You look in the mirror and you’re tearing up from excitement, so is your mother, AND your bridesmaids are smiling ear-to-ear. You just found your perfect wedding dress! Your wedding dress appointment should not be stressful, though many brides worry that they’ll feel rushed, frustrated, and that bridal stylists will be pushy and salesy. 

All valid concerns. 

At Memories our philosophy is “Dress like you!”, because that’s who this is about...you!  Our goal is to help you find the dress that is perfect for unique and beautiful YOU!  

Here are a few things to remember and do before your bridal appointment to help you have a fun and enjoyable shopping experience!

Should I research dress styles before my wedding dress appointment?

Yes! You can explore our dress collection online. 

If you’re working with a reputable dress shop the stylists will sit down with you prior to the start of your appointment to learn more about your wedding vision and what you’re looking for in your dress. Having a few inspiration photos to share with your stylist will help them better understand your personal style and will allow them to be able to select great dresses for you right away.

If you’re not quite sure what overall look you want for your wedding gown, think about if there are certain style features you would really love in your dress...

• Neckline - Sexy plunge, strapless, higher neckline, etc.

• Sleeves - Do you definitely want sleeves? Straps? Off the shoulder?

• Shape - Do you want a sleek sheath shape, a fitted mermaid to show all your curves, a fuller ball gown or A-line style, or something in between?

• Fabric - Do you love lace or would you like a cleaner, more minimalistic look?

For more details take a look these articles:

• Shape - What Wedding Dress Style is Best for Me?

• Neckline - 20 Wedding Dress Necklines

How much should I spend on a dress?

Wedding dresses can vary in price depending on the designer, materials, and craftsmanship. Most dresses in our collection range from $1,000 to $3,500 with the majority of dresses falling in the $1200-$1800 range. Knowing what price range you’re comfortable with prior to your appointment helps us select the best dresses for you.

We want to help you find a dress that both makes you feel amazing and fits your budget.  We won’t pull dresses out of your price range without your express permission. 

Tip: Remember to leave room in your wedding budget for alterations.  Every dress will require alterations for the perfect fit. On average, alterations in our area range from $300-500 depending on your seamstress and the amount of work being done. 

What expectations should I have about finding the perfect wedding dress at my appointment?

Our mission is to help you find that dress that makes you feel beautiful and makes you want to say “yes to the dress”!

With the help of our amazing stylists, over 80% of Memories Brides find their dress at their 1st appointment (and usually that perfect dress is one that our stylists selected specifically for the bride).

Your stylist will…

• be patient and understanding

• make it an uplifting and comfortable experience

• use your feedback and preferences to hand select dresses perfect for you

• remind you that you’re important and prioritized and that this experience is all about you!

AND even if you don’t say “yes” at that first appointment, at least you’ll have fun! 

Remember, we have hundreds of dresses, so a second visit might be a good idea. Sometimes trying on dresses the first time can be a little overwhelming, so coming back with fresh eyes (and sometimes fewer guests) can help you decide on the dress that is perfect for you!

What should I wear to my dress appointment?

Undergarments

Wearing the proper undergarments while dress shopping will give you the best picture of how the dresses will ultimately fit, and so we suggest wearing any foundation garments that you would likely wear under your wedding gown at your appointment.

Stylists will often be in the dressing room with you helping with the dresses, so wearing a good strapless bra and proper underwear is important for modesty. Many stores will provide you with a strapless bra and slip to wear while trying on gowns, but it’s good to bring your own just in case.

Shoes

If you plan on wearing very tall heels or have a special pair that you specifically want to wear with your wedding dress, bring those to your appointment to make sure that whatever dress you select goes well with your shoes. Otherwise, shoes are not necessary at your first appointment as each bridal fitting room has their own special pedestal for the bride to stand on.

Accessories/Jewelry

If you have special sentimental jewelry or accessories that you know you’ll be wearing with your wedding dress, you are welcome to bring those to help give you your full bridal look.

Otherwise, we offer a full selection of jewelry, headpieces, veils, and belts and our stylists will help you find the perfect combination to compliment your dress.

Other useful tips:

Eat before your appointment

Appointments are generally up to 2 hours long, and depending on the time of day can leave us low on energy. Have a snack or a small meal before shopping to keep from getting “hangry”, but save the big celebration meal for after you’ve said “yes” to your dress!

Hair and makeup

To get the best overall picture of how each dress will look on your wedding day, coming with your hair and makeup nicely done will help immensely. We all feel best about ourselves when we know we look good!

Pictures

Many brides like to take pictures during their bridal appointments. Unlike some bridal shops, Memories does allow pictures during your appointment. However, candid pictures in unfitted dresses do not accurately reflect how beautiful you will look on your wedding day. You should not rely on pictures to help you choose your wedding dress, but rather you should select the dress that you feel best in while you are wearing it. 

We promise you will look stunning in your dress on your wedding day!

Guests

For many brides it is important to have special loved ones help them during their dress shopping experience. For the best experience, choose the 2-3 people who know you the best and whose opinions you most value to join you for your appointment. Be careful of bringing too many guests, as the more people present, the less your voice will be heard, and this experience is all about YOU!

Come with an open mind

Most brides fall in love with dresses that were selected by their stylist. Our stylists know the hidden gems of our inventory and dresses look so different on vs. on the hanger.  You never know what you might fall in love with at your bridal dress appointment.

We would love for you to be a Memories Bride.