BUSTING THE MYTHS OF BRIDAL GOWN SHOPPING WITH PAIGE FROM SOMETHING WHITE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
Let me tell you how my wedding dress shopping experience went.
I approached the gown hunt knowing exactly what I wanted. I had always envisioned myself in a long sleeve lace gown with intricate detailing and a train. I was leaning towards a veil and maybe even a touch of bling on a belt.
And I walked out with an off the shoulder silk tulle gown that was simple as could be- HA!
My advice to you is go in with an open mind because you may fall in love with the unexpected! That’s about where my knowledge of the bridal gown industry ends so rather than leave ya hanging, we’ve brought in a super special lovely lady named Paige Albert! Paige is the owner of and buyer for Something White Bridal Boutique in downtown Kansas City- a hot spot for bridal gown hunting for our #HitchedAtHawthorne ladies! If you don’t follow them on Instagram yet (@somethingwhitebridalboutique) you must pause and do so now. You’ll get to see inventory in action with a side of humor intertwined.
Bridal gown shopping can be mega stressful because there seem to be a lot of “rules” you’re supposed to follow. But to HECK with the rules- check out these myths BUSTED by Paige and prepare for what will become an enjoyable and….dare I say fun…..gown shopping experience.
Myth: You need to have your full entourage with you in order to say yes
Truth: Absolutely not! Taking COVID-19 into consideration, many shops have limited party sizes to help reduce exposure. Although you may not be able to bring your entire crew, there are always other wedding events to include them in! [ remember all the fun engagement showers and parties they will attend ] Grab your key decision makers, stop for some brunch, and come say “YES!”
Myth: Making a decision is hard
Truth: Dress shopping is one of the most fun and memorable events you will have while wedding planning! You may not know this, but most brides find their dream gown at their first stop. Although you may feel like you need to do your due diligence and go many places, sometimes brides get overwhelmed at all the choices after a few appointments. Once you find a gown you love and feel beautiful and excited in, that is the perfect time to celebrate and say “YES!” Even if you find the gown at your first stop of the day, you can always spend the rest of the day celebrating or picking out bridesmaid dresses instead!
Myth: Your body shape dictates your gown style
Truth: You never know what will flatter your body and make you feel beautiful until you try on bridal gowns! Forget all the Pinterest and blog recommendations and just start trying on and go from there. Keep in mind that bridal gowns structured differently and you may be surprised with what direction you go in based on how they fit on your body!
Photo by Alyssa Barletter Photography
Myth: There is no “happy medium” when determining a bridal gown budget
Truth: It is so important to determine a comfortable bridal gown budget before officially stepping foot into a boutique. Although this price is different for every bride, the average cost for a wedding gown in the midwest is $1500. Your girls here at Something White specialize in average pricing to a touch above! You absolutely do NOT need to spend several thousand dollars to get a high quality gown. However, there are many websites offering gowns at “unbelievable” prices and once they arrive, they are often different gowns or even sheer... EEK! Determine whatever price you are comfortable with and stick with it, there is no wrong answer!
Photo by Dana Pearl Photography
Myth: There are rules about what you can and can’t wear on wedding day
Truth: We’ve all heard the old sayings, “you can’t wear a satin gown in summer”, “cathedral length veils are only for church weddings” and “your wedding gown MUST be white.” Forget ALL of those rules and wear whatever YOU want to wear. If you exclusively look at styles that fit traditional “rules”, you will limit your options and maybe miss what you are actually wanting. Try on a variety and once you’ve tried it, either rule it in or rule it out!
Myth: Your wedding dress MUST be white
Truth: This is so false! Believe it or not, we actually don’t even have a pure white gown on our showroom floor! White has a touch of a blue undertone so brides often opt for an ivory. Most gowns come in different colors such as nudes, blue and pink hues, or champagne so don’t be afraid to ask your consultant for clarification! We also have tips and tricks to help you envision how your gown would look in a different color than the sample options!
Myth: Alterations are included in the price of your gown
Truth: Actually, alterations are an additional fee not calculated in the grand total when your gown is purchased! We recommend budgeting $500 for alterations in the Kansas City area but make sure to do your research on which place you feel most comfortable. We do not offer alterations here in house but we do have recommendations around the area we will definitely share with you!
Myth: You must grab drinks before shopping
Truth: Brunch before shopping is ALWAYS a great idea! However, don’t have too many mimosas before your appointment! It is super important to be focused and prepared to find your dream gown. Make sure to eat before your appointment and you can save the drinks until after you say “YES” to officially celebrate!
Myth: Buying my dress a year in advance is wayyyyy too early
Truth: We actually recommend finding your gown 9 - 12 months before wedding day as they are made-to-order! Industry standard for gown arrivals is 4-6 months and 2-3 months for alterations so the timeline is quite long! If you are under 9 months, don’t freak out! There are typically other options such as a rush fee or purchasing a gown directly off the showroom floor! Feel free to ask your consultant when you are scheduling your appointment about your timeline options and we will be happy to chat through!
Photo by Ashley Ice Photography
Myth: Simple gowns are more affordable
Truth: Contrary to popular belief, lace and beading is a touch more price sensitive than you may think! Don’t get me wrong, lace and beading is often expensive since it is hand stitched and beaded but simple gowns require different attention! Simple gowns require a more expensive fabric as it will be exposed and not covered under different details! The seams also take extra time to make sure they are super straight and perfect!
Moral of the story, wear what you want, babe! We are here to support you, encourage you, inspire you and help you feel and look your absolute best.
Schedule your one-on-one bridal experience with us! We promise to give you our undivided attention and help you find the perfect gown for you! Appointments can be requested online at www.somethingwhitebridalboutique.com or via phone at 816-216-7454. We can’t wait to meet you and help you find your very own something white!
Happy planning from Hawthorne House!