So you’re ready to start trying on dresses for the big day? Great! Here are some questions to consider asking before setting up your appointments so you feel prepared and confident before visiting bridal shops.

What designers do you carry?
Before you schedule an appointment at a bridal shop, ask to see what designers they carry. By doing so, you can check to see if the designers they carry match up to the style you are looking for.

What is your price range?
If you are trying to stick to a budget, it is important to ask the average price point of the bridal shop that you want to schedule an appointment with. This will prevent you from falling in love with gowns that are above your budget.

What should I bring with me?
We recommend bringing a strapless bra, seamless underwear, shape wear, and a pair of heels. Also be sure to bring a camera! This will allow you to see how the gowns photograph on you.

Who should I bring with me?
Many brides opt to bring their mother, mother-in-law, or close family members. We recommend bringing 2-4 close friends/family members with you. This will prevent you from getting too many opinions and getting frustrated.

What’s the payment process?
The majority of salons ask for an initial deposit (around half the price of the gown), and then request the second portion of the payment after alterations have been completed. Ask ahead of time so you can budget accordingly in your wedding spending

What’s included in the price?
Some shops include alteration, taxes, and delivery fees in their original price, while others add them on separately after the initial gown purchase. These extra fees can drastically impact your dress budget, so be sure to get a feel for all the steps you’ll be paying for before committing to a gown.

How do fittings/alterations work?
Some bridal shops have seamstresses that will alter your dress at their location. Other bridal shops will recommend seamstresses to you if they do not have an in-house seamstress. It’s important to understand how your shop handles this process before committing to purchasing there.

Once you have your game plan together, you will feel relaxed and ready to enjoy the moment with your family and friends. The last thing you need is to be overwhelmed, let your bridal consultant answer any questions you may have so you will be ready to say “yes” to your dress!

Melissa, the owner of Bucci’s Bridal, is excited to bring a brand new bridal boutique to the Lake Country Area, right where she grew up! She enjoys meeting new people and loves hearing personal stories while helping brides-to-be find their dream dress for their wedding day.