A Day of Wedding Gown Shopping: Here’s Your Ultimate Itinerary for a Successful Day of Shopping.
Wedding gown shopping can easily become an overwhelming experience, but with the right planning and a few insider tips, it can also be a fun and unforgettable day. With 14 years of bridal experience under my belt, I’ve seen it all. And if there’s one piece of advice I want you to take away from this blog, it’s this: ONLY GO TO TWO SHOPS IN ONE DAY. If you remember nothing else, remember that. Trust me—keeping it simple is key to avoiding overwhelm.
Whether it’s the excitement of trying on gowns, the joy of finding the one, or the occasional moment of stress, the wedding dress shopping experience is filled with highs and lows. That’s why I’m sharing my go-to itinerary for a successful, stress-free day of shopping—one that strikes the perfect balance between finding your dream dress and keeping your sanity intact.
Step 1: Start Your Day Right—Breakfast, Hair, Makeup, and Outfits
Before you head to your first bridal appointment, you need to feel like the best version of yourself. That starts with a good breakfast and taking time for yourself. I highly recommend having a healthy, energizing breakfast to keep you feeling your best.
Next, get yourself ready. You don’t need to go full glam, but it’s essential to feel pretty. A little hair, makeup, and putting on an outfit that represents your street style will go a long way. This helps your stylist understand your personality and gives them a clue into your bridal style. After all, you want to feel confident and beautiful when trying on dresses, and showing up with three-day-old hair and no makeup might not give you that “I feel pretty” boost you need.
Keep it simple—just do what makes you feel good, whether that’s a fresh blowout, a touch of mascara, or a bold lip. Trust me, it sets the tone for the day!
Step 2: Hit Up Your First Bridal Shop
Now that you’re feeling good, it’s time to kick off the dress shopping adventure! My recommendation is to start your day at Belle Bridal in Bellingham around 10 AM. Why? Their 90-minute appointments give you enough time to try on a variety of gowns and discuss options with your stylist, without feeling rushed.
Take lots of pictures during your appointment! Even if you’re unsure about a dress at first, capturing it on camera helps you remember the details and see how it looks in different lighting. You’ll be surprised how different a dress looks in a picture versus on the rack, and it’ll help you narrow down your options later.
Step 3: Take a Mid-Day Break
Wedding dress shopping isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon! After your first bridal appointment, take a breather and head to Martini Brunch in Mount Vernon for lunch. This is the perfect opportunity to debrief with your entourage, look at the pictures from the first shop, and chat about what you liked (and didn’t like). It’s also a great time to fuel up and relax— wedding gown shopping is a workout! I recommend trying the honeycomb toast. *add mouthwatering emoji here*
Be sure to leave enough time at brunch to really talk through the options and get your thoughts in order. You’ll be trying on more dresses, and you’ll want to be clear on what’s working for you (and what’s not) as you head into your next appointment. Pro Tip: Leave with a to-go coffee to add a little fuel to your next appointment.
Step 4: The Final Round—Second Bridal Shop
By now, you’ll have a clearer idea of what you like and don’t like. Now it’s time to visit Astraea Bridal, which is just a short 5-minute drive from Martini Brunch. Since you’re already warmed up from the first shop and have had a chance to debrief, you’ll go into this second appointment with a fresh perspective.
At Astraea Bridal, our knowledgeable stylists will take your feedback and help you continue your search. Having this break between appointments allows you to assess what you’ve already tried on and make sure you’re staying true to your vision.
Step 5: Celebrate (and Rest!) After the Day’s Appointments
By the end of the day, you’ll likely have tried on several gowns. Remember, shopping for your wedding dress is a journey, and you don’t need to make any hasty decisions. With all the photos you’ve taken, your break in between appointments, and the chance to reflect, you’ll have all the tools you need to make a well-informed choice when you’re ready.
After your final appointment, take the evening to rest and let everything sink in. If you found the one, congratulations! If not, no worries—this process can take time, and the right dress is out there waiting for you.
Bonus Tip: Stay Positive and Have Fun
Wedding dress shopping should be fun, so don’t get too bogged down in the details. Your dress is an extension of who you are, and the right one will make you feel beautiful and confident. Stay open-minded, trust your stylists, and enjoy every moment of it!
By following this itinerary, you’ll have a structured yet relaxed approach to shopping for your wedding gown, making the whole experience more enjoyable and less stressful. Whether you’re already envisioning your dream dress or just starting to explore, this plan ensures you have a productive, fun day with your loved ones.
Happy shopping!