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We answered some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from brides as they embark on their dress-shopping journey. Read on for the ins and outs of bridal appointments and bridesmaid appointments, so you know exactly what to expect!
Q: How far in advance should I start shopping for a wedding dress?
A: I recommend coming in as early as you can, and here’s why: You are the star of the show! The dress is one of the elements that provide direction for the entire wedding, and if you choose a gown early on in your journey, it will help everything else fall into place. The dress may even influence which venue you choose.
While some weddings take place within a few weeks, the average engagement lasts six months. We will meet any deadline you have—and help you customize your look for the most important day in your life.
Q: When is the best time to schedule my appointment?
A: If you want a quieter experience, try to schedule an appointment during the day, Monday through Thursday. These are our quietest times in the stores, and we are able to offer our brides as much attention as they need.
If you choose to visit us on the weekends—I really can’t stress this enough—make an appointment. We can do a better job when we are expecting you!
Also, tell us how many people you are bringing along so we can better accommodate your fitting area. We recommend bringing your two most trusted friends or relatives to help you make the decision. Of course, we understand if you want to bring more—just let us know.
Our bridal appointments are 60 minutes long, and our stores have flexible hours to meet every schedule.
Q: If I just want to look around, do I need to book an appointment with a stylist?
A: I highly recommend making a wedding dress appointment. For most brides, this is the single biggest purchase they’ve made in their lives so far. We want to ensure you have all the support you need to make that decision, and an appointment helps us to provide you with the best possible service.
Buying a wedding gown is much different from buying a dress at your favorite store. A typical wedding dress takes 100 hours to create and may be embellished with beads, lace, sequins, and more. Because these highly detailed gowns are heavier than what you are used to wearing, they require extra assistance when trying them on.
Also, while knowing your size is helpful, it doesn’t always translate exactly to a wedding gown. Our well-trained stylists will help you choose a dress and suggest lingerie or foundation garments that complement the dress and accentuate your figure. Then, our alterations artisans will make sure you get a perfect fit.
Finally, it is important to note that almost every wedding dress will have to be altered. During your appointment, our alterations artisans will spend time with you to ensure a perfect, just-for-you fit.
Q: I am the kind of person who likes to shop alone. Can I come in by myself?
A: Of course! Shopping for a bridal gown is just like your wedding—it is all about you and should reflect your personality. Some brides like to bring their friends and others like to go shopping by themselves, especially if they already have a clear idea of what they want.
We help many brides who choose to shop by themselves. We have expert stylists to assist you with your decision, and they will ensure that you walk out of the store confident, with the look that’s right for you.
Q: I’ve heard that bridal shops often don’t carry a large range of sizes. If I like a dress I’ve seen online, should I order it, or is there a way I can try it on in the store?
A: Here is where I get to talk about what is especially great about David’s Bridal! We carry more than 120 styles in every store, and most of our styles are available in sizes 0–30. If we don’t have the exact style and size you want, we know that we can find something similar in the store that is representative of your vision and inspiration.
We recommend coming in to try on dresses to determine the appropriate size for the style you pick out. But if you want a special style or size, we would be delighted to order it (please note, this takes about eight weeks on average). We also have beautiful gowns that you can take home the same day.
Q: Will my appointment be like the shows I see on TV?
A: Let’s be real—TV is for entertainment, and those shows play up the drama for ratings. Our store experience is different, as it is focused solely on helping you find your dream dress!
Q: What is the best way to shop for bridesmaid dresses? Do my bridesmaids need appointments? Should they all visit the store together, if possible?
A: Every bride and bridal party is different, but there are a few constants when shopping for bridesmaid dresses.
If you prefer to shop with them at the same time you shop for your gown, I recommend booking two appointments, one for your bridal gown and another for bridesmaid dress selection.
Some brides prefer to shop with one bridesmaid, choose a dress for the bridal party, and instruct the rest of the members which dress or dresses to order afterwards, either in-store or online.
We recommend a store appointment for bridesmaid dress selection so your stylist can help you pick out the style, fabric, and color, then work with you and your party to ensure everything is ready in time for the event. After you’ve chosen the overall look, your bridesmaids can come try on dresses and find their sizes at any store when it’s convenient for them, no appointment necessary.
Q: When should my bridesmaids order their dresses?
A: With so many colors and styles, there are endless ways to coordinate your bridesmaids. Since some styles will need to be special ordered or altered, we recommend choosing the dresses for the bridal party as soon as you can, or five to six months in advance, if possible.
The good news is that David’s Bridal has plenty of inventory—so no matter how much time you have to plan, we can get the right look for your event and your party!
Q: What is David’s Bridal doing to ensure safe appointments during COVID-19?
A: You deserve a safe space to shop, so we’re taking some extra precautions due to COVID-19.