Etiquette for Wedding Gown Shopping

Proper etiquette rules exist for wedding dress shopping.

Shopping for your wedding gown can be an exciting and fun time for you as the bride and for the family and friends who accompany you on your shopping spree. While you may be aware there is wedding etiquette associated with almost every aspect of your wedding, you may not be aware of exactly what the etiquette rules are when it comes to shopping for your wedding gown.

Time Frame

Since most wedding gown shops are located in retail stores, many brides think it is acceptable to waltz into the wedding gown store and start pulling wedding gowns off the rack to try on. The majority of wedding gown boutiques, however, do not accept walk-ins, so you have to make an appointment with the store. Having an appointment is better for you and the shop attendant because it means you will have all of her attention while you're in the store looking for and trying on gowns.

Considerations

Before you call to make an appointment with the wedding gown shop, consider the styles, size and amount of money you have to spend on the gown first. Most wedding gown shops do not have racks and racks of wedding dresses that you can rummage through. Instead, they house their gowns in the back of the store or, at times, at off-site warehouse locations. Be prepared to explain the style dress you're looking for, your dress size and budget for the dress so that dress attendants can pull the dresses that fit your criteria in time for you to try them on at your appointment.

Misconceptions

Some brides tend to think that their shopping excursion is their own personal photo shoot and time to spend quality time with their shopping buddies. One of the primary misconceptions brides have is that they can take a camera along to document their dress fashion show. Most bridal boutiques do not permit photos to be taken of the gowns in order to prohibit brides from copying styles and having their dress designs made elsewhere. The majority of wedding gown boutiques are also small, which means that dressing room areas accommodate only one to three people at a time. Be prepared to have only one or two people with you as your entire bridal party will not fit in the dressing room with you (unless you only have one or two attendants). When you make the appointment, ask if you are allowed to bring a camera and how many people may accompany you for the shopping trip.

Features

Some bridal boutiques have strapless bras and shoes on hand you can use when trying on your wedding dress options. Others do not keep these items on hand. Even if the shop has these items, it may not be the size or style you intend on wearing. Bring your own accessories to your dress appointment so you are prepared with everything you need to make a dress decision. These accessories do not have to be the ones you intend to wear for your wedding, but they do need to be similar--same style strapless bra and similar height of shoes.

Identification

Many dress boutique attendant make notes on the styles, size and designers of the dresses that you try on and like. You should also take notes. It is rare that you find and buy a dress on the same day, so you'll want to have this information on hand and ready when you return to the shop to order the dress.

References

• Beau-Coup: Wedding Dress Shopping Etiquette