Great Fashion World Blog

So, you've scheduled your initial appointment and are filled with trepidationwhat goes on at these things anyway?Fear not, grasshopper!Here's the scoop.

Once you arrive at your appointment, you will be asked to fill out some sort of information sheet or card.  The boutique will use this information to learn about you, your event, and/or the designers or dresses you may be interested in.  You will then be introduced to your consultant, your guide through the world of bridal gowns…at least during your time there.  She will get to know more about your likes and dislikes when it comes to bridal gowns, and she will do her best to help you find your gown in the boutique.

It's a good idea to let your consultant know about gowns you've tried, designers you like, and your budget.  It will help her understand better what you are looking for and will ultimately help her do a better job for you. The trick is to treat your search for a bridal gown the same way you would for other bridal vendors.  The more information you give and the more research you do, the more likely you will find the perfect fit (no pun intended).

At most bridal shops, the sales consultant will help you into the gowns you've selected together, which means you will spend some time standing around in your underwear with someone who up until a few minutes ago was a perfect stranger!I know this sounds odd, but believe me, it is a necessary awkward moment.  It is more difficult than you may think to get into most bridal gowns, and it is the consultant's job in the process to use various clips, pins, and other MacGyver-type stuff to show you how the gown would fit if it was your size.In light of that, be sure to wear comfy, easy-on-and-off clothes (think marathon jeans shopping or bathing suit expedition clothes) and don't worry about your undies not matching your brahonestly, consultants don't even pay attention to that and won't notice if you had your last bikini wax a month ago!If you've a good strapless bra, bring it along, and bring shoes, too. If you forget those things, it's OK.  Most shops have try-on stuff on hand,  but it is always more comfortable to have your own things.

Finally, relax, enjoy the experience, and try to keep an open mind.  With so many gorgeous dresses and cute shops out there, it can be totally overwhelming and easy to feel like you will never find the right gown.  My best (and cheesy) advice is to follow your heart!As with almost everything, your instinct is your best guide; when a gown speaks to you, you will know. You may not cry or have a major revelation (each girl is different), but you will definitely have a moment where you feel that the gown you are in is perfect for you. The tricky part is being OK with that, whether it is the initial dress at the initial shop or the 20th dress at the third shop.