The Importance of Bridal Appointments

The difference is in the details. Most brides-to-be can't wait for the first time they try on wedding gowns, and while the warehouse stores do let you walk in and willy nilly try on gowns, as the owner of a small bridal boutique I will tell you that every bridal shop will suggest appointments and most require them. 

Shopping for your wedding gown should be (in my opinion) one of the happiest bridal memories, standing in front of a mirror, everyone ahhing, telling you how beautiful you are; you should feel like a princess and there is process to get you to that point.  It all starts with scheduling an appointment.

At a reputable bridal shop, an appointment means you get one on one with a skilled, knowledgeable consultant (fancy word for sales person).  That person should know her stock and be savvy enough to help you in every way during your time with her.  You will have ideas of styles or at least an idea of likes and don't like.  It will be her job for the next hour or however long that particular shop allows, to show you gowns that you like, but also show you gowns that you may not have even considered.  She will make sure you have proper undergarments to give you some privacy, because she will be putting gowns on an off to make sure that the gown is fitting you properly before you make your entrance.  Most gowns will not be an exact fit and the consultant will clip the gowns to make them 'appear' to fit so you get the best selection in sizes.  All the time, giving you invaluable information regarding each gown and the designer.  

If appointments were not required, chaos would reign....you may not have your own fitting room and you would be left without the knowledge base of someone whose job it is to know your body type and be able to make suggestions.  How would you know the gown that you think you would love can have a different neckline or that the fabric can be changed?

I understand that there are times you just want to 'look'.  Even looking requires the attention of someone who works there.  We never want to appear as though we are not interested in a walk in, however, we must stop our appointment to walk that person through the shop or even answer questions, which then makes the appointment feel as though they have been abandoned.  We will almost always encourage a walk-in to take an peek through, but then ask them to schedule an appointment so that we can answer the questions and give them the guidance that every bride deserves.

So, do your research and schedule your appointments, your experience is guaranteed to be memorable.