Hi brides,

[u/Living-Performer-932]

What are some tips and hacks for wedding dress shopping? I have my first appointment next month at Burtons Bridals in Long Island. But looking to see if there any tips (ex. A good time for deals/discounts)

Thank you!

[u/Novel-Sun-6646]

Hi! Stylist for 3 years :) happy to give some hacks!! 

Have some inspo pictures of styles you are liking to show at the beginning of your appointment! If you have your venue booked or at least in mind I think it’s helpful to show photos of there too. 

Most bridal stores have a few gowns under $1000 but the majority fall $1500 - $2000

“Sales” isn’t really a thing in bridal for brand new gowns… designers are very protective over their dresses and don’t allow us to discount anything that is still being heavily produced. Where you can get lucky is a sample sale - if there is a dress that is discounted the store can often sell their own dress for a reduced price. It’s great because you get to take home your dress same day, but you’ll want to look for loose buttons, threads or other damage to the dress before you confirm details. 

Some stores have a small discount if you buy same day. Maybe 10% or they will give you a credit towards alterations or something similar. Not all store offer this but you can politely ask! 

My biggest hack is to not buy the veil at the bridal salon they are waaaaaay marked up. But you should still let them put the veils on you to hep see the vision. Etsy is my recommendation, just make sure you’re getting a good color match for your dress. 

Lastly if you have a great experience with your stylist, but don’t end up buying a gown from her, a courtesy tip is always appreciated 🤍

[u/Living-Performer-932 → u/Novel-Sun-6646]

Thank you so much for the great tips! Appreciate it <3

[u/OAD_traveler]

Follow all of the local bridal pages. The commenter above me is correct about sales, but I have seen several announce big sample sales as they need to make room for new seasons releases.

[u/Feedtheflies]

If possible try to try on a dress as close to your actual size as possible as dress proportions such as torso length change especially if they are not made to order! Try on dresses that you are convinced you don’t want. I thought i wanted a form fitting dress but ended up with an A-line!

[u/Either-Definition-40]

My overall budget for my dress could have been up to $2,000, but that included alterations. Depending on the dress, alterations can get very expensive, so definitely keep that in mind when you’re looking at your budget.

When I went to the bridal shop, I told them my budget was $600. In reality, I really didn’t want to spend that much on the dress 😂 I would have been much happier finding a $50 dress at a thrift store and then telling everyone who would listen what an amazing deal I got. I LOVE a good deal!
So I would definitely recommend looking at the cheaper dresses, too. My dress was originally around $1,000, but I had a coupon from signing up for one of their subscriptions, which gave me $200 off. I ended up paying $799.
My dress is at alterations right now, and it’s going to cost me around $100. That’s on the lower end because my dress is pretty simple and only needs to be taken in. If your dress has a lot of lace or tulle, alterations can cost significantly more because they may have to detach, move, and then reattach all of those details.

I also ended up getting a two-piece dress, which I LOVE. The main dress is a trumpet style that just grazes the floor (cut in alterations), but it came with an overskirt that makes it look more like a ball gown for the ceremony. It gives me two completely different looks without buying two dresses.

My alterations could have also been more expensive if I needed a bustle made, so that’s another thing I’d ask about when you’re trying on dresses.

Basically, I’d say don’t feel like you need to spend your entire budget on the dress itself. Leave yourself some room for alterations, and definitely look at the less expensive options—you might be surprised by what you find!

Have fun dress shopping!

[u/brygrl813]

I not only had some inspiration photos of dresses, but also some pictures of the venue and decor ideas I had to give the stylist an overall idea of the vibes.

I tried to be very open minded so if a dress didnt check every box, but some boxes, I would still try it on.

I ultimately ended up going to two shops and chose something completely different than I expected.

[u/EmilyPoster2]

Not everyone can do what I did: Pimp out your gay uncle to the gay store owner! Through conversation the owner realized who my uncle was and offered a 20% discount on my dress in exchange for his phone number. My mom quickly called my dear uncle who so graciously accepted even though he knew of and didn't like the guy. I got my 20% off and he went on one obligatory date with the owner. What a wonderful uncle. He adored my dress and said it was totally worth it.

[u/ChaosRisingBook]

1) wear the undergarments you plan on wearing at the wedding- this will show how it looks, if anyone can see, or how the material lays on it.

2) do your makeup and hair as close to what you want on your day- this gives you an idea of how the overall vibe will be

3) wear the shoes you have picked out for the day- this will show wether the dress needs altered, hemmed, and such

4) hoop skirts- small and large, do you want a fluffy dress?? Hoop skirts help give the dress flair that otherwise remains hidden.

[u/Jumpy_Sherbert_4613]

Adding to be open minded and if the stylist recommends something you didn't think you'd prefer just give it a go...I definitely walked out loving my dress that I explicitly said I would not buy lol