First off, congratulations on your engagement! As you step into this exciting chapter, bridal gown shopping is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) parts of the journey. Don’t worry—we’re here to guide you through the basics, from timelines to budgets and everything in between. Let’s jump in!
1. When to Start Shopping
The earlier, the better! Ideally, you should begin shopping 9-12 months before your wedding day. Bridal gowns are often made-to-order, meaning it can take anywhere from 4-8 months for your dress to arrive at our boutique. Once it’s in, you’ll need time for alterations, which can take an additional 2-3 months.
If you’re working with a shorter timeline, don’t panic! Our boutique offers off-the-rack options in our Bridal Outlet or rush orders to accommodate tighter schedules.
2. Setting a Budget
Your gown budget will depend on a variety of factors, but a good rule of thumb is to allocate about 10% of your overall wedding budget to your attire. This should include your dress, alterations, accessories (veil, jewelry, shoes), and any undergarments.
Most mid-tier bridal boutiques—like ours—offer gowns in the range of $1,600 to $3,800. Our sweet spot is the $2,000-2,400 range. Be upfront with your stylist about your budget so they can help you find the perfect dress without any surprises.
3. Do Your Research
Before your first appointment, take some time to explore different styles, fabrics, and designers. Create a Pinterest board, browse our website or save Instagram posts of dresses you love. This helps your stylist get a sense of your initial vision and suggest gowns that align with your style.
Keep in mind that photos don’t always show how a dress will look on you. Be open to trying on a variety of silhouettes and fabrics—you might be surprised by what you fall in love with!
4. Book an Appointment
Most bridal boutiques require appointments to ensure you get personalized attention from a stylist. When booking, consider:
Weekdays for quieter, more relaxed experiences.
Weekends if you want friends or family to join you (but expect the boutique to be busier).
Bring key decision-makers with you, but keep your entourage small. Too many opinions can be overwhelming. Due to our boutique’s intimate setting, our brides are allowed to bring themselves & up to 4 guests.
5. What to Bring
To make the most of your appointment, bring:
Proper undergarments: Nude or seamless undergarments work best.
Shoes: If you already have your wedding shoes, bring them along. If not, a pair with a similar heel height works.
Inspiration: Photos of dresses or styles you love.
6. Be Honest and Open
Your stylist is there to help you, so don’t be afraid to share your likes, dislikes, and concerns. If you’re worried about your budget, timeline, or fit, let them know. The more they understand, the better they can assist you. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your Ivory Rose stylist understands you.
7. Plan for Alterations
Almost every bridal gown will need some level of alteration to ensure a perfect fit. Plan to budget $300-$700 for alterations, depending on the complexity of the changes. Schedule your fittings as soon as your gown arrives, and don’t forget to bring your shoes and undergarments to every fitting. While we don’t do alterations in house, we have a wonderful list of professionals in our area.
8. Trust the Process
It’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions during this process. You might find "the one" on your first try, or it might take several gowns & a wild card! Trust your stylist and, most importantly, trust your instincts. When you find your dress, you’ll know!
Final Advice
Shopping for your bridal gown should be a joyful experience, so take a deep breath and enjoy the journey. With a bit of preparation and the right mindset, you’re sure to find the dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful on your big day. Ready to get started? Book your appointment today and let’s say Heck Yes! together.
Ivory Rose Bridal Boutique is Appleton, Wisconsin’s bridal shop that takes celebrating seriously. We have made it our mission to bring our brides the best & latest wedding dresses, veils and other accessories from our favorite bridal designers. Every bit of what you experience with Ivory Rose has been intentionally curated to make you feel empowered & comfortable while saying Heck Yes! to your dream dress. Our passionate stylists support and uplift and are dedicated to creating your beautiful bridal experience.
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