What should I know before I buy a wedding dress?
wedding dress shopping at Uptown Bride in Albuquerque
Gown shopping is a big deal. Don’t let the fact that you’re going shopping and buying a dress make you think it’s anything mundane. This is not an ordinary dress – this is the dress … the most important dress you’ll ever wear.
This is typically how buying a dress goes:
1 - say yes to your dress
2 - pick out accessories
3 - pick up your dress and have alterations done
4 - come in for a fitting, and then a final fitting.
It’s not all about just the dress.
When you say yes to it, you’re starting a relationship with people who should walk you through each step of the way, making sure you are stunning on your wedding day. You’ll be returning to the shop at least 2 more times for alterations, but you also might be back for picking out a veil, steaming your gown, and preserving it after your wedding. So, make sure of how you feel about the people in the shop and the way you’re treated.
Here are things to think about when you start:
Your Budget
Come in knowing what you’d like to spend. Budget is important because you don’t want to have regrets or worry about how to pay for something along with the wedding planning. We have beautiful dresses in many prices. Our gowns range from about $900 to $3,000 (we do have less expensive dresses, but we have limited sizes depending on what’s in the shop at the time you come in). The average gown price is around $1500.
We’ve heard it said that the dress should dictate the budget. We think that’s just plain wrong. You don’t have to spend a fortune to look gorgeous, and you need to be able to look back without regrets. We always ask what your budget is. Not because we’re nosy, but just so we don’t bring you something that you’re not comfortable in seeing or wouldn’t be comfortable paying for. We do it out of respect. There are enough stresses, and we don’t want to add to them. We want you to look gorgeous and feel beautiful and comfortable with your decision!
Quality doesn’t always dictate price. A new discontinued gown already in our store may be every bit as desirable as the latest fashion ordered for you directly from the designer. And we have a selection of dresses in our online sale that start at $99. They’re all new designer dresses but need to stop taking up a place in our racks and be something beautiful for someone. Maybe you’d like a second dress for a pre-wedding photo shoot? One to cut off for dancing later in the night? We can help!
Be sure to include a budget for accessories, like veils and undergarments. Alterations, too. Again, you don’t want to start out your married life fighting over money!
And remember, it’s not all about the price. There’s that old adage - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Think before you buy something online. We’ve seen lots of cases where brides have wasted a lot of money on a dress, they’ll never be able to wear. Make sure of the return policies and be sure to check the quality. Also, make sure you have a seamstress lined up to do alterations. Often times, seamstresses won’t want to work on online dresses because of the poor construction, which could lead to them being blamed for the dress not fitting right. And how to know whether you should buy your gown online here’s more info.
Your Dress
Think about how your gown will fit with the rest of the wedding. Bring in photos or even share your Pinterest pins when you make an appointment. But also, be open to suggestions from your bridal shop stylist. They have experience to know what might look great on you. What a great surprise to end up with a dress you never would have considered with expert help.
And be sure that you can dance and sit in your dress. Sometimes inexpensive fabrics might look pretty, but they can be hot and make you sweat throughout the reception. Think of your photos and your makeup before purchasing!
Your Shop
Be sure it’s reputable. Check out reviews from multiple sources; even talk with others who’ve shopped there. Is the shop “visible” in the community? Is it recognized, even awarded recently within the industry?
Are you seeing its staff at bridal events outside of their own? This kind of activity usually shows the shop is involved with potential customers months before they may walk through their doors. Good customer service takes place before and after the sale, on and off property.
Another thing is to look at whether the shop can help you beyond the dress itself. Several now don’t work with alterations people, for example, which puts you out hunting for someone to hem your dress. You want to work with a shop that can help you through each step of the way.
Your Experience
We’re guessing you’re not used to trying on gowns. They’re unlike anything else you’ll ever wear. So be aware you’re in for an experience. Make sure it’s a pleasant one with experienced in-person help. Online has its place. But when it comes to getting exactly the gown you want in the size you’ve paid for, don’t trust what you can’t see in person.
Besides, you’re building memories when you’re taking each step in your wedding planning. Think of what it was like finding your dress with your family and the excitement and tears you shared.
Your Feelings - After the Sale
If you feel pressured into purchasing, remember that your return trip for alterations, accessories or gown preservation will bring back those negative emotions. Wedding planning is stressful enough. If you’re pushed, then push yourself out the door to another shop.
Again, we know this is new territory. It helps to have a team behind you who can give you good advice and information along the way – about things other than a dress.
This is a joyous time; make sure that buying your gown is joyous as well.
