The Ultimate Guide to Fun and Fabulous Dress Shopping!
Dress shopping is one of the most magical parts of wedding planning—your moment to step into a gown that makes you feel like the queen you are! To make the experience even more unforgettable, surround yourself with a supportive, good vibes only crew and turn it into a celebration! Whether your bridesmaids are local or far away, or you want to bring along a couple of close friends, the goal is simple: laughter, love, and lots of fun. May they be your hype people to cheer you on and cry when necessary.
Photo by @kmgphotography
Step 1: Assemble your Dream Team
Your dress-shopping entourage should include people who truly have your back. Choose bridesmaids and friends who bring positivity, honesty, and excitement to the table. For those who live far away, consider video-calling them so they can join in the fun virtually! A smaller, supportive group is better than a crowd—this keeps the focus on you.
- Maid of honor/Best Friend: Someone who knows your style, isn’t afraid to be honest, and will hype you up. Will also give you room to be a diva, set the tone on being your hype woman and brings champagne and finger food to create the whole experience!
- Style Guru: Someone with a keen eye for fashion and an understanding of your personal style and can help you visualize alterations and accessorize your look.
- Emotional Anchor: Someone who can provide calm and level headed advice when decision- making feels overwhelming.
- Wedding Planner: Can provide insights on how the dress fits your venue, theme, and vibe. Hype woman, advisor, emotional support and your wedding day bestie! Everyone deserves a good wedding planner!
- Avoid: Anyone overly opinionated or too critical. Also avoid a large group, too many voices and opinions can easily become overwhelming! Limit your group to 3-5 people.
Step 2: Plan Ahead for the Ultimate Experience
Dress shopping is all about finding the gown that makes you feel stunning—but it’s also important to stay mindful of your budget. After a little harmless cyber stalking, you should have some bridal stores saved. Call ahead to your favorite bridal boutiques to make an appointment. Most stores love to create an intimate setting just for you! Make sure you ask for the rules, whether or not food and drinks (champagne) is provided or if you can bring your own. We are almost ready, not quite yet.
Set your Budget and Stick to it
Before stepping foot into a bridal boutique, decide how much you’re comfortable spending on both your dress and your partner’s tux. Communicate this budget to the bridal consultant when you book your appointment. They’ll appreciate the heads-up and can prepare a selection of dresses that match your vision and your price range. Bonus? It helps avoid temptation from trying on gowns that might break the bank!
Bring an Accountability Partner
Personally, your wedding planner as your accountability partner. Your planner will be your entourage and help keep you grounded when you’re swept up in the excitement of lace, tulle, and sparkles. Having someone to gently remind you of your budget can be a lifesaver. Your planner will also be a great ally—they’ll keep you on track while still ensuring you find the gown of your dreams.
Wedding Dress Sizes Are Different—Don’t Panic!
Here’s an important tip: wedding dress sizes are not the same as your regular clothing size. Typically, a wedding dress size runs about 2-3 sizes larger than your normal size. So if you’re a size 8 in everyday wear, don’t be surprised if you’re wearing a size 12 or 14 in bridal.
Don’t freak out—it’s totally normal! Bridal sizing is just an outdated system that doesn’t reflect modern clothing sizes. What truly matters is how the dress fits and makes you feel. Focus on the mirror, not the tag!
Top 3 Bridal Shops
Tell them Trishy sent you!
Make It Fun, Not Stressful
Dress shopping should feel exciting, not overwhelming. With your budget set, your consultant prepared, and your squad hyping you up, you’re ready to enjoy every moment. Make each dress an opportunity to practice your runway walk! Let the hype team do their job. Remember, the right dress is out there waiting for you—no matter the budget or the number on the tag.
Good Vibes Only: Set the tone with happy energy—no drama allowed! This is your moment to shine, and your crew should be there to lift you up.
Bring the Party: Whether it’s popping a bottle of champagne at Vivienne Bridal or sharing sweet memories at Grapevine Bridal, celebrate this milestone together.
Capture the Moment: Snap photos or videos (remind them not to post) of your favorite dresses and your entourage’s reactions. These memories will last a lifetime.
Personal Favorite Bridal Boutiques in Dallas Area in no particular order.
- Vivienne Bridal Boutique –
I absolutely adore the bridal shopping experience! Vivienne and her team are absolutely amazing! They have a way of making you feel confident, radiant, and completely comfortable in your own skin. Their warmth and expertise create an environment where you can truly enjoy every moment of your bridal shopping experience. You’ll be paired with one of their incredible bridal attendants who will guide you every step of the way. Bring the snacks, pop the champagne, and don’t forget the good vibes! Want to make it even more fun? Set a dress code for your girl gang—it’s the perfect way to add a stylish and playful touch to the day! - Grapevine Bridal – This one’s for my Christian girls! Grapevine’s hidden gem, with the lovely Emily and Tracy, offers an unforgettable bridal shopping experience. I absolutely adore their unique gowns, each one designed to make you feel special. Plus, they offer private sessions for every bride, ensuring a truly intimate and personalized experience. Be sure to book ahead to secure your magical bridal moment!
- Brilliant Bridal – Brilliant Bridal is truly phenomenal! With a fantastic selection of gowns and exceptional customer service, they go above and beyond to create an elevated experience. Having worked with professionals in the industry for years, their expertise shines through, making every bride feel special and supported. Whether you’re looking for something timeless or trendsetting, you’re in excellent hands at Brilliant Bridal
For Tux
- Don Morphy – The ultimate one-stop shop for suits and tuxedos! Whether you’re outfitting the little ones in your wedding party or the adults, they’ve got it all covered. Pack up your groom and his guys for a fun day out—this is where the magic happens. Don Morphy creates fabulous suits with high-quality materials that not only last forever but also look absolutely stunning. They’re always setting the trends, which is why it’s my number one go-to for all things groom style!
Relax & Enjoy: Remember, this is about finding your dream dress, so don’t stress about perfection—when you know, you know!
Let the planning begin, and here’s to finding the gown that makes your heart skip a beat!
Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any planning questions or need a planner to help you on your journey! Laveesh Events is here for you through it all, just click here.!
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