YOUR BRIDAL BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCE W O R D S BY L A U R A S H E P H E R D , P E R F E C T D AY B R I D E
YOUR APPOINTMENT An appointment at a bridal boutique is a big moment in your wedding planning journey. Stepping through the door is a little bit like entering a whole new world and because of that, there’s a whole new language you need to learn to make sure that you’re feeling totally comfortable from the word go. Appointment – Bridal boutiques operate by appointment only so that they can give you dedicated attention and individual advice. Don’t expect to just turn up to a boutique, making an appointment is vital. Some boutiques will charge for appointments (which is usually refunded if you purchase your dress) and some don’t, so be clear on your boutique’s policy when you contact them to arrange a time to visit. Lead times – You’ll need to allow at least 6 months from ordering your dress until it arrives at your boutique and then you need time for alterations too. Most brides start shopping with around 12 months to go and this does give you a decent amount of time to make sure that everything arrives in plenty of time. If you’ve not got that long before your wedding, speak to your boutique about the possibility of express orders with designers although you need to be aware that these will incur additional costs.
Alterations – No one is a standard size and just like on the high street, bridal designers’ sizes are all a bit different. Your gown will be ordered to a standard size and then when it arrives with your boutique, it will be altered to fit you precisely. Hems might be taken up, seams might be adjusted and once everything is done, your gown will be yours and yours alone. Pay no attention to the sizing on the label, these numbers aren’t important. How you look and feel in your dress is all that matters. There are a few other things that you need to know about your appointment too. Firstly, however tempting it is (and however many times you get asked), don’t take a huge entourage with you. Too many people equals too many opinions and you might well find that your own thoughts get crowded out in all the noise. You need one or two super trusted friends with you and even then, your opinion is always the one that matters most. I’d also urge you to leave your phone in your bag. Don’t take photos of yourself in the boutique even if you’re able to do so. How you’ll look on your wedding day is a world away from how you look in a sample dress without accessories and your bridal hair and makeup. Rely on your memory, not what is, at best, an average photo. You’re better than that. Don’t worry about how you look. Yes, your bridal stylist will be in the changing room with you but no, they won’t be judging you or your body beyond trying to work out what gowns will make you look you amazing. If you have nude underwear, wonderful. If you don’t, don’t worry. You’ll also score major brownie points with your boutique if you don’t wear too much makeup or fake tan that could stain their gowns. Keep an open mind during your appointment too. The dresses that you’ve fallen for online might not do it for you in real life. Or, you might see something on the rail that makes your heart skip a beat. Ask your stylist for advice because they’ll know just what makes you shine. Lastly, remember that you’re the only person who can decide whether this dress, this amazing, gorgeous, achingly beautiful dress is the one for you. Listen to opinions for sure but ultimately, this is all about you. Your day. Your choice. Your style and your personality. Keep that in mind and whatever you choose will be perfect.