The Good, the Gowns and the Group Chat

Everything you need to know before your first bridal appointment

So, you’re engaged!? Life has now turned into a gleaming and, at times, overwhelming swirl of white, chaos, lace, guest lists and excitement. One thing our brides have confirmed with resounding clarity is that wedding dress shopping can be the least clarifying aspect of planning that magical day.

“How are you feeling about your first appointment?” we ask every glowing fiancée as she walks into our Sydney bridal boutique. We’re almost always met with a wide-eyed expression resembling absolute excitement, with a little sprinkle of “Dear God, help me!”

And help you we shall! With over 10 years of brides at Blanche, we have nurtured, supported and celebrated thousands of brides through this dynamic time, and hopefully, this article will ease any confusion and guide you towards becoming one of our next Blanche brides! We want you to feel as confident saying yes to a dress as you did saying yes to a lifetime with the person you love!

When Should You Start Wedding Dress Shopping?

Speaking of lifetimes, the bridal dress shopping process can feel like it goes on for decades. So, how much time do you really need to say yes to the dress? At Blanche, we recommend ordering your gown approximately 10 to 12 months before your wedding. This calls for some true self-reflection. Are you a decisive bride who knows what she wants and goes after it? You may only need a month, or less, to lock in your gown. My girlies who get decision fatigue choosing what to have for breakfast? You may want to give yourself some more time to digest.

Most bridal stores will give a blanket statement: Start shopping one year before your wedding day. And I must agree with them! This will allow all brides, whether you’re type A, B or all the way to Z, plenty of time to find “The One.”

How To Choose The Right Bridal Boutiques

Now, as much as we’d like to keep you future brides all to ourselves, it is important to do your research to see what else is out there. Treat bridal shop browsing like dating. They may have a style you think is attractive, but are they going to show up for you in the long run? Do their previous partners speak highly of them? Or is their profile simply a highlights reel hiding poor service and questionable gown construction?

It is so important to ensure the shops you browse align with you and your wedding vibes. No time for red flags, ladies. It’s stalking time! Stalk the socials, website and previous brides to make sure this store could have “The One” for you.

Pro Tip: Knowing what traits you’re into can narrow down the dating pool! Come with a list of gowns and styles in mind for your stylist to prepare for you. Even if they’re all vastly different, it’s better to have some idea of what you like than no idea at all.

Pro Tip 2: Protect your heart, and your bank account, by sussing out the store’s price range before you fall in love with a gown you can’t have! We’ve all been there, girl, but it isn’t healthy.

How Many Bridal Stores Should You Visit?

Move over, New York. I think Sydney should be called “The Great White Way,” as we have nearly 200 bridal shops painting the streets white. Or ivory. Or cream. Or eggshell. Or champagne. Anyway, we are spoilt for choice. If this feels overwhelming, just remember, there are six billion people on the planet, but you still found the person for you. So, your gut knows how to make a commitment. Narrowing down your options before visiting in person will certainly save you some time and your car some mileage. Once your pre-screening is completed, I’d then recommend visiting up to five stores in person.

Now, I want you to cast your mind back to one of my favourite pastimes.

Jean shopping.

Do we recall the fatigue after a full day of jumping up and down to pull up those jeans we swear used to be in fashion? Now double it, add some sparkly tulle, and you’ve got wedding dress shopping. It can be deceptively tiring as your brain tries to process all the possible options and all the magic you’ll be feeling on your special day. My professional opinion: Don’t do more than two dress shops in one day. You’ll need time to sleep on your options before tackling the sparkly tulle another day.

What To Bring To Your Appointment

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” — Benjamin Franklin. A man who knew nothing about wedding dress shopping but, nonetheless, is correct. So, what should you bring to your bridal appointment? Other than an open mind and a big smile, definitely nude underwear!

“If it’s very painful for you to criticise your friends, you’re safe in doing it. But if you take the slightest pleasure in it, that’s the time to hold your tongue.” — Alice Miller. A woman who would’ve absolutely nailed wedding dress shopping! Your entourage is as important as the bridal shop itself. Surround yourself with one to three people who will encourage you to form your own opinion first, then support you while being honest. Sometimes, the more opinions there are, the fuzzier the decision can become. Keep the circle tight and the dresses white, and you’ll be all right.

Feeling Ready For Your Big Day?

We want your wedding dress appointment to celebrate both the chapter ahead and the version of you who always dreamed of this moment. Let’s make that little girl who married her stuffed toys proud! Whether you feel most like yourself in a sculpted fitted gown or a romantic ball gown, the right dress should feel unmistakably you. I hope this article has given you the tools you need to make this process a dream come true.

And we’d love to dream up your wedding dress with you at Blanche Bridal!