This week we are asking the experts, Sarah and Naomi from Olivia Hooper Bridal all about hints and tips on the best way to approach buying your designer bridal gown for your wedding day.
RESEARCH POTENTIAL BOUTIQUES FOR YOUR WEDDING DRESS.
Visit bridal gown websites and if possible, call them too, this will help you get an idea of who you would like to work with in finding, fitting and preparing your gown. You have to trust us with the most important dress you will ever wear, so a good relationship is key.
IF YOU ARE AIMING TO PLAN MORE THAN ONE APPOINTMENT IN A DAY ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME IN BETWEEN.
Plan for three max and a good lunch this will help to keep it special and enjoyable. We allow up to 2 hours for an initial appointment to give the bride plenty of time to explore our collections rather than limiting the number of dresses they can try and even worse by deciding those dresses for them!
TAKE FEWER GUESTS WHEN YOU FIRST SHOP FOR YOUR BRIDAL GOWN.
One or two carefully chosen ones are the best, as this gives you time to discover how you feel, rather than selection by committee.
DISCUSS THE DETAILS OF YOUR DAY THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU.
We often ask brides LOTS of questions but this is so we can get an idea of who they are and what sort of day they are planning so that we can find them a dress that works for them on every level.
TALK OPENLY ABOUT BUDGET.
Decide what you feel comfortable spending on a gown before you shop, it is not just about being ‘able to afford’ it, then once decided, tell us, we make no judgement. Additionally, we always have a few samples we are happy to let go of, giving you a high-end gown at a fraction of the cost!
KEEP AN OPEN MIND.
The ‘dress of your dreams’ is often not the one you have always thought about and remember what you are trying on is a sample, therefore will not fit perfectly, try to look past this.
WEAR THE KNICKERS THAT YOU’RE HAPPY FOR US TO SEE.
A skin tone bra is also helpful, whilst we won’t be in the changing area with you, we will have to help you into the gowns, so you need to be comfortable with you.
SEARCH FOR YOUR GOWN A FULL YEAR AHEAD.
It is a good idea, if time frames allow to try on gowns a year head. It’s not easy to imagine your summer wedding if it is a freezing February afternoon, additionally if you are somebody who likes to think over things carefully before making a decision this gives you time to do so without pressure. If you are reluctant to do this due to wanting to change weight or shape, also discuss this with us, we are quite often allowed a re-measure date, so is no need to be a concern and keeps stress to a minimum.
ASK ABOUT FITTINGS AND BEYOND.
Once you have found your potential dress, ask about fittings and beyond, we work with the bride from initial appointment to collection, we do not out-source or pass brides on, we are accountable for the whole process.
FINALLY!
Enjoy it! We are always thrilled to play an important part in the run up to a brides wedding day and are thrilled to say that many end as friends!
