Trying on wedding dresses requires the full attention of a bridal stylist, and if they’re all busy helping other brides, they won’t be able to give you the attention you need. (Of course it’s one thing to step into a bridal boutique just to take a look a quick look around in order to decide whether you want to come back later, but showing up and expecting to try on dresses without an appointment is an etiquette faux-pas (no-no).

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Check with the store about their picture policy

You may be so excited during your appointment that you want to send pictures to all your friends. Poshfair Bridal allows you to take pictures of the dresses, but know that some bridal boutiques have a policy against taking pictures.

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Do your research (and bring pictures)

Bridal stylists want to help you find your dream dress. But if you don’t know what you’re looking for, they’re going to have a hard time pulling selections that match your tastes. So, before you go to your first appointment, look through some bridal magazines or create a Pinterest board of your favourite styles. You will have so many styles to choose from, that narrowing your choices down to a silhouette, or a fabric choice, can go a long way.

Dress appropriately

Undergarments are important for your appointment. Your stylist will be helping you in and out of the wedding dresses, so you want to be sure your underwear isn’t anything you would feel embarrassed to be seen wearing. Shaping undergarments such as Spanks are also important, as they will affect the way a dress looks on you.

​No makeup, bronze body cream, or perfume

Since you'll be trying several light wedding dresses, the makeup and bronze body cream can stain them. Please be respectful to keep the dresses clean for other brides to try them on.

​Same refers to perfume and deodorant. Don't wear them when going to the appointment. It can stain and/or leave the odour on the dresses.

​Be on time, and be respectful of your appointment slot

Most boutiques will put you down for an hour and a half appointment when you call to book, and they will probably have brides booked after you. Because of this, if you arrive late, they probably won’t be able to extend your appointment. So, to get the most from your experience, be punctual and respect the limitations of your appointment. 

​Be honest about your budget

Some brides avoid disclosing their budget under the misapprehension that their stylist is trying to convince them to spend more than they had planned. Instead, the truth is the total opposite. Your stylist wants to help you find a dress you’re happy with, and if they push you toward something beyond your budget, it’s only likely to end badly for both of you.

Give feedback (politely)

While we’re on the subject of honesty, let your stylist know what you think of her selections. From her perspective, there’s nothing worse than pulling dress after dress and receiving a blank response or a bland “it’s nice". Let her know what you do and don’t like about the dresses she pulls, and it will help her find something closer to what you want.

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Eat before the appointment!

Never try to go wedding dress shopping when you’re hungry. You may be trying to keep a slim profile for your appointment, but if you skip breakfast you’re likely to feel "hangry", and too exhausted and hungry to make a good decision. Instead, come prepared: eat a healthy breakfast, and bring a small snack in case you start feeling tired. You’ll have a better experience if you keep your energy up. 

​Let your stylist select (pull) the dresses

When you first walk into a store full of beautiful gowns, it’s tempting to want to start pulling them off the racks to try them on. Resist the temptation! Bridal stores are full of dresses, and stylists need to keep them organized. Instead, trust your stylist to find the dress that matches your tastes, and don’t start browsing yourself unless invited.

​Enjoy your experience!

Finally, remember that shopping for your wedding dress is meant to be a beautiful, wonderful experience. Set your fears aside and keep in mind that your stylist is there to make you feel comfortable. Wedding dress shopping etiquette is there to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed, and to help your appointment go as smoothly as possible. So, have fun and enjoy yourself! You may be about to find your perfect dress.