Dress shopping for the 1st time--any tips?

I have my first dress shopping trip ever (sad since I've been engaged since Sept) at Wedding Salon in Manhasset next week. Do you have any tips or suggestions on how to have a good (not overwhelming) dress experience? Is there anything that I should know before going? Thanks!

Re: Dress shopping for the 1st time--any tips?

if you have some dresses from magazines in mind- bring pictures/ and or designer & style #! Good luck and have fun! And be open to suggestions from the person who is helping you! She has probably been doing it for a long time!

Re: Dress shopping for the 1st time--any tips?

Definatly be open to suggestions from the person helping you. I went to the stores with an idea of what i wanted, but what I ended up getting was someting I never would have picked myself. The woman helping me picked it for me to try. I also brought a notebook and drew pictures (some place dont let you take pics) and rated each dress 1-10 then had my mom rate it and FMIL. But just remember too many opinions can be overwhelming.

good luck and have fun!!!!

Re: Dress shopping for the 1st time--any tips?

I cannot stress this enough - you must lie about your wedding date by at least 4 weeks. I lied by 3 weeks and my dress came in wrong. There was not enough time to get the right dress so i had to wear a sample. it all worked out but to avoid problems later - tell them your wedding is a month earlier. Do not feel bad about it. Nobody at the salon (as nice as they were) lost sleep when I didn't have a dress with 24 days until the wedding!!!

Also - do not let them talk you into getting a larger size than you need. They love to do that so they don't have to worry if you gain weight and they make money on the alterations!!

After you order the dress - call 10 days later and make sure the order went in. Then call back 6 weeks later to check on it.

I know this sounds paranoid. Most of the time - you will be fine. But why take a chance?

Re: Dress shopping for the 1st time--any tips?

Try on a variety of styles and fabrics: ball gowns, mermaids, a-lines, silk, lace, satin, ...
Also don't feel pressured into buying anything. The dress will be there tomorrow and so will any discount you are offered. Personally, I don't think you should buy anything on the first day.

Re: Dress shopping for the 1st time--any tips?

I'm scared...I didn't lie about my date . I would suggest wearing a strapless bra and bring a camera if they let you. My excuse if I wasn't going to buy any was that I had to bring back my maid of honor. Don't get discouraged if you don't see anything that you like the first time...the first time I walked out in a gown my first thought was...this is not what a bride is supposed to look like, it was really just the way the dress was cut and after that I liked the rest I tried on.

Re: Dress shopping for the 1st time--any tips?

One of my concerns is not being able to visualize what the dress will look like on the wedding day. I've noticed in a lot of the 'trying on' pictures posted on LIW that the dresses are very wrinkled. I have a weird thing about wrinkled clothes I'm guessing that it's not the fabric; it's the fact that the dresses have been tried on a million times, right?

Re: Dress shopping for the 1st time--any tips?

Yes--they are wrinkled, some have a yellowish tint, and some smell---but that all depends on how long they've had the dress for--some dresses are tried on a lot more than others.........you will have a favorite, and not everyone gets that 'this is the one' feeling so dont be discouraged if you dont ever get that feeling.......Oh and bring w/ you strapless bra and heels--Have fun!

Re: Dress shopping for the 1st time--any tips?

take a camera, don't ask, just start taking pictures.

bring paper and pen- take notes on style numbers, brands, try to sketch the dress.

write down peoples responces to each dress.

Re: Dress shopping for the 1st time--any tips?

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Posted by Nora101004

take a camera, don't ask, just start taking pictures.

bring paper and pen- take notes on style numbers, brands, try to sketch the dress.

write down peoples responces to each dress.

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Great Advice...also definately LIE about your date. it will help reduce stress later.

Be careful of places who 'cut' the tags out.

Have an Idea of what you want, but be ready to try on different styles as well.... My dress was nothing like I pictured myself in & it was perfect.

If you buy - Make sure to read the K.....most say they are only obligated to deliver by the wedding date, not the wedding date minus that alterations time. (which is why we LIE )

-also, don't be afraid to negotiate. They will most likely ask you what you want to spend...again LIE they will show you stuff over that $$ anyway, so low-ball them 1st.

GOOD LUCK & POST PICS