Wedding Dress Shopping? Know the Right Questions to Ask

When I went to buy my wedding dress, I was overcome with so many feelings – excitement, nervousness, exhilaration, and yes, even fear. I had come to realize that my wedding gown would probably be the most important, and the most expensive, white dress I’d ever own ever own. So before making this very special purchase, I made sure to do my research and learned what the most important questions were to ask when I went wedding dress shopping. So, if you are a bride, bridesmaid, maid of honor, or the mother of the bride, read below and find out what questions should definitely be asked in order to help the bride find the wedding dress of her dreams!

BEFORE YOU EVEN GO TO THE DRESS SHOP, CALL THE STORE AND ASK:

What are the days and times that the shop is open?
Will an appointment be necessary?
Which designers are carried in this particular wedding gown store?
Will I need to bring my own undergarments to try on with the dress, or will the bridal shop provide them for me?
What are the price ranges and size ranges carried in the store?
Can a sample be ordered for me to try on if I find a wedding dress I like, but is not carried at the store?
Is the dress shop planning to host a trunk show anytime soon? If so, fort which dress designer?
Will I be permitted to browse the wedding dresses myself, or must I only try on what the salesperson chooses for me?

THE QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO ASK YOUR SALESPERSON:

Who is the designer of the wedding gown?
After placing my order, how long until the dress arrives?
Is it possible to have the order rushed?
Will there be any differences in the dress I receive versus the wedding dress sample one I am trying on in the store?
Is there a fabric sample I can see and feel?
Is there a particular veil or headpiece that the bridal shop would recommend with this dress? If not, can the store recommend another store where I can find an appropriate veil or headpiece?
Does the store carry veils and various bridal headpieces or hair jewelry?
Will the same salesperson be helping me with all my gown fittings?
What alterations are necessary for my wedding dress?
What is the cost for alterations?
Is it possible to order the dress with a different neckline, sleeves, or train length?
Can I have my alterations estimate in writing?
When my bridal gown finally arrives, if I decide that I want to change or alter something like the neckline or train length, what will the cost be?
Is it possible for alterations be made to the veil or headpiece?
If I’m doing for pre-wedding pictures, can I borrow the my wedding dress for my pictures and then return it to the store for pressing so that it’s wrinkle free for the wedding?
If I also have my bridesmaids order their bridesmaid dresses with this shop, will they get a discount? Perhaps some free alterations?
What are the store’s cancellation/refund policies?
How much is the dress deposit?
What type of payment is required? Cash, check or credit card?
Does my receipt show the size, designer’s name, the color, price, fabric, style name and style number, delivery date, and manufacturer?
When will I owe the remaining and final balance for my new wedding dress?

In my quest for my own wedding gown, I found that it’s so important not to be timid when it comes to asking questions. Even though it may not feel like it, you are, in fact, making a financial investment. And when you are bridal dress shopping, I highly advise that you choose a different wedding dress store if you feel at all uncomfortable with the answers to any of these questions.

[SOURCE: TheKnot.com]

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