Congratulations newlywed on your recent engagement! This is such an exciting (and stressful) time of your life! Hopefully the below tips and tricks help ease your mind and give you the absolute best wedding dress shopping experience! 

Step 1: Book a location and secure the date! 

Your event setting and time of year are crucial to have before you ever step foot in a bridal shop. A January black tie wedding dress is going to look very different from a July beach wedding dress. If you don’t have a location and date it is almost impossible to narrow down your dress search. 

Step 2: Loosely gather ideas for your wedding gown look 

You don’t need to completely zero in on a style of wedding dress prior to your appointment, but it can help to have a basic idea of how you want to look and feel. Of course this can change once you get into the shop and that is totally okay! (Happens all the time, we promise!)

Step 3: Establish a budget 

This is probably the least fun part- but knowing how much you want to spend helps determine where you shop. Different bridal shops are going to have different price points. Elizabeth Cole Bridal starts around $2200 and goes to $6400. Remember to factor in extras like veils, overskirts, and jackets. These can add $500-$2700 to your total gown price. Alterations are also an additional expense. 

Step 4: Pick your “I do crew” 

Elizabeth Cole Bridal recommends a max of 4 people to shop with you. Less is more here! Choose only the people that support your vision, respect your budget and are team you! There is absolutely no reason to include people “just because you have to” if you know they are going to have a negative reaction to gowns you like. If there is someone that you know needs to be in attendance for your “yes to the dress” moment, make sure they are here! Most brides find and say yes during their first visit to the shop! 

Can’t narrow it down to 4 people? That’s ok! Book an heirloom appointment so we can accommodate a larger group size. This appointment comes with perks to keep a large group entertained! 

Step 5: Book appointments

Book 2-3 bridal appointments max. More than that will only make your head spin and your decision harder- trust us. Purchase your wedding gown 10-18 months prior to your wedding date. Sooner than that is possible but rush fees or purchasing right off the rack will be your options! Elizabeth Cole Bridal wants to be your final dress shop so we encourage you to check out another shop prior to us so you can experience the ECB difference and have the confidence to say yes during your appointment! 

Bring a few inspiration photos to show your dress consultant, nude underwear and a sticky bra to wear during your appointment! 

Step 6: Expect the unexpected and have fun!

Remember to enjoy the process! Bounce ideas off your dress consultant and don’t be afraid to try different ideas! Don’t want to take the dress off and can’t stop smiling? Congratulations bride! You have found your wedding gown!