dress shopping

[Deleted User]

Thank you all for your recommendations for where to go!  Now I ask, what should I wear/bring with me? Thanks again!

Laurms15

UNDERWEAR (I've heard storeies some people neglect them!) and a strapless bra or long line bra if you have one and feel free to wear spanx or any other thing you think you might want on the day of your wedding. I brought my own heals (slip ons) because I have mini-feet. I also found it was easier to wear clothes that were easy to put on/take off since I went to a few stores.

Another tip - wear make-up it will give you a better picture of what you will look like

uppereastgirl

A strapless bra (or at least I brought one -- the shops had strapless backless bras available, but only in one or two sizes) and underwear that you don't mind the salespeople/anyone you bring with you seeing (not necessarily the time to wear your skimpiest gstring).

Everywhere I went had heels, but also not in every size, so if you're a weird size or can't walk in heels that don't fit you, you may want to bring your own.

mbcdefg

Underpants that you won't be ashamed for the saleswoman to see you in.

Strapless bra

The shoes you want to wear, or a pair of heels. Also maybe some shoes that are easy to put on and take off (flip-flops or flats) because the floors sometimes have pins on them and you don't want to stick yourself.

If you are set on wearing a specific accessory and already have it (Mom's veil, Grandma's pearls, a feather fascinator), bring it and see how it goes with the dress.

A camera, if they let you take photos (or if you can sneak them).

Printouts of dresses you like, with the designer/style info written down. I inquired at my salon about a particular dress by name and they said they didn't have it, but when I showed them the picture they said they DID have it. I wound up buying it.

Some people suggest bringing a bottle of water, because you might not feel well if you are in a hot store and are trying on heavy gowns. I didn't need this, but some people said they did.

Something to pin your hair back (claw clip, hair tie) if you think you'll be wearing it up.

Any slimming undergarments you might want to wear - Spanx, a slip, etc.

cutiepie12702

I brought shoes with me and it was a complete waste of time...didn't even put them on once. Just make sure you have on underwear and a bra you won't be embarrassed by and you are good to go!

LuckyBrideToBe0013

I second appropriate underwear. Be sure to bring/wear a strapless that will stay in place. I wore a loose one and it kept moving while the saleswoman helped me in and out of the dresses. (I am on the smaller side, so this might not be a problem for ladies with larger breasts.)

I brought shoes because I stepped on pins at one store, and that kind of hurt.

I took a camera to each appointment. I was able to take photos at most shops, or I snuck them when the sales woman left me alone. My little sister/MOH also kept her camera phone handy because most saleswomen just thought she was texting away. After a few dresses it can be difficult to remember all of the details a few days later. I found these photos really helpful in reviewing my options later.

If you are going to hit several stores in a row, it wouldn't hurt to bring a water bottle or granola bar. It's not hot, so you might be OK. But I found lifting those dresses on and off tiring after a while. I know I got hungry and grouchy toward the end of the day.

I recommend bringing your sense of humor. Some of the saleswomen/situations got a little ridiculous and it would have been easy to get annoyed. I kept things light, cracked jokes and tried to have fun with it. You only get to do this wedding dress thing once, and it should be a good experience. Have fun ang good luck!