Trying on a wedding dress for the first time comes with emotions unlike any other. It’s a magical moment where you, surrounded by your loved ones, will see you transform into the princess of your dreams. 

Despite the beauty and magic of it all, shopping for a wedding dress can be intimidating and sometimes even stressful. You have a budget you want to stick to, but you also want the perfect dress to wow everyone in attendance. 

There are a few things that you can expect when you begin shopping for your big day, and we’re here to help. Keep reading to see what to expect when you decide to start shopping for the gown of your dreams.

Anxiety is Normal 

Understandably, there may be a fair bit of anxiety in the pre-wedding planning process. The thought of meeting your expectations as well as your loved ones’ expectations is a balancing act that can occasionally take the shine off of the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Even brides who are relatively calm in their day-to-day lives will sometimes feel a heightened sense of anxiety leading up to the wedding dress selection process. Don’t let that anxiety consume you. 

Take a deep breath and go into your session excited rather than nervous. The team at your boutique is there to support you for your big day and to get you looking your best while meeting your specific needs. Be prepared to enjoy some champagne and snacks to help ease some of those anxieties while you shop —  it’s supposed to be fun, after all! 

Expect to Have to Call In Advance 

While boutiques might carry gowns from your favorite designers, that doesn’t mean they’ll have every single dress by that designer on hand. Call ahead of time and ensure that they carry the exact dress you want to make the try-on experience perfect. 

At Sposa Mia Bridal, we have hundreds of gowns you can try on from a whole bevvy of designers, so be sure to give us a call if there’s something specific you’re looking for. 

Even if you aren’t looking for something specific, you’ll want to make sure you have an appointment. It might be tempting to drop by and take a look at what the boutique has to offer. Many shops operate on an appointment-only basis. To save yourself from some disappointment, call ahead. 

Expect Busy Weekends

Shopping for a wedding dress on the weekend may not be only busy, but you may find those shop appointments are booked up months in advance. Since many brides buy their gowns over a year in advance, it’s clear that many will choose those highly-coveted weekend appointments early. 

If you’re purchasing your dress closer to your wedding date, you may need to plan for a weekday appointment. While it might not seem as much fun as a weekend outing with your favorite people, it can be a great way to ensure your entourage is there for you and not the brilliance that is wedding dress shopping. 

Expect Not to Be Able to Bring Multiple People 

While we know you want every friend with you for the big reveal, we suggest limiting how many people you bring with you. This will ensure you’re actually picking out gowns to try that you want to try on, not just ones based on your loved ones’ thoughts and opinions. 

There is also the concern of space. If going to a smaller boutique, there is often little room for an enormous party, leaving your guests feeling cramped and wanting to get out of there. This might make you rush your decision-making process as you’ll want your guests feeling as comfortable as possible. 

Expect the Costs to Add Up

When you set aside money for your wedding dress, you likely didn’t think about all of the other things you’ll need to wear during your wedding. Think about your shoes, veil, headpiece, and jewelry. All of these items need to be somehow accounted for. 

Besides, alterations usually aren’t included in the dress’s cost, so you’ll need to factor that in as well. Rarely does a bride fit perfectly into a standard dress, as everyone is of a different height, and weight is distributed differently on each body. 

Expect To Be Surprised

Come into your boutique visit with an open mind and plenty of time. You might think you know exactly what you want, but you might find the dream gown if you keep an open mind and let yourself try on at least one “wild card” dress. 

It’s possible what you’ve dreamed of since you were a young girl is the perfect gown, but be prepared to be pleasantly surprised with silhouettes you never before coveted. And, of course, leave yourself plenty of time for this experimentation. Think about the things you like and dislike, and narrow down your search that way. 

Let’s Get You into That Dress 

Now that you’ve eased some of those anxieties that come with wedding dress shopping, we can help match you with the dress of your dreams. At Sposa Mia Bridal, we can help get you into the dress of your dreams and get you ready for your big day! 

You can bring up to 5 guests, meaning you can bring your loved ones with you for this emotional moment, and we’ll do everything in our power to find you that perfect gown in your preferred price range. With 90 minutes per appointment, our bridal stylists will help you match with “the one.” 

Book an appointment with us today, and let us help you walk down the aisle in style.