Shopping for a wedding dress is a rite of passage for every bride-to-be. Whether you've been dreaming of your big-day gown for years or someone who has never given any thought to what she'd wear down the aisle, the experience is one that tends to be equal parts fun, stressful, and emotional. Maybe you'll get lucky and purchase the first gown you try on (it's a phenomenon that happens more often than you'd think!), or maybe you'll try on dozens of white looks, torn between all the options in front of you.
To make your wedding dress shopping trips as successful as possible, it's important to bring the right essentials along with you. So, what should a bride have with her as she searches for "the one?" We asked salon owners and bridal stylists from some of the BRIDES Top Tier salons to weigh in. From practical, physical items like skin-toned undergarments and a strapless bra to a great support system and any primary decisions makers, there are a number of things that can help make a shopping trip more seamless.
All that being said, our experts agree that much of what you need for a successful gown search can't be tucked into a bag or purchased on your way to the salon. "The most important things a bride can bring to her appointment aren't packed in a bag—they're the people who make them feel their best and a mindset that's open to finding the one, even if it's not what they expected!" says Bella, a senior stylist at Adorn Nashville.
Here, the seven most important "things" to bring along while you search for your perfect wedding dress, according to experts from some of the BRIDES Top Tier salons.
An Open Mind
When we asked our Top Tier salons what brides need to bring when shopping for a wedding dress, an open mind was the response we received most often. "I think the most important thing a bride can bring to their appointment is an open mind," says Ali Campbell, owner of the Ivory Concept. "You truly never know until you try on a gown!"
Jennifer Kapinus of Vera's House of Bridals agrees, noting that most of the brides in her salon surprise themselves by what they choose—approaching the experience with a rigid mindset might mean you miss out on the gown you were meant to find. "Be open to trying things you don’t think you’ll like. Gowns look very different on a bride than they do on the rack, and you never know which 'wild card' dress might lead you to finding a dress that is even better than what you’d envisioned," she explains.
Inspiration Photos
Have you started to research wedding dresses ahead of your shopping trips? Do you have a Pinterest board of looks you love? Are your Instagram "saves" filled with stunning white gowns? Don't keep those edits a secret. Our Top Tier salons agree that sharing photos of the looks you gravitate towards can make all the difference in terms of how successful your appointment is. "It’s a great idea to bring along any inspirational photos or a mood board to give your stylist more of a vision of what you're looking for in your dream dress," says Julie Mersine Romeli, owner of Mira Couture.
A Budget
Something you can't forget ahead of your first shopping trip? A wedding dress budget. According to Andrea Van Cleave, a bridal stylist at Genevieve's Bridal Couture, a budget is one of the most important things you'll want to have with you. "This will help her stylist find the best dress to truly let her bridal glow shine," she explains.
A Trusted Support System
Quality over quantity is important when thinking about who should come wedding dress shopping with you, our Top Tier salons agree. According to Claire Keddington, co-owner of Unveiled Bridal, "supportive and uplifting people make all the difference." Apri Brown, manager at AMSALE's New York City flagship, agrees. "We suggest each bride bring a supportive group of loved ones, and keep it small," she stresses. "Dress shopping can be an emotional experience, and having the right energy in the room makes all the difference. We also recommend wearing the undergarments you plan to wear on the day to understand the fit and feel of each gown."
Allison Jadallah of Julietta Bridal adds, "Bring only those whose opinions genuinely matter to you." Otherwise, you'll spend the entire appointment trying to weed out the noise.
Any Key Decision Makers
Yes, it's important to have a supportive group of family members and friends who lift you up with you as you shop for your wedding dress, but you'll also want to invite any primary decision makers. If your grandmother is paying for the dress, for example, be sure to invite her along; if you've never purchased a single item of clothing without input from your mom and your sister, don't schedule your appointment on a day they can't attend. According to Roselynn Fiumara at Bridal Reflections, "A bride should bring the person—or people—who are truly instrumental in helping her make a confident decision."
The Right Undergarments
In terms of tangible items you can bring along with you, our experts agree that the right undergarments are key. According to Lana Zakharina of Aleana's Bridal, skin-toned, seamless undergarments and a strapless bra are key. "These help give a clearer picture of how the dress will truly look," she explains.
"If you plan on wearing shapewear on your wedding day, bring it along as well," Bridget Doory of En Blanc, which has salons in both Santa Monica, California, and Atlanta, Georgia, says. "This allows you to see the gown in its best light and ensures a more accurate fit during your appointment."
Confidence
"Feeling confident in how you look can truly elevate your dress shopping experience," says the team at ForLove Bridal. "Consider doing light hair and makeup—nothing too formal, just enough to help you better envision how you’ll look on your wedding day. It can be difficult to see the full picture if you're coming straight from the gym or running errands."
Natasha Duff-Cole, owner of Ladies of Lineage, agrees, adding that she and her team encourage brides to come shop however makes them feel best. "Whether that means their hair done along with some soft glam makeup or a sleek bun and a fresh, dewy face, we want them to feel and look like themselves when looking in the mirror. A palette of confidence and self-assuredness is the perfect complement to a gorgeous wedding gown," she says.
