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Updated Mar 06, 202514 Things to Know Before Trying On Wedding Dresses
Because this isn't your average shopping trip.
Trying on wedding dresses is without a doubt one of the most exciting parts of being engaged. After slipping that ring onto your finger, your instinct might be to immediately start the search for your dream dress. But before you head to a bridal boutique with your besties by your side and a Pinterest board full of saved photos, there are a few things you'll want to know. After all, the wedding dress try-on process is a lot different from your typical trip to the mall. To help your experience go smoothly, we're sharing our top tips for shopping for a wedding dress. Once you've read through this list, you'll be ready to book an appointment at your local bridal salon. (Psst: The Knot Vendor Marketplace can help you do that when the time comes.)
In this article:
- How to Prepare for Wedding Dress Shopping
- Wedding Dress Shopping Tips
- FAQs About Trying on Wedding Dresses
Graphic: Falak Khoja
How to Prepare for Wedding Dress Shopping
Trying on wedding dresses can be intimidating, especially if you go into it blindly. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be that way. By doing a bit of prepwork, you can go into your first bridal consultation as a pro. So, here's what to know before wedding dress shopping.
Look for wedding dress inspiration.
If you're eager to start your search for wedding attire, the good news is that you don't have to wait until you're trying on wedding dresses in person to get an idea of what you want. In fact, it's helpful to do a bit of research beforehand so that you can establish a baseline of likes and dislikes—for example, your preferred wedding dress silhouettes, neckline, sleeve type and fabric. Start by browsing wedding dress trends on Pinterest and screenshot your faves to show your stylist during the appointment. You can also check out our wedding dress gallery to sort through a variety of gowns and wedding dress designers in one place.
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Make a bridal appointment.
Before you can call to make your wedding dress appointment, you'll first have to decide which local bridal salon to visit. One way to figure out which boutique is right for you is by brushing up on the wedding dress designers they carry. You'll want to choose a salon that stocks wedding gowns from designers that reflect your wedding vibe and budget. If you see a dress online that you know you want to try on in person, call the bridal salon ahead of time to confirm that they have it in the store. (Your bridal stylist might just be able to request a sample, especially for you, even if it's not a style they usually carry.)
Choose your dress shopping crew.
When scheduling your appointment, be sure to ask about the salon's guest policy and how many people you're allowed to invite to help you try on wedding dresses. One of our top bridal gown shopping tips is to avoid bringing a big group to the salon. Having your entire roster of bridesmaids with you might sound like an ideal experience, but it can quickly get out of hand with conflicting tastes and unnecessary distractions. Instead, enlist just two or three VIPs, like your maid of honor, mom, grandmother or another close family member, to help you start your search without feeling pressured by too many opinions. And if going wedding dress shopping alone is more your jam, there is nothing wrong with that either. Do what makes you feel best!
Finalize a wedding dress budget.
Once you've created a wedding budget with your partner, it's time to decide how much money you want to allot for your wedding dress. It's important to establish a wedding dress budget prior to your first appointment because it will save some effort—and potentially help you avoid disappointment—in the long run. Providing your bridal consultant with a budget will allow them to choose wedding dresses that you'll love and can afford. According to The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding dress last year was $2,000. Pro Tip: You can explore dress pricing in your area with the help of our free budget tool.
Wedding Dress Shopping Tips
You've done your research, made your appointment, invited your crew and are finally ready to shop (anyone else feeling giddy?!). Here are a few tips for wedding gown shopping to help you make the most of your appointment.
Eat before your appointment.
While we recommend saving the boozy brunch for after you've finished trying on wedding dresses for the day, you certainly don't want to go into your appointment with an empty stomach. One of our biggest pieces of wedding dress shopping advice is to eat a light meal ahead of time—something that will hold you over for a couple of hours (and ward off any nerves or jitters you may have). Be sure to drink plenty of water and get enough rest in the days leading up to your appointment as well so that you feel your absolute best when the day arrives.
Don't forget about additional costs.
By the time your appointment arrives, you should have an idea of how much money you're comfortable spending on your dream wedding dress, but remember that your budget shouldn't just include the gown itself. Add-ons and accessories, such as a veil, sash, jewelry, wedding shoes and undergarments, will also add to your bottom line. You'll also need to account for the cost of wedding dress alterations, which range in price depending on the service. Factor in these costs before you give the salesperson your final shopping budget, or ask for their estimate during the appointment if you're not sure how much of your budget to set aside.
Ask about trunk shows and sample sales.
Whether you're looking to maximize your budget or you're on a short timeline and need a last-minute wedding dress, there are plenty of perks to shopping at a trunk show or sample sale. These events give you the opportunity to score a designer gown at a reduced price. Trunk shows, which are in-store showcases when the designer's entire collection is available, usually include a discount on dresses purchased during the sale. If you're interested in shopping a designer's trunk show, make an appointment with the salon as soon as possible—they're usually highly popular events with limited availability. Similarly, you can save money by purchasing the floor sample of a bridal gown you love, rather than having it made to order based on your measurements.
Shop on a weekday, if possible.
If you're someone who hates being rushed when shopping (relatable), one of our top bridal dress shopping tips is to try to make your appointment for a weekday morning or afternoon instead of a weekend. Saturday is the busiest day at bridal salons, so if you can swing something during the week, you'll thank yourself later when you're trying on wedding dresses without the crowds.
Trust your stylist (and your instincts).
We've preached about the importance of knowing what you want before heading to your first appointment, but an equally important tip for trying on wedding dresses is to trust your consultant and keep an open mind for their recommendations in the dressing room. Shopping for wedding dresses is totally different from buying clothes for your everyday wardrobe, which is why the stylist's expert opinion is so valuable. Remember: They do this all day, every day!
A professional bridal consultant will be able to suggest the best wedding dress options that capture your personal style, complement your body type and are miraculously within your price range. And if you don't find a wedding dress you love right away, remember that it's completely normal to take your time. There are hundreds of bridal designers out there with thousands (yes, thousands!) of designs, which makes the odds of finding a fantastic gown pretty darn good. We know that coming up empty-handed on your first trip can feel like a letdown, but don't give up.
FAQs About Trying on Wedding Dresses
Still have questions? We have answers. Trying on wedding dresses is a big deal, so it's understandable to want all of the information you can get. Below, we're breaking down the answers to some of the most common questions and sharing even more tips for wedding dress shopping.
How soon should I try on wedding dresses?
Wondering when to buy your wedding dress? We say the sooner, the better. Ideally, you should start shopping for dresses about 12 months before your wedding day, or shortly after you have your wedding date and venue finalized. It might take you a few appointments to find your perfect wedding dress, but ultimately, you should aim to purchase your gown about nine months before your wedding. This leaves enough time for the dress to be made, plus time for tailoring and customizations.
How long does it take to try on wedding dresses?
The standard wedding dress appointment lasts one hour. Depending on the salon, you may be able to extend your appointment for an additional fee, or you can plan to return another day if you need more time to shop. Your consultant most likely has other appointments booked before and after yours, which is why it's important to show up on time—otherwise, they might have to cut your appointment short or may not be able to accommodate you at all.
How many dresses does the average person try on?
According to The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study, the average bride will visit two different stores before purchasing their ceremony attire. In those visits, they will try on an average of seven different dresses before making a selection. Of course, every newlywed is different, so don't get discouraged if it takes you a bit longer to find your dream dress. Alternatively, don't second-guess yourself if you fall in love with the first dress you try on.
Can you try on a wedding dress without buying it?
Yes, you can try on wedding dresses without committing to a purchase, but we don't recommend going into a bridal salon unless you're seriously looking for a gown. Bridal stylists and consultants spend an average of an hour and a half to two hours with a bride, so it's important to be courteous and mindful of their time. No one expects you to find your dream dress on the first try (but if you do, congrats!), which is why you may need to schedule more than one appointment. However, if you're not prepared to actually make a purchase at some point, avoid scheduling an appointment to try on wedding dresses just for fun.
Is trying on wedding dresses before you're engaged bad luck?
Contrary to the common wedding superstition, trying on dresses before being engaged is not bad luck. However, as we mentioned above, you should avoid booking a bridal consultation if you're not serious about purchasing a dress (as fun as it may sound).
Additional reporting by Sofia Deeb.
