How to Shop for Your Gown Like a Pro: Part 4

While You Shop: Consult your Consultant

You're here! You've got your posse assembled, your appointment set, your homework done, and now it's time to actually try on some dresses (gulp!). This is also the moment you'll meet your bridal consultant.

A bridal consultant isn't the same as other retail store employees. For starters, she's yours and only yours for the duration of the appointment. It's her job to get to know you - what you like, what you hate, how you feel about your hips, what your Grandma will say, what the church you're getting married in requires, or what necklines are best for you - all her job to learn. If you and your consultant can work together, you're a few easy steps from your dream gown, because she's also a wealth of knowledge. She does this all day, every day.

So how do we get this magic partnership to work? Here are a few tips:

Communicate. The first thing that will happen at your appointment is a brief Q&A with your new consultant. This conversation is your chance to tell her who you are, and you can milk it for all it's worth. Wear an outfit that really represents your style, bring some pictures of things you love, tell her your favorite non-bridal store to shop at, and anything else you can think of to help her get a good idea of you. The more you offer her, the easier it will be for her to steer you quickly and happily through the maze of white gowns to the dress that has been appearing to you in your dreams. Most importantly, tell her the truth! Be honest about what you want to spend, how you feel about tulle, and where you're getting married. She's using your words as her compass - anything other than the truth is going to land you lost and exhausted.

Let her work for you. After you've done your part to clue her in to your desires, it's time to let her work her magic. Your consultant might ask you to try on a gown that you hate on the hanger, or ask you to sit tight while she rounds up options when you're dying to go browse yourself. In the beginning, we strongly encourage you to let her do her thing, say yes, and be open minded. These ladies have seen all these dresses on all kinds of bodies, and often, they know what will look amazing on you as soon as you walk in the door. If she insists, humor her. You might fall madly in love with something unexpected, and she won't make you buy it if you don't like it. You have nothing to lose!

If you have questions or concerns, ask them. Bridal consultants love questions. Seriously. Bring it on.

Happy making a new bridal consultant BFF!

~AniA