You just became engaged to the love of your life! This means it’s time to celebrate and begin making some initial plans. The decisions you need to make up front are primarily focused on timing and budget: is this engagement leading straight to planning a wedding or are you going to relax and enjoy a long term engagement? You and your partner also need to find out who may be helping contribute financially to your big day or will you need to pay for everything as a couple. If you are hoping to be wed within the next year or two, then setting a realistic budget for your total wedding cost is your focus.
According to the most recent Knot Real Weddings Study, the typical cost of a wedding is $35,000 and the bride’s gown is averaging $2000. Online retailers may have much lower prices but the poor quality, uncomfortable fabrics, lack of customer service and aggravation will make you understand the truth in the saying, “You get what you pay for.” Given this information, to find a beautiful gown within your budget you should look for a reputable local bridal shop with outstanding online reviews, in-house alterations, a price range you can afford and ideally a personal referral. Only after you have decided upon the bridal boutiques that meet your criteria should you consider scheduling an appointment. Remember to bring along photos of dress styles you are hoping to try on and invite all the individuals you need present to make a decision.
But, what happens if you find your dream gown at your very first appointment? Do you really need to visit more than one bridal shop? The first appointment is very similar to a first date. It is also very similar to marrying your first love: it’s what fairytales are based upon. So, if you are lucky enough to find a dress you love, within your budget, at the very first boutique you visit, can you actually purchase it during your first appointment? We’re here to confirm that it is quite common to find your dream dress at your very first bridal appointment and say yes.
Most brides expect the search for a gown to be long and exhausting! Television programs have convinced us that you need to try on dozens of dresses before you can say yes. Reality shows have become legendary for documenting brides full of drama and crazy emotions. Should your experience be this difficult? Actually, if you love a dress and don’t want to take it off, that's a good indication that it’s probably the one. If your heart is saying “YES” and you feel like a beautiful bride in this gown and it is priced within your budget, then definitely do not delay. If you are happy and the experience seems magical, why hold yourself back? If your family and friends are telling you to “sleep on it” or “no need to make a decision at your first appointment,” ask yourself why? Why can’t your entourage just let you say yes? Do they understand that you’re in love with the perfect dress and are ready to celebrate? Tell your group you are done shopping and happy the process was uncomplicated and stress-free. Thank them for being a part of this special moment!
In our experience, many brides actually do say yes to their dress on their very first visit. Even more surprising is they usually say “YES” to one of the first gowns they have tried on! The process of finding your dress is truly fun and simple when you work with one of our highly experienced consultants. We take pride in having the largest inventory of wedding dresses in the area. Our stylists know our merchandise and are therefore able to hone in on the most exquisite gown for you very quickly. In addition, our in-house professional seamstresses can tweak your dress to perfection. If the moment you put on a dress and feel that rush of magic, it actually is love at first sight! It’s the ideal dress shopping experience.
Like we said before, finding your dress is similar to falling in love. It happens when you least expect it! If you find your gown at your first appointment, embrace it! Brag to others that it was easy to say yes to your dress! Say “YES” and realize you are one of the lucky ones to have had a perfect first experience. In conclusion, saying yes at appointment number one can be a blessing. You can now move on to all the other wedding details and decisions. Believe in yourself, trust your gut and check that dress off your list! We hope the rest of your marriage planning will be as easy and fun as dress shopping!
Request your appointment online now! Kathryn’s Bridal 3807 West Elm Street (Rt. 120), McHenry, Illinois 60050
