From bridal consultant to blushing bride; I have walked in both shoes. After working with hundreds of brides, steaming thousands of dresses, and consoling countless over-emotional MOB’s (Mother of the Bride), I learned what it takes to be a great bridal consultant. I juggled brides of all shapes, sizes, budgets, and emotions, and sold them the dress of their dreams. During that time, I learned what a huge difference the right bridal consultant can make and here’s exactly what they should tell you at your appointment…
Wedding dress shopping can bring out insecurities in any bride. Feeling insecure is a common emotion to have, however the appointment should leave you feeling confident and beautiful. The right bridal consultant will recognize the features that make you unique and beautiful and she will not only find a dress to accentuate those features; she will vocalize that to you.
It’s common for a bride to be so set on a dress style before she has even walked into a bridal salon. That can be helpful for the appointment, however the right bridal consultant will push you out of your comfort zone and encourage you to try something a little different. You would be surprised at how many brides end up saying “yes” to a dress that’s opposite of what they originally thought they wanted.
Some brides save up for their wedding dress for years. Others; their Dad pays in full on the spot. No matter where you are financially, your bridal consultant should be very honest with you about the price of a dress. If you want to try on a dress that is out of our budget, your bridal consultant should kindly tell you so that you are mentally prepared. A bridal consultant is not there to trick you or make you feel bad. She should be making this financial decision as easy as she can for you.
There are times in an appointment where your Mom will not stop crying about how beautiful you look, your Sister is making passive aggressive comments, and your Grandma is noticing (and criticizing) your tattoo for the first time (sorry Grandma)! So when a bridal consultant is alone with you in the dressing room, she should catch on to your emotions and ask you how you’re feeling. With so many exciting, and nerve-wracking emotions; someone needs to help you calm down when the entourage is getting exhausting, and who better to do it than the consultant.
Even after you have tried on a dress that you love, you may feel the need to keep looking. This can be a slippery slope and cause you to become more and more confused about which dress you like the best. I remember my boss finally telling an overwhelmed bride that she needed to stop. When you find a dress you love, (similar to when you find a significant other that you love) you do not keep looking. You may like characteristics in another dress (or person) but that does not mean you need to keep shopping around. When you have found the one you truly love, let that be the one.
Trumpet, ball gown, sheath, or mermaid… each silhouette bustles a little differently. Your bridal consultant knows how each dress shape bustles and she should be able to show you at your appointment. The bustle can make the dress look different in the back so it is important for you to know exactly how the dress will look at each moment of your wedding.
Each bridal salon has specific rules and details you will need to know after you have put the deposit down on your dress. Some have rules of when the full payment is due, others specify whether or not they will store the dress for you once the dress arrives, and whether or not they offer alterations services. No matter the rules and expectations, you will want to make sure you’re fully aware so that there are no surprises months later.
Shopping for a wedding dress is a special and exciting time for every bride. The right bridal consultant will make you feel prepared and beautiful, all while keeping the end goal in mind; helping you marry the person of your dreams.
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Style Me Pretty Contributor – Kylie Thompson is a freelance writer, blogger and marketing professional from Grand Rapids Michigan, where she resides with her husband. When she isn’t working, you will find her exploring Grand Rapids’ newest culinary establishments with her husband, or traveling up and down Lake Michigan’s coast.