What to Bring Wedding Dress Shopping: The Ultimate Checklist

The big day starts with the dress. But before you fall in love with lace, satin, or sparkle, you’ve got to prep for the fitting room runway! Wondering what to bring wedding dress shopping? We’ve got you (and your bridal crew) covered. From must-have undergarments to emotional support water bottles, here’s your go-to guide for what to bring for a stress-free and stylish bridal appointment.

Ready to set a date for your search? Browse our wedding dress shopping tips and find an Authorized Boutique near you to schedule your bridal appointment today. 

 Your Top 10 Wedding Dress Shopping Essentials

There are plenty of creative and non-traditional ways to shop for wedding gowns based on your style, budget, and strategy. Some brides over-prepare and meticulously map out their options (we salute you, Type As), while others prefer to go with the flow and see where the journey takes them (Type Bs, rejoice!). We love matching any type of bride with their dream dress, so after years (decades!) in the bridal industry, these are the ten items we recommend every bride brings to their appointment:

Bring (or wear) nude, seamless undergarments:

This helps you feel comfortable, elevated, and true to your final look. Nude undergarments are great for switching between multiple silhouettes, getting in and out of dresses (often with a bridal stylist in the room), and deciding on details like illusion, corsetry, and form-fitting fabrics.

Heels or shoes in your preferred wedding height:

• These help you A) create a more complete bridal look and B) feel your most elegant and statuesque in the mirror.

Hair ties or clips:

• These are a nice option for accessories. Use these to imagine updo options with your neckline or test out a veil or headpiece.

Wear light makeup:

• Nothing too dramatic. This helps you feel bright and confident in front of the mirror!

Water bottles and snacks:

• These are great for when wedding dress shopping takes longer than expected.

Photos of dresses you love:

• Dresses you admire, such as inspiration from family weddings, celebrity style, and iconic gowns from history.

Online dress inspiration:

• Like Pinterest boards. (These are helpful references for your bridal stylist and an easy way to remember specific gowns from our collections.)

Decision-making accessories:

•  Like an heirloom veil or statement jewelry if you already have it. Check out our veils for inspo!

A trusted crew of friends and family:

• Even if you have a big bridal party, we recommend you limit your shopping entourage to 1-3 people. This helps you stay true to your point of view.

A positive mindset and an open mind:

•  You never know what’s in store for a beautiful, romantic, and true-to-you bridal look inspired by your love story.

What Not to Bring Wedding Dress Shopping

It’s a good idea to check with your bridal boutique about what to bring or not to bring to your appointment, but these are what we think you should leave at home:

• Too many opinions. We recommend you limit your entourage and get in a good headspace for your one-of-a-kind style. 
• Heavy makeup. It can stain sample gowns!
• Big bags or bulky outfits. These clutter up your appointment space and fitting room, especially in smaller boutiques. 
• A closed mind (leave it behind!). Sometimes the one is not what you expected, so keep an open mind for silhouettes, fabrics, trends, and accessories.

And next, it’s time for research! Prep for your bridal appointment by browsing gowns and pinning styles. Start with our rundown of the “Maggie Magic” in a Maggie Sottero wedding dress; you’ll find so many gorgeous gowns in our latest collections designed to fit and flatter from every angle. 

By planning ahead and knowing what kind of style and fit works for vision, you’ll make the most of your shopping time to find your perfect gown. Brides who prepare are often ready to commit the same day of an appointment and place their personalized order. Leaving your boutique with your dream dress secured – that’s something to look forward to if you’ve followed your bridal appointment checklist! 

Questions to Ask During Your Appointment

While trying on different gowns, these questions will help you find the best match for your venue, timeline, and budget:

• What personalizations are available?
• Does this work for my season? Is it comfortable for temperature, movement, and layering?
• Can I picture this in my chosen venue? Does it complement the vibe and atmosphere?
• What sort of bridesmaid looks go well with this style?
• Can this dress be altered to fit my vision?
• How long will it take to arrive?
• What’s the fitting and alterations process and timeline?
• What accessories work with my chosen gown?
• What else should I consider in my wedding dress checklist?

Here’s a gallery of Wedding Dress Customizations by Maggie Sottero to help you browse accessories, personalization’s, and ordering options to curate your one-of-a-kind vision.

When to Start Wedding Dress Shopping (And What to Expect)

Looking ahead to your wedding day? Here’s a general timeline to keep things running without a hitch:

• Your ideal shopping window: 9–12 months before the wedding
• Before you shop, start researching online and pinning to your Pinterest board.
• Place your order for a standard delivery gown no later than 6 months before your wedding date.
• If you’re crunched for time with a fast-approaching wear date, look into Quick Ship Wedding Dresses for a fast delivery. 
• Aim to start your alterations process 2-3 months before your wedding date, with final touches a month ahead.

Quick Ship Gowns

On a tight turnaround? We’ve curated a few gorgeous styles with quick ship times for your consideration:

Melissa by Maggie Sottero

For the bride who craves a little drama with a touch of simplicity, meet Melissa. This peekaboo pearl satin wedding dress stuns with luxe layers, asymmetrical draping, and structured exposed boning that brings all your ultra romantic dreams to life.

Natalie by Maggie Sottero

Natalie is a boho bride’s dream. This flattering A-line gown is kissed with allover unembellished lace that speaks to your inner whimsy. The deep illusion sweetheart neckline is sultry and adds just the right touch of mystique.

Halle by Sottero and Midgley

Halle is a statement. This cat eye 3-D lace mermaid wedding dress is bound to be the talk of the night, but don’t worry, no gown will ever outshine you on your big day, babe. Sequin lace motifs and glitter tulle make every twirl sparkle under string lights at a rooftop soirée, and the illusion lace hip dips? Hello, hot stuff!

Takera by Maggie Sottero

Did you know this crowd favorite is available through quick ship? Yes. The stars aligned, dreams came true, and this allover Chantilly lace gown is perfect for the bride on a tight schedule. Takera is a vintage-inspired classic with a modern twist, featuring pearl accented 3-D flowers on an illusion bodice with exposed boning. Picture yourself gliding down the aisle in this beauty. We already know you’ll look fab.

Maureen by Maggie Sottero

Maureen is proof that simplicity can be absolutely breathtaking. This satin ballgown is crafted with magic in every stitch. A chic cat eye neckline and asymmetrical ruched bodice create a flattering, sculpted look that radiates Maggie Magic. From a grand castle ceremony to a national park elopement, Maureen adapts to any aesthetic you dream up. Trust us, this gown belongs on your favorites list.

Benjie Royale by Maggie Sottero

We’ll give you a moment to take in all the beauty of this gown. Benjie Royale is a shimmering fit-and-flare decked out in illusion and 3-D lace motifs. The exposed corsetry is so glamorous and luxe. You’ll feel like a million dollars in this exquisitely detailed design.

Aberdeen by Sottero and Midgley

Aberdeen brings full-on drama with its bold silhouette and one-of-a-kind print. It blends non-traditional glamour with vintage romance to create a bridal look that feels truly unforgettable. You’ll look like royalty the moment you step into it. It’s your day, so go ahead and lean into the drama.

Jovienne by Sottero and Midgley

Dreaming of a gown you can personalize and make your own? Jovienne is your perfect match. This design is the definition of couture, featuring beaded and sequined Chantilly lace over glitter tulle. And the illusion back with exposed boning? Obsessed. Personalize It! by adding detachable cap-sleeves, a stunning train, lace jacket, or detachable beaded shoulder straps. It’s truly a piece of customizable art.

Feel Confident Saying yes the First Time Around

With all the investment of planning, browsing, curating, and accessorizing, the best thing about wedding dress shopping is working with a personal stylist! These expert bridal consultants are trained and ready to help you find the most romantic, flattering, and true-to-you style for your timeline, vision, and budget. If you have a vision and come with your wedding dress shopping essentials, you’re much more likely to have your “Yes to the Dress!” moment. 

Bottom line – with the right mindset, wedding dress shopping can be one of the most exciting parts of your bridal journey, so prep smart and enjoy the adventure. You’ll be so thrilled to secure one of your most important purchases to work with your venue and timeline… After that, all the other planning starts to fall beautifully into place! Ready to find the dress? Use our Style Quiz to get started or find an Authorized Boutique near you to book your appointment.

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