The Ultimate Wedding Dress Guide

4 Ultimate Tips to help you Decide How to Shop

Brides-to-be, use these ultimate tips to help you get started with your dress shopping!

1. Bridal Salon - The traditional salon has a curated selection from different labels (or single one if you go to a designer's store). The best shops pair each bride with dedicated stylist for an hour-long appointment, with no more than two brides in the store at a time. At larger salons, like David's Bridal, many gowns are held in the back, so it's important to share your vision and budget with the sales consultant so she can pull the right styles for you. 
2. Trunk Shows - Most salons usually carry only a handful of gowns from each designer, so these special events are an ideal way to check out the entire collection and catch promotions like 10 percent off gowns and accessories. Find schedules and book an appointment on your salon's website. 
3. Consignment - Buying a secondhand gown will often save you big bucks. Try Once Wed online or a consignment boutique that operates like a traditional salon. Story Bridal in New York, sells once-worn dresses by top designers at up to 60 percent off retail. It even has a tailor who can help with basic alterations or special additions. 
4. Sample Sales - Everyone from lovely Bride to Monique Lhuillier hosts twice annual sales in major cities (typically in early summer and early winter). Sign up for newsletters from sites like Racked and 260 Sample sale to get alerts. You could save up to 90 percent off retail, but expect only sample sizes, final sales, and a no-frills experience (eg. no dressing rooms, or sales staff). Bring a few friends to grab from the racks, and arrive first thing or during the last hour, when merchandise is restocked. You can also ask your local salon if you can by a floor sample at the end of the season to get a 50 percent discount on average.