Bridesmaids’ Dress Shopping Tips

Set yourself up for dress success!

Planning; when it comes to your wedding, there’s very little you can do without it. From the all important budget planning, to the seating chart, to your ceremony structure and more– advanced preparation is key. The same goes for your bridesmaids’ dress shopping! In order to get the most out of your appointments, prior planning is of the utmost importance. That hour in the store goes by in a snap, so getting organized in advance will help you maximize your time and set you up for success! Since we know a thing or two about bridesmaids’ dress shopping 😉 we decided to pull together a brief list of recommendations for what to do before you visit us:
1) Buy your bridal gown – The wedding dress sets the tone for all of the other attire, so check that off of your list first! Another reason to wait? Designers come out with new dresses 1-2 times per year and you want to make sure you see all that will be available for your wedding season. We recommend shopping 5-6 months in advance of the big day.

Yes, we are totally going to use this blog to shamelessly show off some fab Flair brides/maids who did their homework and shopped with success! Photo credit to the amazing Deborah Zoe Photography :)

Yes, we are totally going to use this blog to shamelessly show off some fab Flair brides/maids who did their homework and shopped with success! Photo credit to the amazing Deborah Zoe Photography 🙂

2) Do your research – There are so many options available these days that it’s best to come in with an idea in mind to help us tailor down your search/selection. Check out real weddings (our Facebook page is a great place to start!) as well as styled shoots in magazines/ blogs. Use those as inspiration to help you head into your appointment with atleast one thing you must have in your bridesmaids’ dresses. You’d be surprised how much that one thing can help narrow down the sea of dresses and make your shopping trip successful and stress free!

Blush and beautiful! Photo credit to the fab Suzanna March Photography

Blush and beautiful! Photo credit to the fab Suzanna March Photography

3) Choose your dream team – Your bridesmaids’ dress appointments are not an excuse for a small party. More people = more voices, more opinions and more anxiety! Take some time prior to your shopping trips to decide whose opinion matters most and who you think will really help you choose the right dresses. Bring only those people to your initial appointment; you can always bring more people to any follow up appointments…after you’ve narrowed down the choices!

Making a bridal party of 6 all look happy and amazing? No easy task, but this bride did it right! Photo credit to Studio 1923

Making a bridal party of 7 all look happy and amazing? No easy task, but this bride did it right! Photo credit to the talented Studio 1923

We could go on and on, but if you do those three, main things in advance of your bridesmaids’ shopping, we’re sure that you’ll find your appointment to be trouble-free and triumphant! Tell us if you have any tips for our future Flair brides/maids to add to the list 🙂