Bridal Couture Ten Steps to The One

Your first visit to a bridal boutique is likely to be one of the most exciting days in your wedding planning career but wait – there are some info you need to be armed with first!

Check out these top 10 need-to-knows and tick them off as you go… Then – happy shopping!

1. Do your homework

Pinterest has always been the go-to for outfit inspo but Instagram is a handy tool too, as well as bridal boutique websites, designer websites and – of course – the pages of Grampian Wedding Directory. Think about what the celebs are wearing to say ‘I do’ and what couples you’ve recently seen tie the knot have chosen to put on. Consider your venue (a castle or stately home may dictate a dressier ‘fit whilst an informal rustic barn wedding could see you going for something more boho) and the time of year. Will you need sleeves and a cosy cover up or are you tying the knot in the height of the Scottish summer?

Take screenshots, make a Pinterest board or go old fashioned with a scrap book and group together everything that’s caught your eye. You may end up with a huge range of styles or you may already be seeing patterns in the vibe you’re after. Either way, this will be a great tool to start your search off once you hit the shops – it’ll arm the consultant with basic background info on your preferences and, together with looking at your shape, he or she will be able to quicky pick some styles to try.

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2. Where will you go?

Start by shortlisting the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire shops you want to visit –we’re lucky to have so many bridal treasure troves on our doorstep. Will you do one per weekend or try to plot those close together on a map and see how many you can get through in a day? Do you want to just head in and see what’s out there or have you got your eye on a specific designer that you’re willing to travel to try on? Check your potential boutiques out online and ask for recommendations on where to visit from recently married pals. Then…

3. Make some appointments!

First up, it’s worth noting that you can’t just walk into a bridal shop and, most of the time, it’s not a case of calling up a day or two in advance. The Northeast’s most popular boutiques can be booked up months ahead, especially on busy days like Saturdays or at peak times in the wedding calendar – after all the festive engagements, for example. Check their opening times out online (some offer evening appointments, which can be really handy) and give them a call to schedule yourself in – or complete your availability on their web form.

Do keep an eye on the social media pages of your fave boutiques as well, as last-minute availability often comes up. You never know – that could be the appointment where you find ‘The One’!

4. Invite your entourage

You might have a list as long as your arm of who you want to bring but those in the know at boutiques will always advise you bring only one or two trusted companions on the big day to avoid a too-many-cooks-spoil-the-brothsituation, not to mention space restrictions – you want to be able to parade about in your potential gowns without tripping over your whole bridal party. It’s also best to keep it to adults-only and, whilst we’re at it, avoid bringing food and drink, or anything else that could cause mess around these beautiful gowns. www.byrhea.co.uk

Back to the matter at hand: Whilst it’s great to have those you love and cherish to offer moral support, you need people with you who’ll help (not hinder) the decision-making process. Consider those whose opinions you value, those who’ll be honest about what looks good and what doesn’t (no peoplepleasers, please!) and those who know you really well. Usually, a mum, mother figure or a best pal will instantly be able to tell by your body language whether or not you feel comfortable in something – perhaps before you even realise how you’re feeling!

5. Be upfront about budget

When you arrive at your appointment, one of the first questions (along with the date, venue and vibe of your wedding) will be about budget. In fact, some boutiques may even ask this ahead of time so they can have appropriate styles set out or have you directed to a certain area of the shop where your price range sits. It’s in your interest and the shop’s – there’s no point in them spending time looking out dresses that are too expensive and you definitely don’t want to be trying anything that’s outwith your budget. No-one wants to be tempted to spend that carefully pulled together wedding pot.

So, make sure you have a clear idea of figures before you arrive (if someone else is paying then have a good, honest heart-to-heart with them in plenty time) and be confident about the amount you quote on the day.

P.S. Don’t forget to factor in extras. Have you accounted for a veil or headpiece if you’re having one? Shoes? Alterations? Jewellery?

6. Take care when trying on

There are three key commandments when it comes to the super-exciting trying on sesh. Firstly, try to emulate your big day as much as you can. Bring your wedding heels (or a pair with a height that’s similar to what you might get), wear your hair how you imagine it to be on the day and take sensible undies that’ll subtly support you in your bridal attire.

Secondly, trust us when we say that your consultant knows what they’re talking about. They do this day in, day out for people of all shapes and sizes having all sorts of weddings. So, it’s absolutely worth listening to their advice and being open if they suggest something they reckon will work… It could be ‘The One’ after all!

Lastly, don’t worry if you’re not falling head over heels for the first couple (or dozen!) styles you try on. You need to find something that looks good, feels good and will stand the test of time – will you still adore your fave style in a year’s time when your big day rolls around? Don’t feel pressure to say yes to the dress on the spot because shopping around is half the fun when it comes to finding your perfect bridal look.

7. Be honest

The first batch of dresses selected for you not hitting the mark at all? Tell them! This isn’t a time to keep opinions to yourself and, as much as it’s important to take on board the expert guidance, your comfort and happiness is the most important thing here. Not to mention the fact that your truthful feedback will help them narrow down their selection to suit what works for you. After all, you want to make the most of the time you’re there and only try options that could be a real possibility for you.

8. Ask, ask, ask!

If you already have some in mind, bring a list of questions you want to ask during your consultation and if not, have it in the back of your head throughout that this is a great chance to grill a wedding attire expert.

Things you’ll definitely want to quiz them on are delivery times, alterations, recommendations on accessories, and pre- and post-wedding dress care. To make sure you have all bases covered, why not ask your married friends or family members what questions they wish they’d asked at their very first bridal appointment?

9. Consider an alternative

If the number of boutiques you’ve visited is getting into double figures and you just can’t find anything that feels like ‘you’ - or you have a really specific vision in mind and nothing’s coming close, how about talking to a dressmaker? That’s a whole new, exciting adventure and talented Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire suppliers will work closely with you to bring your dreams to life.

10. Enjoy!

This will, hopefully, be a once-in-a-lifetime experience so soak it all up by really being in the moment. Why not make a day, or weekend, of it and schedule in a lunch with fizz between appointments or a pre-boutique facial to get you feeling fresh? Happy shopping! ♥