Choosing your fav buddies to join you for your wedding dress appointment is an important decision so it may be the first time they have visited a boutique as part of your entourage. They will probably have questions that you cannot answer – it could be your first time too – so we have written a list of things to pass on to your nearest and dearest for a smooth and fun appointment. This is not like any other clothes shopping experience, much more emotional and can be nerve wracking so choosing the ones you know that will be calm and supportive is so important.
1. Check with the boutique exactly how many they will allow to attend the appointment. This will stop any awkward conversations before they happen and you will know in advance how many to ask along to your first appointment.
Most boutiques that offer appointments, like Saltaire Bridal, will only allow one appointment at a time to give you the VIP treatment and you then get all the attention you need with out your specialist flitting between more than one bride to be.
2. Explain that you are asking them to be part of this special experience as you trust that they will support your decisions and not that they are the ones to make the final decision.
3. The bridal consultant has experience and knowledge of what suits different body shapes and they know their stock so they really are trusted professionals. So it they suggest you try something on that you aren’t really sure about – trust them Dresses look different on you than on a hanger or mannequin. We are all beautiful unique bodies.
4. Be assured As your bridal boutique owner I am not going to force you into buying any dress I would rather you arranged a second visit or didn’t buy unless you are totally certain it is right for you.
5.Everyone will have opinions and that’s exactly what they are – opinions. Ultimately it is YOUR wedding and only you will know the way YOU feel in ‘The One’.
6. Be prepared for one or all of our entourage to cry – this is normal and boutiques are ready and armed with tissues.
7. This is not a chance for them to try dresses on too. We are happy to book a separate appointment for them if they are genuinely getting married too.
8. At our boutique we have comfortable seating for your entourage and even have fun things to keep them occupied whilst you try on the dresses in the changing room. We don’t want them to get restless.
10. If your entourage offer to make up a picnic or bring along some sticky or chocolatey treats do check with the boutique before you go. They may to want those sticky fingers al over the dresses. Most boutiques will have refreshments. Don’t expect the popping of corks at all boutiques if the owner doesn’t have a license to serve alcohol you may have to go to a restaurant to toast after.
11, The other option is to book a table at a local pub, cafe or bar for after your appointment so you can raise a glass to you finding ‘The One’!
12. Let them know how long the appointment will be – usually 90 minutes. You wont be trying on every dress in the shop so let them know this.
13. Express the importance of all being on time. Arrange to meet before your appointment so you all arrive on time and together – this will stop the bridal consultant having to break off and let them in one by one. Again let’s remember this is about YOUR appointment
14. If you want to visit alone that’s ok too! Don’t feel pressured to have an entourage – you could have the first visit solo and when you say yes to the dress you could arrange to bring your entourage back for a fitting or to select accessories.
15. Adults only
If you or any member of your posse have children then make sure they have a play day arranged or ask a family member to take them out for the time of your appointment. This is an appointment that neds your full focus and as adorable as children are they will be bored very quickly in a bridal boutique. It could get very expensive if they decide to ‘enhance’ a dress with a felt pen or sticky fingers!
16. Their job is to sit and enjoy – the consultant will do all the dressing for you.
17. Let them know your budget so they don’t pick out a fabulous dress they love and it is out of your price range – be transparent – it is ok to do that.
18. Let them know what styles or colours, details or neckline that you have visions of this will give them more idea of what you will be trying so no huge surprises if you choose a jumpsuit apposed to a princess dress they expected you to choose.
19. If you have any questions your self about what your posse need to know – ask your consultant they are their to help make your appointment as exciting and fabulous as it should be.
20. honesty is not always the best policy! Of course you want them to be honest however their blunt honesty about a dress you try could stop you choosing the one you really love. Ask them to ‘read the room’ and then be careful with the words they choose.
21. taking photos – as exciting as it is and the insta worthy images in a bridal boutique – do make sure you make it clear to them that you do not want your dress to be plastered all over social media for all your friends and more importantly your future partner can see. Many boutiques do not allow this so check with them first.
Make it a day to cherish and having your favourite and trustworthy people with you. If it’s easier for you send them the link to this blog!