How to Prepare for Your Bridal Appointment (Checklist)
- Brides & Bustles
- Jan 8
- 4 min read
Your essential bridal appointment checklist
Booking your first bridal appointment is an exciting step, but it’s completely normal to feel a little unsure about what to expect, especially if you're new to the wedding dress shopping experience.
At Brides & Bustles, we want every bride to feel relaxed, confident, and fully supported from the moment they walk through our doors. This simple checklist will help you prepare for your appointment so you can make the most of your time, enjoy the experience, and focus on finding a dress that truly feels like you.
Before Your Appointment
Let's look at what needs to be done in the lead up to your bridal appointment.
Have a rough idea of your wedding plans
You don’t need every detail finalised, but it helps to know:
Your wedding date or approximate timeframe
Your venue type (if booked)
The style of celebration
The season you’re getting married
These details will help us guide you towards styles that suit your timeline and setting.
Set a realistic budget
Before your appointment, decide on a comfortable budget range for your wedding dress. This allows your stylist to focus on gowns that genuinely fit what you’re looking for and help avoid any awkward conversations later on.
Save inspiration (but don’t overdo it)
Bringing along a few inspiration images can be helpful, especially if you’re drawn to certain silhouettes or details. That said, don’t worry if you don’t know exactly what you want yet. A lot of our brides discover their dream wedding dress by trying something they hadn’t even considered.
What to Wear & Bring
There are a few make-or-break items that can significantly improve your experience and improve your chances of finding the perfect fit.
The right underwear
Wear nude or seamless underwear if possible. A supportive bra will help; however, many wedding dresses offer built-in support, so don’t stress too much.
Shoes (if you have them)
If you already have wedding shoes or know the heel height you’re aiming for, bring them along. If not, that’s absolutely fine. We can still give you a clear idea of how the dress will look and feel.
A small, trusted guest list
We recommend bringing one or two people to your bridal appointment. VIPs whose opinions you trust and who understand your style. Too many voices can make decision-making harder, so keep it simple.
Come as the best version of you
There’s absolutely no expectation to arrive with your hair and makeup done, but if putting a little effort into how you look helps you feel more confident, it can make a real difference when you see yourself in the mirror.
That said, if you prefer to come barefaced and relaxed, that’s completely fine too. There’s no right or wrong here, we just want what makes you feel your best.
During Your Appointment
There are a few mindset changes you might have to make to help find the perfect wedding dress.
Keep an open mind
It’s very common for brides to fall in love with a dress they never expected to like. Trust the process and allow yourself to explore a few different silhouettes. You never know, you might be surprised at what you fall in love with.
Focus on how the dress feels
A dress should look beautiful, but it should also feel comfortable. Pay attention to:
How easily you can move
How supportive the bodice feels
Whether you feel relaxed and confident
These things matter just as much as the look itself. Do also keep in mind that our sample of the dress you're trying may not be your size exactly, and alterations will vastly alter how comfortable it will be.
Ask questions
Your appointment is the perfect time to ask about:
How long will it take to order certain wedding dresses?
Do you recommend someone to do alterations and fittings?
How would you style your chosen dress, and do you have bridal accessories?
There’s no such thing as a silly question!
After Your Appointment
Whether you know you've found 'the one' or you're a little unsure, it's helpful to think carefully before committing.
Don’t rush your decision
Some brides say yes straight away. Others need a little time to reflect. Both are completely fine. Trust your instincts and don’t feel pressured to decide before you’re ready.
Think about next steps
If you’ve found your dress, we’ll guide you through the ordering process and your next steps. If not, you’ll leave with clarity about what you liked, what you didn’t, and what to explore next.
Final bridal appointment checklist recap
Before you arrive, make sure you’ve:
✔ Set a budget
✔ Considered your wedding timeline
✔ Chosen a special wedding shopping gang (1-2 people)
✔ Wearing comfortable and confident underwear
✔ Come with an open mind
Ready to book your bridal appointment?
Your bridal appointment should feel calm, supportive, and genuinely enjoyable. At Brides & Bustles, we’re here to listen, guide, and help you find a wedding dress that feels right for you.
Book your bridal appointment, and let’s make your dress-shopping journey a beautiful one from start to finish.
Comments