What's Next After Getting Engaged
The First Steps to your "I DO" style!
Finding your dress is one of the most intimate experiences of the wedding planning process and we know that it can feel a bit overwhelming and intimidating if you’ve never gone dress shopping before. Wedding planning can go by in a flash and your gown shopping journey is one of the first steps you'll want to take on your way to "I do".
We’re here to break down those next steps in your wedding planning journey, once you've said "YES" to your partner!
1. Set a Wedding Date
Before you jump into finding the perfect dress, we do recommend having your wedding date set. Finding your venue and setting your date will not only help you with your gown, but with every additional vendor you'll need to engage for your wedding day.
Our gowns are special ordered for you and can take approximately anywhere from 4-8 months to arrive from the designer. Your bridal stylist will want to have an idea of your timeframe so they can show you styles that will be available in time for your big day. Having your venue picked out and a date set can also help you when deciding on the perfect gown. The time of year and setting could impact the style of wedding dress that you'll feel best in, so knowing your date and venue can make a big difference in finding your perfect wedding gown.
2. Book your appointment
When you have a wedding date set and a venue secured, then it’s time to book your bridal appointment!
To account for the order timeline and the alterations process after your gown has arrived, we recommend beginning to shop for your wedding dress 10-12 months prior to your wedding date. Getting married sooner than that? Check out our blog post on when to start shopping for your wedding dress to learn more about the process and additional options we have for brides to find their dream dress!
3. Start gathering inspiration
This is where the fun begins! Whether you have been gathering inspiration for a while or are just getting started on your Pinterest wedding board, gathering inspiration is one of the most fun (and important) parts of shopping for your wedding dress!
Everything from the silhouette of the gown to the embellishments, see what your eye is drawn to as you browse online and leave it up to your stylist to pull the perfect gowns for you!
Charlotte’s Tip: Don’t use this as a checklist of everything your gown has to have, instead, use this process to guide you towards the different elements of gowns that you’re drawn to. Don’t box yourself in with certain details and embellishments you think your gown must have, you never know what you’ll slip into and fall in love with!
Looking for a place to start? Check out this blog post to learn about common wedding dress silhouettes or take a look at our designers featured at Charlotte's!
4. Set your Budget
Before your bridal appointment, it's important to have the money talk. You'll want to come into your appointment knowing how much you're willing (and able) to spend on your wedding look. Be sure to factor in the whole look, i.e, the veil and accessories that will complement your wedding dress, as well as the alterations that every gown needs for a perfect fit. We recommend reviewing our pricing guidelines before you come in to shop to make sure you are comfortable with the price range of styles in store.
Once your budget is set, be honest and open with your bridal stylist about it! Your bridal stylist's ultimate goal is to find the dress that is perfect for YOU and knowing your realistic price point for your gown ensures that your stylist is able to provide you with the best options for you.
4. Say yes to the dress!
Once steps 1-4 are complete, it's time for you to say YES TO THE DRESS! Wedding dress shopping can be a magical experience, and often brides find their dream dress in unexpected ways. Trust your bridal stylist and focus on how each wedding dress you try on makes you feel and before you know it you'll be standing in the dress that you'll be saying "I do" to your partner in!
Questions about the gown shopping experience? Ready to say yes to the dress? Email bridal@charlottesweddings.com or call 503.297.9622
