Ready, steady, shop! The right way to wedding dress shop
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1. Bring the bling
“Bring your accessories to your fittings – that means jewellery, shoes, etc.
“Shoes will impact your posture so making sure you wear the exact pair in fittings means any alterations done won’t shift and sit funny the moment you pop your shoes on.
“Want to make a piece of jewellery your statement piece?
“You may need to change areas of the dress to accentuate it.”
Mette, Freja Designer Dressmaking
Freja Designer Dressmaking PHOTO | Tom Migot Photography
2. No photos please
“Be mindful of photography policies.
“Many bridal boutiques, including ours, maintain a no photos rule, which is in place to honour the intricate work of our designers and safeguard the distinctive nature of each bride’s special moment.
“Here, we meticulously design and create custom Kavelle Couture gowns, so this policy is an extension of our commitment to preserving the uniqueness of every bride’s cherished experience.”
Kavelle, Kavelle Couture
Gwenne
3. Support squad
“Bring those whose opinion you consider the most important.
“But remember only you will know how you feel in the dress.”
Brigida, Gwenne
Opus Couture
4. Plan ahead
“Planning ahead is the key to finding your dream dress and Opus Couture emphasises the importance of starting wedding dress shopping at least a year in advance.
“This is because gowns generally take up to six months to arrive.
“Once it gets here, you’ll need to book in a fitting and factor in time for potential alterations – if your weight has changed since your first try on or you’ve decided you’d like to add straps, for example.
“However, for those with a tighter timeline, some bridal boutiques have off-the-peg options.
“With us, Opus Couture’s ‘Ready to Wear’ outlet collection offers beautiful dresses that are immediately available.”
Susan, Opus Couture
5. The right style
“Research shops that align with your style.
“You’ll have a curated selection to choose from, and a more enjoyable and focused experience.”
Mirka, Mirka Bridal Couture
Rachel Scott Couture
6. Take your time
“Never feel under pressure with any aspect of your shopping experience – but particularly with timescales for decision-making and deliveries.
“You’re likely to be getting a lot of new information from the shops you visit and what one says won’t be the same as another.
“Take time to check the facts before you commit.
“By the way, our record is a matter of days to have a fully couture designer dress made so there are always options!”
Rachel, Rachel Scott Couture
7. Feels so good
“It sounds hard but find a dress that makes you feel amazing as you are just now.
“Most brides come in with the idea that they’ll shed some weight but what if you don’t?
“You want to know you’ll feel phenomenal regardless.
“Have an insecurity about your arms?
“Find a dress that makes you forget all about them.
“It’s all about finding what makes you feel comfy and relaxed.”
Megan, Kudos Bridal
8. Trust the expert
“Take advantage of the expertise at your fingertips when you visit a boutique.
“Bridal stylists know all the dresses they have available, plus which can be customised and which have a range of colour options.
“They can also give tips when it comes to styling your gown (from veils to shoes to hairstyles) and advice when it comes to potential alterations.
“So, build a relationship with your stylist if you can.
“Give them feedback about what you like and don’t like about every dress you try.
“This will help them determine what’s working for you and they’ll pick out more options that incorporate the elements you love.”
Naydene, Sophia Grace Couture
Kudos
9. It’s all about the base
“For your initial appointment wear a pair of nude seam-free undies.
“Nude is less likely to shine through different dress materials and you’ll avoid pant lines.
“In terms of bras, go strapless if you can.
“Most gowns have in-built corsetry that can fight with your bra so it’s handy to be able to remove it quickly – or keep it in place to protect your modesty while still having the option to play around with various necklines.”
Megan, Kudos
10. An open mind
“I always say to people who are unsure of what they want ‘Let’s start with a blank canvas’ and we paint your dream dress throughout the appointment.”
Pamela, Pamela Jayne’s Bridal
Did you know trunk shows, designer days and sample sales can be the perfect opportunity to find your wedding dress
Click here to find out about all the upcoming sales at some Scottish boutiques this month
