While nobody thinks to warn you just how stressful dress shopping is, you would be surprised how fast the excitement wears off for anyone wedding gown shopping. After three hours of looking through tulle, you are standing in a mirror crying about how this was such a terrible choice and why did you schedule this outfit fitting for your big day. Whether you’re wedding gown shopping in Denver or flying in for bridal shops in Vegas, the same goes for everybody, it all boils down to knowing what you want, which surprisingly most brides can’t seem to figure out until they’re staring in the mirror wearing a dress that is not right for them. I’ve seen dozens of brides walk out of my store over the years, and those that did it the easiest way were the ones that came in without a detailed, specific image of what they thought they wanted already planned out. Sticking to a strict standard only puts a damper on your shopping experience and prolongs the dress shopping process unnecessarily.
Why Denver Brides Are So Lucky
As wedding gown shopping in Denver has evolved over the last decade, it’s led to a broad range of boutique style shops. From hole in the wall studios embedded in Denver’s old neighborhoods to large showrooms with rows upon rows of dresses, if you’re looking to wedding gown shop in Denver, it’s best to know what each place is like. I can say that compared to other bridal stores, the trend of Denver bridal shops is to utilize minimalist silhouettes and materials that photograph well against the mountains. That’s not to say you won’t find any sequined wedding gowns or intricate beading detailing, but most designers are conscious of the fact that brides that come out of the stores will be hiking up to their ceremony venues.
What will surprise out of town brides is how much you can find in terms of price range.
While you most certainly can find pieces that are on par with what you’d expect to find in New York or Los Angeles, there’s also a nice middle ground in terms of price that provide great options without breaking the bank. You should also remember to ask your consultant what your price range is to avoid getting stuck in a dress when you only came in to look! It’s important to stay flexible, and most bridal consultants I’ve met understand that while a specific price point is ideal, it’s good to have wiggle room.
What Makes Vegas Stores Special
Now Vegas wedding shops are a completely different beast. Most of the shops I know in Vegas tend to favor bold, sequined, and dramatic styles. In a way it’s expected as the city itself presents a certain image to the world. While some Denver bridal shops specialize in a minimalist aesthetic, most Vegas bridal boutiques will gladly give you the Hollywood treatment wedding gown shopping. If you’re looking for a dramatic entrance for your big day, most Vegas stores have what you’re looking for and can get you in and out of the store faster than your competitors. I’ve seen brides get fitted at wedding shops in Vegas and be prepared for a much larger scale wedding than those looking to get off the beaten path. Some Vegas bridal shops offer quick turn arounds for alterations that other stores simply aren’t built for, as most brides that fly into Vegas for their pre-wedding appointments don’t have the luxury of months to get their alteration done. This makes the timing of your appointment with a bridal shop in Vegas very important, as the six month time frame recommended for most bridal shops in Denver simply isn’t a realistic time frame in the desert.
The Most Important Questions When Trying On Dresses
When trying on dresses, it’s good to remember that the fit is going to matter a lot more than you might have thought. Can you sit down comfortably in the dress? Can you raise your arms without a strap slipping out? These are all questions I see brides asking less these days, as it’s assumed that the fit of the dress is all that matters when it comes to wedding dressing. A good bridal consultant, both in Denver or in Vegas, will know to get you up and moving and try to avoid situations where you’re just standing and looking pretty for the majority of the fitting. How the fabric reacts under different conditions may also be a concern depending on what time of year you’re getting married in, and whether or not you’re planning on having your ceremony outdoors. While most Denver bridal shops don’t tend to stress over this, it’s good to keep in mind if you’re getting married in Colorado, as the weather can be very unpredictable.
Getting Set On A Price Range
The most embarrassing part of dress shopping, budgeting, is something I advise my clients to stick to a firm number for and don’t stray from it. With a firm budget in place, you can avoid getting talked into bigger and more expensive purchases that most brides end up regretting. The most helpful thing is to keep in mind that fifteen to twenty percent of your budget should be set aside for alterations, especially if you’re looking at a ready to wear gown off the rack. While some Denver bridal shops cater to a more modest standard, most brides will find themselves needing some tailoring for a dress that’s otherwise perfect.
When it comes to alterations, knowing what the process entails and what the pricing is up front can help avoid any unpleasant surprises. Some stores, especially hole in the wall Denver bridal shops, are partnered with an outside seamstress, while others have in house tailors to expedite the process. There’s nothing wrong with either end of the spectrum, but it’s good to know what to expect when you’re looking at a price tag for an alteration that costs you almost six hundred dollars to do right.
Scheduling Appointments To Your Advantage
The short answer is to book earlier than you think you need to. Most bridal shops will recommend eight to twelve months in advance for a custom order, but if you’re thinking about sample dresses or off the rack wedding gowns in Vegas, there are plenty of stores that have a much faster turn around. Some stores in Denver, especially those that carry designer collections, might require the extra time as most custom orders can only be shipped in as far as a few months ahead.
Scheduling a fitting on a weekday, if your availability allows, is another way to make the most of your appointment. Weekends tend to be the busiest time for bridal shops, and while you might be able to make an appointment, chances are the consultants won’t be able to spend much time on you considering how many brides they have to fit over the course of the day. A quiet Tuesday afternoon might seem unimpressive, but it’s also a time when you can rest assured that you’ll get quality time and honest feedback from your bridal consultant.
The Final Thoughts
Whether you’re shopping for wedding gowns in Denver to look out at the mountains or looking for a more dramatic entrance at the chapel in Las Vegas, it’s all about finding something that feels right for you. Take your time bridal shopping and ask all the questions you need to, because it is your big day and no one wants to spend this much time and money on something that doesn’t feel right for them. If you’re looking for someone who will listen to your concerns rather than talk you into a more expensive purchase, give Perla Bridal a call. This is their specialty, and it’s a rarity in a very competitive industry that could use more voices like them.
FAQs
Do Denver bridal shops carry plus size sample gowns?
Most stores do, though availability varies from shop to shop. A good idea is to contact a bridal shop and ask directly what sizes they have in stock available for fitting before you come in.
How quickly can I get a dress from a bridal shop in Vegas?
Some stores have a quick turn around for fitting and purchase. Some shops can even accommodate quick alterations within two weeks of purchase.
Is it cheaper to buy a wedding gown in Vegas than Denver?
It all depends on what you’re looking for. Stores in Vegas offer a wide variety of price ranges, as do stores in Denver. Most will find that they can find something comparable for a reasonable price in either city.
Should I bring my own shoes to a fitting?
Always. I see so many brides forget this detail, and it ends up costing them more money and time.
How many bridal shops should I visit before deciding on a dress?
Two or three, at most. Too many shops and you’ll confuse yourself over what you wanted or thought you wanted.