What to Expect on your Bridal Appointment Date

What to Expect on Your Bridal Appointment Date

Saying yes to your dream dress is one of the best parts of wedding planning, but to make your bridal appointment productive, fun and stress-free, you need to know what to expect. 

Here’s your guide to creating a positive, long-lasting memory while finding your perfect dress!

Choose a Bridal Shop that Gives You Personalised Service

First things first, choose a salon that caters to your individual needs. Look for an intimate, warm environment with experienced consultants who will give you one-on-one attention. Avoid busy salons with a rushed, impersonal vibe.

For example, Riva Bridal in Melbourne offers exceptional service and a stunning selection of wedding dresses. Each appointment at our private Armadale bridal shop is run by the designer herself to ensure each bride gets personalised support in finding her dream dress.

Time Allocation

Bridal appointments are usually 1-1.5 hours long. Don’t schedule anything else after, just in case you need more time. It’s always best to be safe instead of rushing around on the day.

Remember, take your time and enjoy the experience as you try on each dress. If you love a dress but need more time to decide, ask if you can sleep on it and schedule a follow-up appointment.

Know Your Dress Size

Wedding dresses run small compared to standard sizes. Discuss your measurements with the consultant so they can recommend the right size. Keep an open mind, as you might need to order a size or two larger than you think. This is normal. A good seamstress can alter the dress to fit you perfectly. At Riva, we’ll ensure your dress fits you like a glove (in all the right ways!)

Remember, bridal sizing varies by designer. Don’t get fixated on the size on the label. What matters most is how the dress looks and feels on your body. Trust your consultant to find your body's most flattering size and silhouette.

Communicate and Plan Ahead

Before your appointment, think about the style of wedding dresses you like and the overall feel of your ceremony. Browse wedding dresses online and save your faves. Even apps like Instagram or Pinterest can help you curate ideas and inspiration. 

Finally, share your vision with your consultant so they can pull dresses that match your interests and style.

Remember: Be honest about what you must have, such as sleeves, open back or pockets. Let them know what you don’t like, such as ball gowns or strapless necklines. This will help them pull dresses you’ll love and avoid the ones you won’t.

Set a Realistic Budget

Before falling in love with a dress, ensure it’s within your budget—factor in the cost of alterations, shoes and accessories.

If you have champagne tastes on a prosecco budget, you can buy a sample dress off the rack. Some boutiques sell samples at reasonable discounts to get a cheaper designer dress. You can then use more of your budget for alterations to get a perfect fit.

Final Notes

With these tips in mind, you’re all ready and set up for a unique bridal appointment. 

Remember: 

• The key is finding an intimate boutique that offers personalised service, like Riva Bridal in Armadale. 
• You and your consultant can find your dream dress by planning ahead and communicating your vision. 
• To make the most of your bridal appointment, bring along a few trusted loved ones for support and honest feedback. Choose friends or family members who know your style and will offer constructive opinions. Bring only a few people, as this can become overwhelming and make it harder to decide.
• Book now and say I do to the perfect dress.
• When you find a dress you love, don't be afraid to say "yes!" Trust your instincts and remember that excitement and confidence you felt when you first tried it on. With the right dress, you'll look and feel your best on your wedding day.
• After saying "yes," celebrate with a toast and get ready to cross "find the perfect wedding dress" off your to-do list. With your dream gown secured, you can move on to the next exciting chapter in your wedding planning journey.

Book an appointment at our Melbourne showroom now.