Do you need an appointment to look at dresses at a bridal shop? how does going there work?

Question

Do you need an appt? I just got engaged and getting married 6.15.08 and theres a bridal shop accross from my work. do i need to make one if i want to seriously look at them? not really to turn them on NOW (could come back of course)
How does going to a bridal shop work for a wedding gown?

opps sorry turn i mean TRY
Try on the dress

Thanks everyone! im really excited about looking at dresses in person now rather then online. This store is very SMALL and in a very SMALL town so i'm sure I can look now with your info, thanks everyone!

Answer 1

Appointment policy varies from shop to shop, so it would be a good idea to call that particular bridal store and ask what their policy is. When I started looking at dresses, I had no idea that I may need an appointment. A woman at the shop where I bought my dress initially told me that I would need to make an appointment and come back another day. However, one of the managers was really nice and helped me anyway.

Other information: Most shops do not have dresses in multiple sizes, and except for maybe David's Bridal, you cannot buy your dress off-the-rack. You'll have to order it. Most shops only have sample dresses, usually in size 10 or 12, and you try on the sample. If the sample is too big for you, they'll put clips in the back so that you can see how the dress should fit. If the sample is too small for you, they'll hold it up, unzipped. It's a good idea to bring along a strapless bra and shoes with heels that are comparable to the size heel you want to wear with your dress. When you choose a dress, they'll measure you and order the size that most closely matches your measurements. You should allow 8 - 12 weeks for your dress to arrive.

Just a heads-up: Some shops try to sell you all your accessories and undergarments, but I strongly advise you to shop around for those. These things tend to be grossly overpriced at bridal salons. The cute sparkly hairclips they tried to sell me were $75! The bra they tried to sell me was $60, but I found a comparable one at Macy's for $35.

When you go, have an idea of what styles and colors you like, but be open to trying new things.

Congrats on the wedding - good luck shopping.

Answer 2

It depends on the shop really. Call them and ask. I went dress shopping one Saturday afternoon- I was really just wanting to get an idea of prices. I walked into Davids Bridal, browsed the store a little while, when the gal came to help me, she asked if I had an appointment, I told her that I did not, I didn't know that I needed one. She hurried me over to her schedule book set up an appointment for the following Saturday, Told me that they only had three dresses that fit what I was looking for anyway (all white and Modest- with sleeves). Then she rushed me out of the store. I left there, went to another bridal shop where they treated me with kindness and respect- showed me several dresses that fit my needs and budget. I put one on Layaway and left. I enjoyed the experience I had at the second shop as did my mother. I tell everyone about it.

Answer 3

I made an appointment at a bridal shop soon after I got engaged. I took my mom with me and I tried on several dresses. If you are in a small town you probably don't HAVE to make an appointment but it would be a good idea. Just so you are sure to get the proper amount of help from the sales person. My sales lady actually helped me get the dresses on and fluffed them out and gave my mom catalogs to look at while I was getting dressed.

Answer 4

Yes, you do. They need you too call ahead and make an appointment so that one of their bridal attendants can be assigned to you and walk around with you and bring you dresses and help find the one for you. You cant just walk in because they will be too busy and wont have someone free to help you.

Answer 5

You dont HAVE to, but its a good idea to make one. This way you will have a bridal consultant assigned to you for your entire stay and she will help only you. If you are a walk-in you may not get much or any personal attention and they may have rules about trying on dresses by yourself.

Good luck!

Answer 6

i think all bridal shops are different. you can go in but making an appt. is the best because you will get their undivided attention. when i got married i just went in but then after that made appt.s to come back

Answer 7

most the time you do...if just looking i wouldn't think you would....if you find "the dress" you will need someone to help fix it for you...then they usually order the dress.. the ones in the shop are usually just for trying on...could take a couple of months to get dress..then it may need to be altered..that could take a couple of weeks so it fits perfectly..just make sure they don't fit it so tight that you are miserable

Answer 8

Congrats, my wedding is 06-07-08
I planned on just going in on my lunch break and checking it out, then ask when my Maid of honor and I can come back for some more serious shopping.
Again, congrats!!!

Answer 9

most people do their browsing online or in magazines these days and when they are ready to try gowns on they make an appointment.
I know the places that I went to try on gowns did not have a showroom that you could browse through so it might not make much sense to go looking.

Answer 10

It depends on the store. Most low end stores do not require an appointment, most high end ones prefer/require one. You can always call to find out!
And congrats!