Shopping for your wedding dress is one of the most exciting milestones of your wedding journey. To ensure the experience is as seamless and enjoyable as possible, preparation is key. Whether it’s your first appointment or a follow-up, here’s a guide to help you feel confident and ready.

Have Your Wedding Vision Ready

Before stepping into your bridal appointment, take some time to define your wedding day vision. Consider:

The venue: Will you be saying “I do” in a grand ballroom, a rustic barn, or on a sandy beach?
The vibe: Are you leaning toward timeless elegance, boho chic, or modern minimalism?
Seasonal considerations: Will it be warm and sunny or a winter wonderland?

Bringing photos, mood boards, or even sharing your Pinterest board with your stylist can help communicate your vision clearly.

Know Your Wedding Timeline

Make sure you know your wedding day and share it with your stylist. This way, they can advise on the best timeline for alterations, ensuring your dress is ready in time for your big day. Don’t forget to mention if you’re having a destination wedding, as this can affect delivery timelines and the type of dress you may want to consider for travel and comfort.

Know Your Budget

Understanding your budget (and sharing it with your stylist) is essential for a smooth experience. Be sure to account for:

Alterations: Most wedding dresses require some adjustments to achieve the perfect fit.
Accessories: Veils, second look, shoes and jewelry can complete your look.

Having clarity about your budget helps stylists pull dresses that align with your expectations and priorities.

Wear the Right Undergarments

What you wear under your dress matters, even during your appointment! Bring or wear:

Nude, seamless underwear to avoid visible lines.
A strapless or convertible bra if you plan to try on dresses with different necklines.
Shapewear (if you’re considering it) to see how it feels with your gown.

This ensures a polished fit during try-ons and helps you better visualise your final look.

Bring Shoes with a Similar Heel Height

While bringing your wedding shoes isn’t necessary for your first appointment, it is essential when you return for your alterations. Having the correct shoes ensures that the hem is cut at the right height and gives you the most accurate fit. If you don’t have your wedding shoes yet, simply bring a pair with a similar heel height to help guide the stylist.

Limit Your Entourage

While it’s tempting to bring everyone you love, having too many opinions can become overwhelming. Aim to invite 1-3 trusted people whose opinions you truly value and who understand your style. They’re there to support and uplift you, not to add confusion.

Come with an Open Mind

It’s great to have a vision, but sometimes the dress you fall in love with isn’t the one you expected. Trust your stylist and be willing to try on a variety of silhouettes, fabrics, and embellishments. Your dream dress might surprise you!

Ask About Our Customization Options

At Anna Campbell, we understand that every bride is unique, and we offer a range of customization options to help make your dress truly yours. Whether you’re looking to adjust the neckline, add extra embellishments, or personalize your gown in other ways, we’re here to bring your vision to life. Ask your stylist about the different customization possibilities to create the perfect dress that fits both your style and your wedding day dreams.

Schedule Appointments Wisely

Timing: Book your appointment 9-12 months before your wedding date to allow time for production, shipping, and alterations.
Time of Day: Mornings can often be quieter, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
Back-to-Back Appointments: Avoid scheduling too many in one day to prevent decision fatigue.

Hydrate and Eat

Bridal appointments can be physically and emotionally exhausting, so make sure to stay hydrated and have a light meal beforehand. Feeling your best helps you focus and enjoy the moment.

Capture the Moment

At our boutique, we encourage you to take as many photos as you’d like! It’s a great way to compare dresses, capture your favorite moments, and relive the excitement of your fitting. Ask your stylist for permission if needed, and make sure to snap a few fun photos to remember this special day!

Have Some Fun!

Shopping for your wedding dress is a special experience, so don’t forget to enjoy the moment! Bring along your favorite people, sip on some bubbles, and let yourself soak in the excitement of finding your perfect gown. This is a joyful part of your wedding journey, and embracing the fun will make the experience even more memorable.

book your appointment

Your bridal appointment is about more than finding the perfect dress — it’s about creating memories and feeling celebrated. With these essentials in mind, you’ll step into your appointment prepared, excited, and ready to say “yes” to the dress of your dreams.

Looking for more tips or inspiration? Explore our collection and discover how our designs make every bride feel extraordinary.

The Bride’s Guide to a Flawless Bridal Appointment