This one is for the Hoboken Brides…our friends at Elizabeth Johns Bridal Store {in Morristown} are here to give you the 101 on Wedding Dress Shopping for new brides! Without further ado, here are some great tips for wedding dress shopping as they take over our blog on this #weddingwednesday:
Start Shopping Early
Brides should begin thinking about their wedding day look soon after they get engaged, and should start shopping 9-12 months before their wedding. Typically, wedding gowns ordered from the designer will take about 4-6 months to arrive at the bridal salon and you’ll want to allow time for alterations to begin at least two months before your big day!
Set Your Budget
Before you begin your wedding dress search, it’s important to set a budget! Sit down with your future spouse, or those who will be contributing to your gown purchase to determine what that will be. Remember – you’ll also have separate costs for alterations and accessories {which can be $300-$1000 or more, depending on the dress/work needed}, so be sure to factor those additional purchases into your overall budget or create an additional budget for those expenses.
Once at the bridal salon, clue your consultant into your budget so they can help you stay within your price range. You don’t want you to fall in love with a gown that doesn’t fit within your budget.
Prep for Your Appointments
The Bridal Salon at Elizabeth Johns
1. Check Social Media for Inspiration
While not much prep is needed before you head to the bridal salon, there are a few things you can do to get ready to say yes to the dress! First, find what you love – today, brides have style inspiration at their fingertips – Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram are all great places to start exploring the latest bridal collections and styles. Additionally, Elizabeth Johns offers our “My Closet” website tool, which gives brides the ability to browse many of the wedding gowns in our collection for inspiration and save them to revisit with their consultant during their appointment.
2. Research Bridal Salons to Visit {blog post coming soon!}
Taking into account your personal style, budget and the type of gown you want for your big day, call ahead or visit the salon’s website to make sure it’s a good fit. You don’t want to go to your appointment only to find out then that the gowns are not what you expected or the starting price point is more than your budget will allow. Also, if there is a bridal salon you are particularly excited to visit, be sure to make that the last destination on your list. You’ll want to already have an idea of your top gown choices when you visit.
3. Decide Your Wedding Style
Consider what type of wedding you’re going to have – you would want a different gown for a glamorous ballroom affair than you would a rustic chic farm wedding! Determine how formal or casual your wedding day will be before you head to the bridal salon! With endless gown options, you’ll want to have some ideas as to what your perfect day looks like!
Trust Your Consultant
Your bridal consultant is there to help guide you through the bridal gown buying process – from your first appointment through your last fitting. They should contact you a few days before your appointment to get an idea of your style preferences, budget and tell you a little bit about what to expect during your appointment. They are extremely knowledgeable and should make gown recommendations based on your style and what they think will look great on you. Sometimes gowns don’t have as much hanger appeal, but may be a great option for you – your consultant will know! They are not only there to help you through your gown options, but someone you should trust to ask questions, bounce ideas off of and help transform you into the bride you’ve always imagined.
Only Bring a Few Trusted Ladies in Your Life
Make sure to keep your entourage small (2-3) and choose those whose opinion you truly value to keep you appointments enjoyable, productive and a day you’ll always remember!
Enjoy the Experience
Relax and enjoy! Wedding gown shopping should be nothing less than a wonderful experience and time spent with some of your favorite people. If it’s too stressful, try to figure out why and make some appointments to go on your own first and test the waters. Then come back with your circle of trust and show them your favorites! Have fun with it — and of course don’t forget to pop the bubbly when you do find the gown!
Past brides, what are some of your tips for wedding dress shopping?
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Founded in April 2012, Elizabeth Johns Bridal Couture is a full-service bridal salon offering the finest designer collections across bridal, bridesmaids, flower girls and evening wear. Elizabeth Johns has dressed brides from all over the country and internationally, Presidential Inauguration invitees, celebrities, and hundreds of mothers and bridal parties. With two locations currently in Morristown, New Jersey and Ardmore, Pennsylvania, Elizabeth Johns Bridal Couture is a premier bridal salon in the northeast, housing more than 50 designers and an exceptional shopping experience.
