, though. Hi  

I just made an appointment to try on dresses at an Alfred Angelo store. I have tried on dresses at a wedding show and at a Group USA in the mall (no appointment needed), but I am still really nervous!  What should I expect? Am I obligated to get a dress at the appointment? What should I bring (besides a camera and a strapless bra)? What if I find out that it's "that time of the month" (should I cancel)? 

I feel kind of silly going to this thing because I a little over a year out from my wedding (my ticker is a little off...I moved the wedding date up a month and a half). But when I made my appointment, the woman at the store said it is perfectly acceptable to try on dresses this far in advanced.Is that true? Part of the problem is that my MOH and I are going to different colleges on top of our jobs, and we were lucky enough to have our spring breaks (and days off) at the same time. I am going to take classes this summer (no break for me) so this may be our last opportunity to go for awhile. 

Thank you all so much for your help

kristinanddan

Of course you aren't obligated to buy anything.

And I think you're at the perfect point to start looking. I ordered my dress 15 months before the wedding. Prices were going up 9/1, so I placed my order in August. Once you find a dress though, stop looking!

I would bring a camera (although some places don't let you take pictures if you don't buy), wear a strapless bra and full-coverage underwear. Bring one or two people with you who will be honest but not overbearing. I'll never forget when I was leaving the bridal salon one time, this girl came in with 6 or 7 other girls, and they were all calling out "look at this one! try on this one!" to her. It was overwhelming me!

alexlad

Definitely try to bring the height of shoes you are planning on wearing if not the actual shoes you will be wearing. This can change the appearance of a dress or if you do order one and get measured they will need this to measure you.

I definitely do not think its ever too early to go dress shopping. It might take you a few times going before you find the "one." It is probably a little early to get measured just because you have over a year to fluctuate in weight. I have been told you want to get measured between 6-9 months before wedding. You can go with whatever their actual seamstress tells you though.

Do not feel obligated to find a dress the first time. This could put pressure on you to make a rash decision. The consultants will be hoping to make a sale but probably 75% of the people shopping there for the first time, wont get a dress. If they love one they will at least go home to think about it first.

You should expect to tell them the style that you like and either they will pull dresses. They will take you around the store and let you pull dresses. Or both. It is also very helpful for the consultant if you look at aa's website before and find some that you like. I know when I went to aa they gave me a magazine and asked me to sit and find some that I liked. Also be prepared for the consultant to possibly come in the room with you to help you get zipped/tied in the dress. They may even put the dress on you which will mean they will see you in your underwear. It does not matter if you are on your period. The only thing that I can think is if you are bloated you may want to remember that when trying on dresses.

You also might want to do your hair either up, down, or half up half down however you want it on your wedding day. This will give you a better picture of you in the dress on "the" day. If you do decide on a dress that day I would wait to get measured for at least another 5 months. If you decide on a dress they will walk you through the process it will be very easy for you.

Happy shopping!! and remember, you might have to go shopping a few times before you find the one so don't stress and just enjoy the experience. This trip mainly will help you figure out which styles you like!


ps- I know aa allows you to take pictures of the dresses but if you go anywhere else they might not, be so out of courtesy (and not to get caught) ask before you take pics.

KD+BC

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_trying-dresseswhat-expect-im-really-nervous-also-early-try-dresses?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:df704372-34f4-4885-ad29-5939bbe673d1Post:f9960459-3849-4a9d-8aad-fe3ca10c7ba8">Trying on Dresses...What to Expect? I'm Really Nervous! Also, Too Early to try on Dresses?</a>:
[QUOTE]Hey everyone! I have never posted on this board before. I have lurked a little bit, though. Hi :)  I just made an appointment to try on dresses at an Alfred Angelo store. I have tried on dresses at a wedding show and at a Group USA in the mall (no appointment needed), but I am still really nervous!  What should I expect? Am I obligated to get a dress at the appointment?<strong> No you are not obligated to buy a dress.
</strong> What should I bring (besides a camera and a strapless bra)? <strong>I found that having a hair tie was helpful as well as a bottle of water (it's hard work!) and possibly a pair of shoes at the height you would like to wear at your wedding.
</strong>What if I find out that it's "that time of the month" (should I cancel)?<strong> I don't think so, I wouldn't cancel.</strong> 
I feel kind of silly going to this thing because I a little over a year out from my wedding (my ticker is a little off...I moved the wedding date up a month and a half). But when I made my appointment, the woman at the store said it is perfectly acceptable to try on dresses this far in advanced.Is that true? <strong>Go look and remember that you don't have to buy a dress yet. You get to take your time making the decision. Just have fun!
</strong>Part of the problem is that my MOH and I are going to different colleges on top of our jobs, and we were lucky enough to have our spring breaks (and days off) at the same time. I am going to take classes this summer (no break for me) so this may be our last opportunity to go for awhile.  Thank you all so much for your help :)
Posted by disturbedkitty[/QUOTE]

fairy_diva

Welcome to the board!

Don't be nervous and no you not obligated to buy at your appointment. If you end up with a pushy consultant, ignore her, you will know your dress when you see it on you in the mirror.  Don't let anyone push you into a good deal or talk you into a dress.

You are not too early, I purchased my Alfred Angelo at the end of February and it will take 4 months to get here.  I then have 4 months for any problems to be fixed or  alterations to be made (if needed).  Some designers take 6 months or more to get a dress.

If its that time of the month, don't worry.  Make sure you have nice full coverage underwear on. Nothing worse than standing in a thong, while a stranger puts a dress over your head.

Take a trusted friend, your mom or both, but don't take too many people. Take someone who will be honest, yet support your feelings about a dress.  The strapless bra and a camera is all you will need. Nothing else will matter because most dresses require alterations to fit right in height anyway.  Shops will have a crinoline for you to wear. 

Try on lots of dresses, not just the one you think will look good on you. Sometimes "the dress" is one you never thought about.

Have fun and enjoy the experience.

disturbedkitty

I am only bringing my MOH and my mom. My flower girl has to tag along, too, but I don't think she will be a problem. Thanks, everyone!

glam70s

I agree with trying on dresses you don't think you'll like. I tried on every style I thought I liked, and hated them on me. Just to humour my mother I tried on the ones she picked out that were styles I would NEVER pick for myself. Lo and behold, those are the ones that looked the best on me!

swim1011

I agree with all the advice the PP's gave.  I would like to reiterate the part about not bringing too many people!!  I went to try on BM dresses with my bff, her mom, grandma, aunt and uncle (yes, her uncle), another aunt, and 3 other BMs.  Then the bride tried on dresses and wanted everyone's opinons.  What. A. Nightmare.  I almost walked back out when I saw all the people she brought, and she's my best friend!

Also, I'd go easy on your makeup/jewelry the day of.  A bunch of places I went to had (discreet) signs asking any brides with heavy makeup or jewelry that could get caught on the dresses to remove it.  It preserves the samples for other girls to try on, as well as keeps up the resale value when they have sample sales.