The Ultimate Guide to Bridal Appointment Etiquette
Congratulations! You’re engaged and ready to embark on the exciting journey of finding your perfect wedding dress. But before you dive headfirst into the world of lace, tulle, and satin, it’s essential to understand the etiquette surrounding bridal appointments. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience here at Kimberly James Bridal!
1. Book in Advance, Arrive on Time (BUT not TOO early!)
Slots for bridal appointments can fill up fast, especially during peak wedding season. Aim to book your appointment at least a few weeks in advance. This ensures you get the time slot that works best for you.
When the day comes, do arrive on time so you can get the most out of your appointment, but don’t show up too early. Hot take, right? Many brides may be shocked to hear that we actually do not prefer our clients to show up early. Five minutes early — totally fine! Thirty minutes early — this can throw off the day both for the bridal consultant and for the bride’s group. Consider that bridal boutiques are incredibly busy, and they want to give each bride their full attention during her appointment, from the moment she enters the salon to the moment she departs. If a bride were to show up a half hour early, her consultant may still be wrapping up a previous appointment or placing the previous bride’s order. Perhaps she is cleaning the store, processing dresses, and making sure the salon is back to “top of show” status for the next bride’s appointment. Consultants need time to finish these tasks before they welcome you into the space that will be yours during your appointment time.
2. Limit Your Entourage
While it might be tempting to bring everyone you know, we recommend limiting your entourage to a few trusted friends or family members. Too many opinions can be overwhelming and may cloud your judgment. Choose those whose tastes you respect and who will support your vision.
Our Initial Bridal Consultations and Retry Appointments are 1.5 hours long and have a maximum number of 4 guests. If you really need more than that or want to turn your appointment into more of an event for your nearest and dearest, you can choose to book a VIP Appointment. This type of appointment includes champagne and snacks, is two hours long, and allows for up to 8 guests to attend with the bride. You can choose your appointment type and book HERE.
3. Communicate Your Style Preferences
Before your appointment, take some time to explore different styles and silhouettes online to see what appeals to you. Bring along inspiration photos or a digital mood board to share with your stylist. This will help them understand your vision and narrow down the options. If you don’t know what style you prefer, no sweat! We can use your appointment time to explore all styles and see if we can then narrow it down to the perfect wedding look for you.
4. Be Honest and Open-Minded
It’s important to be honest about your budget and any specific styles you’re drawn to. Your bridal consultant will not be offended if you don’t like a certain style, even if she picked it out! We want to use our and your time wisely, so no sense in spending excess time in a dress that you have already mentally decided is not the One.
However, also be open to trying on dresses that may not match your initial vision if something about the gown is drawing your eye. Sometimes, the perfect dress is one you never expected to love!
5. Dress for Success
Wear comfortable underwear and consider a dress or outfit that’s easy to change in and out of. Also consider an outfit or undergarments that you would feel comfortable getting your measurements taken in. At Kimberly James, we also provide a cute white bathrobe if you need to visit the restroom between dresses.
6. Take Notes and Photos
It’s easy to forget the details of each dress after trying on multiple options. Have someone in your entourage take photos of each dress you try -- the front, the back, the details. You stylist will also be compiling a list of your favorites. These notes and photos will help you compare at the end of the appointment to make an informed decision.
Your bridal appointment should be a fun and memorable experience! By following these etiquette tips, you can ensure that you and your entourage have a delightful time while finding the dress of your dreams. Enjoy every moment of this beautiful journey—you deserve it! Happy dress hunting!
Photo Feature: KJB Bride Allison Monkman Danzig
