Your wedding dress appointment is one of the most exciting moments of the wedding planning journey! Surrounded by loved ones, beautiful gowns, and plenty of emotions, it’s easy to get swept up in the experience. While you may come prepared with a Pinterest board full of ideas and a list of questions, some key details often get overlooked. To make sure you’re fully prepared and informed, here are the top questions brides tend to forget to ask during their dress appointment.
1. What is the Expected Delivery Time for the Gown?
It’s crucial to ask how long it will take for your dress to arrive after ordering, especially if you’re on a tight timeline. Wedding dresses often take several months to be made and delivered. Knowing this up front will help you schedule fittings, alterations, and ensure everything is ready well before the big day.
2. How Many Fittings Will I Need?
Alterations are an important part of ensuring your gown fits perfectly. Most dresses will require at least two or three fittings. Be sure to ask about the process—how many fittings are typical, how long they take, and when to schedule the first one. This will give you peace of mind and help you avoid any last-minute stress.
3. What Undergarments Should I Wear for the Dress?
Different wedding gowns require different types of undergarments, from shapewear to strapless bras. Your bridal stylist will advise you on what type of undergarments would work best with your chosen gown. This will not only help you envision the final look during your appointment but also ensure you’re comfortable on your big day.
4. What Customization Options Are Available?
Many brides fall in love with a dress but wish they could tweak a small detail—maybe you want to add sleeves, change the neckline, or adjust the length of the train. Most of our gowns have endless customization options available. Solutions Bridal works with designers to make your gown uniquely yours.
5. What is the Total Cost, Including Alterations?
While you may have budgeted for the cost of the dress itself, alterations at Solutions Bridal are an additional expense as we have our own in house seamstress. Our seamstress is in the salon Mondays and Saturdays and can offer consultations to estimate your total cost. Most gowns will need at the very least, a hem and a bustle. Some dresses require more detailed work, and having this information in advance will help you plan your wedding budget more accurately.
6. How Should I Care for the Dress Before and After the Wedding?
Once you’ve found your dream dress, you’ll want to keep it in pristine condition until the big day. Solutions Bridal offers wedding gown preservation boxes as well as restoration and cleaning. We're happy to assist you in taking care of your dream dress!
7. What Accessories Work Best with This Dress?
Sometimes, brides forget to ask about accessories that would complement their dress, such as veils, belts, or jewelry. Our bridal stylists can offer advice on which accessories will enhance the look of your gown without overshadowing it. Solutions Bridal carries a slew of accessories, to make finding the perfect match much easier.
8. Is the Dress Comfortable for an Entire Day?
Your wedding day is long, and you’ll be wearing your gown from the ceremony through the reception. Ask your stylist if the dress you love is practical for an entire day of walking, dancing, and sitting. You want to be able to move freely and enjoy every moment without feeling restricted or uncomfortable.
9. Can This Dress Be Bustled?
If your dress has a long train, you’ll want to ask if it can be bustled for the reception. Bustling involves gathering up the train and securing it to the back of the dress, allowing you to move more easily. Ask your stylist about the types of bustles available and whether you’ll need alterations to add one to your gown, as some come with it.
10. What Should I Bring to My Fitting Appointments?
Once your dress arrives and it’s time for your fittings, make sure you know what to bring. Often, brides forget to ask about bringing the right shoes and undergarments to their fittings. These items are essential to achieving the perfect fit and ensuring your dress looks flawless.