Wedding Dress Shopping Guidelines

Hey Ladies!

After a few episodes of 'Say Yes To The Dress' and seeing girls try on dresses at the bridal store, I've noticed somethings that brides do wrong when trying on dresses. The consultants and the managers on the shows also have noticed the same issues. I just wanted to share some guidelines for a successful bridal appointment and hopefully you girls can find a dress with out the stress.

#1
Don't Bring An Entourage
Too many opinions are unnecessary when only the bride's opinion matters. Having too many people speaking out about a dress can put the bride in a really difficult position. She might want to please everyone and it could lead her to put off her own happiness for others in the room. Which no bride wants to feel like she was forced into one dress when the one she really wants is still at the store. There can also be some people who can be slightly jealous of the brides and they will shut down anything they try on or maybe encourage the bride in something not as flattering(I've seen it). Beware!

Jessica's Advice
Bring Mom and Dad or whomever is the Mom/Dad role in your life. They usually will be the ones supporting you and the dress you choose. Plus they usually will cancel each other out when one is getting too opinionated. Be careful with bringing friends because friends are the ones who influence you the most. Grandmas are always encouraged and it's fun to see the generations mingle. In general, I would say to keep it under 3 people. If more people want to join in on the wedding dress experience, let them down gently. Remember it's your day/dress/opinion that matters. Not theirs.

#2
Don't Keep Looking When You Already Found A Dress
If brides keep looking when they've already found a dress just to see what's out there, they will never be satisfied. If brides want to see if they can trump the first dress, they are asking for trouble. Usually they can end up spending more money than originally anticipated.I've heard it this way. It's like finding a man. Once you found the one you want you stop looking around. Be happy with the one you have.

Jessica's Advice
Let's face it ladies, we're just tempting fate when we found something we really like but keep on looking. If you need to come back and try it on a few times just to remind yourself how much you love it. DO IT! It will keep you from having buyers remorse and spending more money and save you from stress.

#3
Don't Try On A Dress That Is Outside Your Budget
Budgets are great and are key when planning your wedding. It keeps you out of debt and a line to follow. Trying on a dress outside of the budget will always create heart break and disappointment. It doesn't matter if the budget is $500 or $10,000. It's never a good idea.

Jessica's Advice
It's one thing if you are fronting the money for the dress, but it's a completely different thing if someone else is. If someone else is paying for it STAY IN THE BUDGET!! You are going to have to ask if there is any wiggle room just in case there is a dress you absolutely love. By wiggle room, I mean a few hundred dollars, not thousands. This way you can be respectful of those who are paying for it. You don't know what their financial situation is and you would hate to be the one that puts them in a dire situation. Always put yourself in the others shoes and be thoughtful.

#4
Don't keep secrets from your consultant
Consultants need to be in the loop. They are there for brides to find the perfect dress and (as long as they've been working for a good amount of time) they know what they are doing. Trust them and they can help you. The more they know the better they can cater to you and your situation.

Jessica's Advice
This is where buying a dress and keeping on the search is a bad idea. You are wasting their time and yours and whatever bride is behind you. Especially if you don't intend on buying another dress. Let them know if you are financially strapped and to keep to your budget and that you aren't willing to wiggle. It's good to keep communication open between the brides and the consultants. That way a dress can be found in a happy and efficient manner without stress.

#5
Always wear underwear
You would think think that this wouldn't be a problem, but it is. It's a sanitary issue and no one wants to put on a dress that has other peoples stuff all over it and no consultant wants to dress a naked girl. Talk about awkward!

Jessica's Advice
WEAR UNDERWEAR!