Top Tips for shopping for a Wedding Dress in Johannesburg & surrounds
When it comes to selecting a wedding dress, it can easily become overwhelming. There are so many things to consider – “what do I like?” or “how much should I spend?”, and “where are we getting married?” or “who should I ask for help?” – the list goes on! Shopping for a wedding dress is a first time experience for most, it’s very rare for a bride to even know where to begin. The team at Timeless Bridal Couture has over fifteen years of combined experience in the bridal industry, and we have come together to offer our expertise and to share some essential tips on finding “The One” with brides-to-be. With the right amount of preparation and research, this special and once-in-a-lifetime experience of wedding dress shopping can be as fun as it should be!
What is your personal style?
First and foremost, it’s important to consider your personal style. For example, do you like to wear clothes that show off your body? Or do you prefer something more modest? Are there any colours or patterns that appeal to you more than others? Do these things change depending on the season of the year–or even the time of day?
Once you have an idea in mind of what type of look works best for YOU (and not anyone else), it’s time to think about how this will translate into a wedding dress: what kind of neckline do I want; do I want sleeves or no sleeves; will my choice impact other elements of my ceremony such as flowers or decorations etc.
The location of your wedding, season and theme for your wedding day may also influence the choice you make in identifying a style for your wedding dress.
From here, browse different bridal boutique’s collections and try to pin-point a boutique that has an offering similar to what you are looking for. You are most likely to find a bridal gown that you love when it speaks to your personal style. Explore our carefully curated collection of wedding dresses here.
In saying this, it is always a good idea to stay open minded in your consultation. We have often found that a bride is surprised when trying on something completely different to what she had envisioned for herself. Your bridal stylist will have extensive knowledge on their product offering, and open communication with your stylist will ensure that they are able to show you beautiful styles that fulfill your heart’s desires.
Do some research on various boutiques in your area.
When you’re looking for a wedding dress, it’s important to do some research on various boutiques in your area. Sometimes travelling a little further is worth it when it comes to making sure that everything goes smoothly during this very special day! For example, if you are shopping for wedding dresses in Johannesburg, you may look at shopping for wedding dresses in Pretoria too – and vice versa.
You can find out a lot about a shop by checking out their website and looking at their styles and price range. Don’t be afraid to call the boutique or send an email – more often than not their staff are very happy to assist you in making your bridal dreams a reality.
There is no recommendation better than that of word-of-mouth – ask friends and family for recommendations, where did they go when they were looking for their wedding dress?
Explore the social media platforms of your identified boutiques. Look at their Facebook, Instagram (where many shops post), Pinterest, YouTube and TikTok. You will be able to see more of their wedding dress collections, and from here you can often discover pictures of real brides wearing their dresses too.
If you’re not sure where to start, look up reviews on Google and Facebook. A little extra effort will ensure that you end up with the perfect dress, and the most incredible service!
Have the budget discussion with relevant parties before you start fitting.
Although it can be uncomfortable, it is important to have the budget discussion with all relevant parties before you start wedding dress shopping – this will avoid any disappointments, or feelings of frustration. It’s important know what a comfortable budget is for you, or whomever will be buying your wedding dress. You should also determine if there is flexibility in this thinking. If they have a particular price point that they want to stay within, then this will help narrow down your options. During your bridal consultation, your bridal stylist may ask about the budget you have in mind for your wedding dress- this will assist them in showing you wedding dress options that are as close to perfect as possible, in absolutely every way. It’s best to be open and honest about the budget from the beginning so that all parties are on the same page when it comes time for wedding dress shopping! Here is a link to our FAQs on our website – these may assist in answering some unknown questions regarding wedding dress budget.
Keep lead-times in mind
When you’re looking for a wedding dress, it’s important to keep order lead-times in mind. Lead times are how long it will take for your dress to arrive from date of order. Often wedding dresses are imported, and so need to be ordered from overseas.
If you have a specific date in mind for your wedding, but don’t know what the lead time on your dress is yet (or even if there is one), then consider booking an appointment with our stylists who can help guide you through these decisions!
Your wedding dress shopping day should be fun!
Ultimately, the best way to enjoy your wedding dress shopping day is by being prepared and open-minded.
- Bring along your mood board. You should have ideas of what you want in mind, but be willing to try something completely different if the stylist suggests it.
- Don’t be afraid to ask your stylist questions – they are there to help!
- Being selective in who you ask to accompany you to your fitting. You want people you trust, that know you really well and won’t overwhelm you with their own personal opinions.
- Enjoy the process! It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, make the most of it and have fun.
Yes, there are many things to consider when selecting a wedding dress, but with the right planning and patience, you can find the perfect choice for you! When booking at the right boutique, the bridal stylist will be able to talk through all your questions, try on a variety of dresses and ultimately guide you to finding the perfect dress to bring your bridal dreams to life. Happy wedding dress shopping!
