When it comes to wedding dress shopping, it’s not just about picking a beautiful gown—it’s about the entire experience! At Lovella Bridal, we know that finding your wedding dress can be both exciting and overwhelming. Wedding dress shopping can be emotional and bring up a lot of feelings, but one thing that makes all the difference in the process is working with an experienced bridal stylist or bridal consultant.
Whether it’s your first time trying on dresses or you’ve already visited several bridal stores, having the right guidance makes all the difference. So why exactly is a bridal stylist so important? A bridal stylist will guide you to finding the dress you say yes to, along with helping you complete your entire bridal look from head to toe, from picking out your veil, jewelry, headpiece and other bridal accessories. Let’s dive into the many benefits a bridal stylist can offer during your wedding dress shopping journey!
Video: Why Every Bride Needs a Bridal Stylist While Wedding Dress Shopping
If you are a bride who is ready to begin wedding dress shopping, you might be wondering what a bridal stylist does and if you will really need a bridal stylist's help while you are shopping for your wedding dress. We are sharing all the important reasons why every bride needs a bridal stylist while wedding dress shopping and the value a bridal stylist can bring to your entire wedding dress shopping experience in our latest wedding fashion advice video.
Personalized Guidance
Wedding dress shopping can be intimidating, especially when you’re faced with countless options hanging on the racks. An experienced bridal stylist is there to take the guesswork out of the process. They’ll guide you through the entire experience, listening to your preferences, body type, and wedding vision to help you find the dress of your dreams. Their expert eye knows what works, and they’ll make sure you try on dresses that flatter your body shape, size, and style.
No one knows the bridal store's inventory better than the stylists who work there, so based on photos you bring in or things you describe that you like or dislike about dresses you have seen or tried on already, they will be able to pull dresses that fit your vision and give a good starting point for your shopping experience.
No Need to Stress About Fit
One of the biggest challenges brides face when trying on wedding dresses is the fit. Bridal sizes are different from regular street clothing sizes, and many of the samples in the store may not fit perfectly. This can be especially tricky if you’re smaller or larger than the typical sample size. But don’t worry—this is where your bridal stylist comes in! They have all the necessary tools, like clamps and expanders, to help you visualize what the dress will look like when it fits perfectly.
At Lovella Bridal, we also stock a variety of sizes, including plus-size dresses, to make sure all brides have options to try on. Your stylist will help you understand how the dress will look and feel once it’s tailored to fit your exact measurements, so you won’t have to worry about whether or not you’ll love the gown once it’s in your perfect size.
Expert Knowledge and Recommendations
Bridal stylists aren’t just there to sell you a dress—they’re experts in the field. They understand what fabrics work best for certain silhouettes, what cuts flatter different body types, and how a dress can be altered to achieve the perfect fit. With their experience, a stylist will help you make the most informed decision and guide you toward a dress that fits your personality, style, and wedding vision.
For instance, if you’re petite, your stylist might suggest a certain type of gown that elongates your frame. If you’re tall, they might recommend dresses that highlight your height and proportions. Bridal stylists will also understand wedding dress production timelines so they can let you know what dresses are available to you based on your wedding date. Wedding gowns can take 6 to 8 months to be manufactured, so you want to be shopping for your wedding dress about a year before your wedding date. But don't stress if you have less time before your wedding, your stylist will work with you to find a dress that is available on your timeline, whether that is through rush delivery fees or sample sale dresses. Every detail matters, and a stylist knows exactly what to suggest to save you time and make your shopping experience less stressful.
A Stress-Free Experience
Many brides feel nervous about undressing in front of strangers and trying on dresses, but rest assured, your stylist is there to make you feel comfortable and at ease. Bridal stylists are accustomed to working with brides and know exactly how to make you feel relaxed and confident throughout the process. We understand that wedding dress shopping can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to create a welcoming and supportive environment for you.
One of the best things about working with a bridal stylist is that you’re getting their expertise completely free of charge! Unlike hiring a stylist for other types of events, you don’t have to pay extra for their knowledge and guidance during your wedding dress shopping experience. Your stylist’s role is to ensure you find the dress that fits your needs and your budget, without you having to navigate the process alone.
How We Help You Choose the Right Dress
If you have not begun wedding dress shopping yet, you might be wondering how the entire process works. Once you have decided which bridal stores to visit, check to see if you need an appointment. Many stores do require appointments so that they can ensure you have a stylist available to help you. At Lovella, when you come in for your appointment, we start by getting a sense of what you love. We’ll ask to see photos of dresses you’ve already tried on, discuss your preferences, and help you determine your budget. Based on this information, we’ll start by pulling a few dresses that we think might be the perfect fit. Every bridal store is unique and will operate in their own way, but it's always a good idea to bring some inspiration photos so you have a starting point of the style or type of dresses you want to try on.
As you try on each wedding dress, your feedback, both what you like and dislike about each dress, helps us guide you to the next round of options. This is an evolving process where your stylist helps you narrow down your choices as you learn more about your style. This is where open communication is key. If something about a particular dress doesn't feel right or you just don't get the right vibe you were hoping for, be sure to speak up. Bridal stylists are only as good as your feedback! We can only read so much into your expressions and body language, but we can't pick up on all the finer details you are thinking in your head. Even if it's as simple as the floral lace detailing is too much or you want more sparkle, or a big opinion like you want to try a different silhouette, all of that feedback leads to the next dress and so on til we find the one. We want you to be as comfortable as possible and leave with the perfect dress, not just a good one!
Another note on honest communication, if you feel that you just are not "clicking" with the bridal stylist, let the store know. If you are liking the dresses they have available for you to try on but it's just not working out with that particular stylist, see if someone else is available and make another appointment to try again. You won't be offending anyone as bridal stylists just want to make the best experience possible for all of their brides, even if that means connecting them with another stylist who is a better fit.
The Right Dress for Your Wedding Day
At the end of the day, your bridal stylist’s goal is to make sure you feel your best on your wedding day. They’ll help you choose a dress that makes you feel confident, beautiful, and ready to walk down the aisle. Wedding dress shopping is an incredibly special moment, and having the right stylist by your side can make all the difference. A stylist is not just there to help you try on dresses—they’re there to support you through the process and help you find the gown that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
More Helpful Wedding Dress Shopping Advice
We hope you have found this advice helpful when it comes to understanding the benefits of working with a bridal stylist when wedding dress shopping. For even more helpful advice when it comes to shopping for your dream wedding dress, be sure to check out our past posts:
- Newly Engaged Brides: Top Must-Know Things Before You Begin Wedding Dress Shopping
- How To Maximize Your Wedding Dress Shopping Experience
- Bridal Store Etiquette: The Dos And Don'ts Of Wedding Dress Shopping
- 5 Ways To Know It IS Your Wedding Dress
About Lovella
If you're shopping for your perfect wedding dress, come visit us at Lovella Bridal in Glendale, CA. We carry wedding dresses in all sizes and styles, including plus-size bridal gowns and a full selection of veils and accessories. Lovella Bridal is the premier, luxury bridal wedding dress shopping boutique located in Los Angeles, California. Lovella features couture, feminine, modern and chic bridal gowns in all sizes from the best wedding dress designers. Schedule an appointment to find the wedding dress of your dreams at Lovella Bridal. We can't wait to help you!
About Wedding Fashion Expert
Our wedding dress shopping tips and advice are from Nayri, Lovella's own, in-house wedding fashion expert. Nayri is truly the expert when it comes to bridal fashion and wedding style. As the Wedding Fashion Expert, Nayri is the top bridal fashion stylist and the best-selling author of the book "I'm Getting Married And I Have Nothing To Wear," the ultimate guide to helping brides find their wedding day style and their perfect wedding dress. You can subscribe to her YouTube channel or listen to her podcast for more helpful and practical advice on wedding dress shopping.