Bridal Shopping Guide
Timeline of when to book your appointments
6–12 months or more before the wedding:
This is when you get the very best selection and the most relaxed experience. Most gowns are sold right out of our collection, so you can shop with us closer to your wedding than you can at traditional bridal shops. But, the sooner you shop, the more options you will have because we do have gowns that can be special ordered too!
6–8 months before:
Now is the perfect time to shop for mother’s gown at our sister store, Heart to Heart Bride! Special-order timelines vary, and we want everyone feeling prepared.
2–3 months before:
Alterations begin. This is when your gown is tailored exactly to you. Starting early ensures you never feel rushed.
4–6 weeks before:
Final fittings. Every detail is perfected so you can walk into your wedding day feeling confident, calm, and beautiful.
How to choose the bridal shop for you
Choosing where to book your bridal appointment is just as important as choosing your dress. The right boutique will make you feel supported, celebrated, and confidently guided. Here’s what brides should consider when deciding where to shop:
1. Look for a boutique that matches your style & vision
Every bridal shop curates a different collection. Before booking, explore their social media, Pinterest, and website to see if their dresses align with what you’re drawn to. If you consistently save gowns from the same store, that’s usually a sign.
2. Pay attention to the experience they offer
Not all appointments are created equal. Ask yourself:
Do they offer a hands-on, guided experience?
Will a dedicated stylist be helping you throughout?
Does the atmosphere feel warm, welcoming, and professional?
The best boutique for you is the one where you feel genuinely taken care of.
3. Understand what makes their process unique
Some stores hand you dresses and let you browse. Others, like us, connect deeply with their brides before the appointment to customize the entire experience. Choose a store whose process makes you feel comfortable, confident, and supported.
4. Consider your price point
Every shop has its own price ranges. It’s important to book where the majority of gowns are comfortably within your price point. This keeps the experience positive and ensures you can fall in love without hesitation.
5. Check availability & lead times
If you’re shopping within standard timelines, most boutiques can accommodate you. If you’re on a shorter timeline, look for stores that offer:
Off-the-rack gowns
Quick-ship options
Clear communication about what’s realistic
Not every boutique is equipped to help last-minute brides, so choose accordingly.
6. Read their reviews for insight into their customer care
Reviews often reveal what really matters: How brides felt during the appointment. Were they listened to? Supported?Celebrated? Your experience should feel personal, not transactional.
7. Look at the store’s policies before booking
Every shop handles appointments, payments, alterations, and cancellations differently. You deserve clarity upfront, so you know exactly what to expect.
8. Choose the boutique that feels aligned with YOU
You’ll spend some of the most emotional moments of your wedding planning inside this space.
Book an appointment at store that:
✨ matches your taste
✨ reflects your values
✨ makes you feel excited and safe
✨ offers a process you actually trust
Where you shop matters—and choosing the right spaces leads to a more joyful, confident “yes” moment.
Who to bring with you
Choosing who to bring to your bridal appointment is very important. The right people can keep you calm, supported, and confident, while the wrong group can make the experience overwhelming. Here’s how to decide:
1. Bring the people who make you feel your most beautiful & confident
Your appointment should feel encouraging, emotional, and joy-filled.
Choose guests who:
Build you up
Respect your style
Truly want you to be happy
Understand that your voice matters most
This is your moment, surround yourself with people who help you shine.
2. Keep your group small and meaningful
A smaller group helps you stay focused and connected to how you feel in each gown. Most brides find that bringing 2–4 of their closest people creates the perfect balance of support and clarity.
3. Bring decision-makers, not just spectators
Invite the people whose opinions matter most in your life, those you trust deeply. If someone stresses you out, overpowers your voice, or has a history of creating tension… it’s okay not to bring them. Even if that person expects to be invited. This is your day, you make the rules.
4. Remember: you don’t need an audience to find your dream dress
The best appointments happen when brides feel calm, understood, and supported, not when there are ten opinions in the room. Your dress moment will be just as meaningful (often more!) with a small, intentional group.
5. Consider logistics + surprises
If you have someone who must be part of the final decision, like a parent helping with paying for your gown, please invite them to your appointment! Surprises are best saved for the big day, not the shopping process.
6. Trust your instincts
If you’re unsure about bringing someone… that’s usually your answer. Your wedding dress experience is personal and emotional. You get to choose who is part of that memory.
How to formulate your wedding dress price point
Choosing your wedding dress price point is one of the most important steps you can take before booking your bridal appointment. It helps you shop confidently, stay focused, and enjoy the process without stress. Here’s how brides can thoughtfully and realistically set their budget:
1. Start with the overall wedding budget
Your dress is a meaningful part of your day, but it’s one piece of the bigger picture. Most brides allocate 8–12% of their total wedding budget toward their bridal look (dress + alterations + accessories). This gives a helpful starting point for what feels realistic.
2. Research the price ranges of the boutiques in your area
Each store carries different designers, construction levels, and price points. Look at a boutique’s website or Instagram highlights to understand where their collections typically fall. This ensures you’re booking your appointment at a store that align with what you’re comfortable spending.
3. Consider what matters most to you
Your price point may shift depending on your priorities:
Are you looking for a couture feel, unique detailing, or custom elements?
Do you want something simple, classic, or off-the-rack?
Is exclusivity or designer branding important to you?
Understanding your values helps you recognize what’s worth the investment.
4. Factor in alterations + accessories from the start
Alterations are almost always needed, and they typically range from $500–$800+ depending on complexity. Don’t forget accessories like veils, jewelry, shapewear, and shoes. Setting aside room in the budget keeps everything feeling clear and stress-free.
5. Be honest with yourself about comfort
The right price point is one where you feel excited and confident—not stretched or anxious. Your stylist’s job is to honor your price point, so choose a number that feels genuinely sustainable for you.
6. Give yourself a range, not a single number
Instead of choosing one flat number, pick a comfortable range (for example, $1,800–$2,400).
A range gives you:
Flexibility
Room to explore different styles
Confidence when comparing dresses you love
It also helps your stylist curate gowns that align beautifully with your expectations.
7. Leave room for the right dress
You don’t need to choose the highest number possible; you simply need to choose a range that allows you to feel open, excited, and empowered to say “yes” when you find your gown.
