What to expect when buying a Wedding Dress

What to Expect When Wedding Dress Shopping (And What No One Tells You)

Let’s be real: wedding dress shopping can feel a bit overwhelming. You’ve probably already been told it’s “the most magical experience” and “you’ll just know when it’s the one.” But if you’re not that kind of bride (hi, welcome — you’re our people), we’re here to give it to you straight.

Here’s what you actually need to know before stepping into a bridal appointment.

1. Start with an open mind

You might think you know exactly what you want… until you try it on. And that’s okay. Most of our brides end up walking out with something they never expected to love and others end up with the dress they knew they'd fall in love with. Be open. Be curious. Try the wild card. You might surprise yourself.

2. Come prepped, but not pressured

It's good to know what you like and what you don't like, but too much inspiration = decision fatigue. The best appointments happen when you’re open to guidance but not dragging a committee of opinions behind you.

Also, bring good underwear! A strapless bra and nude pants are great to get a better idea of what the dress will look like on the day.

3. You might not cry (and that’s normal!)

TV makes it look like every bride breaks down sobbing the moment she finds the one. The reality? You might just feel like yourself in it (or be stroking the fabric and constant swishing) and that’s just as valid. Trust your gut, not your tear ducts.

4. We’ll chat budgets, timelines & options with zero pressure

We’re not here to upsell you into something you can’t afford. We’ll walk you through all the options and give you honest advice. If you’re working to a budget or a short timeline, tell us early and we’ll make it work (or we’ll tell you if we can’t).

Also, bespoke or major changes to designs often mean extra cost. We’re happy to tweak things but will always be clear on the impact. Transparency is our love language.

5. Fittings are where the magic happens

Your dress won’t fit like a glove at the first try-on — and it’s not supposed to. These pieces are made to be tailored, which is part of what makes them special. The final fit is sculpted to you, with expert tailoring closer to the wedding.

Our team will help guide you on shape, fabric, and feel — but once you order, the tailoring chat will be handed over to a recommended seamstress. That’s her area of genius.

6. Your entourage can make or break it

Bring the people who get you, not the ones who’ll second-guess your every move. One or two trusted opinions are gold. Five people with loud opinions and different tastes? A migraine in the making. Bring a small group of trusted people that align with your vision, then if you want to bring people back after narrowing down or making you decision that works well too!

7. You won't try your own size on

Bridal samples don’t work like high street shopping. We'd love to have every dress in every size, but we lack the space, budget and time management skills to accomplish that.

Wondering why we ask your size when booking? We stock a range of dresses in multiple sizes which means it might be too big or too small, and that’s completely normal. We'll pull dress sizes according to your size on your booking form!

We’ll clip, pin, pad and adjust so you can get a feel for the shape and vibe, even if the fit isn’t perfect. The dress you order will be made for you, the sample is just to try on the idea. So don’t get disheartened if it doesn’t zip or if it’s gaping. This part’s all about imagination and vision (and trust - we’ve got you).

8. You WILL need alterations!

Our dresses are made-to-measure but that doesn’t mean they’ll fit like a glove straight away. Think of it as a really strong head start. We base your gown on your measurements, but bodies aren’t static, and preferences vary. Some brides want things tighter, looser, shorter, more supportive and that’s where alterations come in. It’s completely normal (and expected) to need a few tweaks to get everything sitting just right. Whether you go with our recommended seamstress or someone local, always factor in the time and cost for alterations - they’re a key part of the journey.

9. Trust the process

Every mirror looks different. Lighting varies. Your body doesn’t. Don’t let bad lighting or weird angles throw you off. Trust how you feel in the dress over how it photographs in the moment. Most samples won't fit perfectly so photos can sometimes hinder your decision.

Also, a reminder: your body is not a 'before'. You don’t need to shrink or sculpt it to deserve the dress. You just need to feel like yourself in it.

10. You’re allowed to enjoy this!

You don’t have to be a princessy bride to love dress shopping. You can be awkward, anxious, chaotic, chilled, over it, or unsure and still deserve a great experience.

We’re not here to play into outdated bridal nonsense. We’re here to help you find something that makes you feel right. Whatever that looks like for you.

TL;DR — Here’s the E&W take:

Come open-minded, not overwhelmed.
Don’t stress if you don’t cry.
Be mindful of your entourage.
Tailoring is part of the journey.
Budget is not a dirty word.
You deserve to feel amazing, just as you are.

If that sounds like your vibe, we’ll see you in the studio!

Thanks for coming to our TED Talk on wedding dresses.

You’ve got this, and we’ve got you!
Love, E&W x