About the bridal shops with online booking
A bridal shop works by appointment, and each bride has a fitting room and one person devoted to her for the whole visit. The first appointment is for getting to know your style, your date and your budget and trying on several dresses with no obligation. If one wins you over, the shop orders it in your size and the alteration fittings begin, in which the seamstress shapes the dress to your body. In between there is usually an accessories appointment (veil, headpiece, shoes, jewellery) and, at the end, collection.
Timing matters more than with other purchases. An ordered dress takes four to six months to arrive, and after that you need two or three alteration fittings spread over the weeks before the wedding. That is why most brides start looking nine to twelve months ahead. If you have less time, say so at the first appointment, as many shops keep dresses in stock for quick delivery.
Each appointment has its own length. The first one, between an hour and an hour and a half. A dress fitting on a second visit, about an hour. An alteration fitting with the seamstress, 45 minutes to an hour. The accessories appointment, about 45 minutes. Collection, half an hour to try it on one last time.
Before you go, think about who is coming with you (two or three people is comfortable), wear plain nude underwear and, for alteration fittings, bring the shoes you will wear on the day, because the hem is pinned with them on. Bring photos of what you like too and, if you know it, a rough budget, so that the shop shows you dresses that fit from the very first moment.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the first appointment at a bridal shop?
Between an hour and an hour and a half. It starts with a chat about your wedding, your style and your budget, and then you try on several dresses with the consultant's help. You do not have to decide anything that day, and many brides come back for a second fitting before choosing.
How far ahead should I start looking for my dress?
Nine to twelve months before the wedding is comfortable, as an ordered dress takes four to six months to arrive and the alteration fittings come after that. If you have less time, say so when you book. Many shops keep dresses in stock with quick delivery.
How many people can I bring to the appointment?
Each shop sets a maximum, usually two to four guests, because the fitting room is a small space and too many opinions do not help. Check the appointment description or add it to the notes when you book if you are coming with more people.
What should I bring to an alteration fitting?
The shoes you will wear at the wedding and the underwear you will have on that day, because the hem and neckline are pinned with them on. If you already have your veil or headpiece, bring them along too to see the whole look.
Can I try on dresses without having decided anything yet?
Yes, that is what the first appointment is for, looking, trying on and working out what you like with no obligation to buy. If you want to try a particular dress again, book a dress fitting for a second visit.
Does the shop do the dress alterations too?
Most have their own or a partner seamstress and hold the alteration fittings in the shop itself. Ask at the first appointment whether alterations are included or charged separately and how many fittings are usually needed.