Almost All Salons Operate on an Appointment-Only Basis, so Make a Reservation Ahead of Time.

When it comes to wedding gown buying, many brides are unaware that they are receiving a VERY specialized service. Typically, a stylist is assigned to each bride individually, and the stylist is responsible for both preparation and follow-up for each bride she works with. It's almost as though you're being pampered!

As such, make an appointment at a time when you will be focused and can fully appreciate the experience, to discover your dress. Also, because bridal salons are by appointment only, be sure to arrive on time to get the most out of your visit and cancel ahead of time if you can't make it.

Not ready for an hour or more of undivided focus in a one-on-one meeting? Most salons will let you browse before making an appointment so you can check whether the outfits they have are suitable for you. Simply phone ahead to find out when the best times are to browse.

• Take the Time to Get To Know Your Local Bridal Salons So You Can Figure Out Which Ones Are Best for You.

It's simple to book appointments at bridal shops online, but it doesn't imply that you should visit all of them. Overwhelming yourself with possibilities or the discouragement that comes with visiting salons that aren't suited for your aesthetic would be a huge mistake.

According to event organisers at Series Of Events, the best approach to have a stress-free and enjoyable bridal shopping experience, therefore, is to limit yourself to a few bridal boutiques (I recommend 3 at most) that carry designs you admire. If none of the 3 businesses have a dress that is a real contender, you can always try other bridal salons. If you come across any fantastic opportunities, continue with your chosen bridal store and see it through.

They may also offer to show you more gowns from the designers they carry, either through trunk shows (weekend events when a designer's whole collection is on display) or by expressly ordering samples from the designer for you. When you work with a competent shop, you'll not only acquire a wonderful dress, but you'll also establish a pleasant friendship that will carry over into your wedding planning.

• Bridal Shops Carry Samples, Not the Actual Gown That You Will Buy.

Most samples in bridal salons range from size 8-18 and these are most likely what you will try on. After you've found the one, your stylist will take your measurements and order a gown made specifically for you in your size. With that in mind, remember all the salons you're visiting or check their FAQs page to find out what size ranges they offer, as this varies with every store.

Fara Couture has just initiated an "all sizes" plan, which means we now have over 50 gorgeous gowns sampled in sizes 8-10-12 for our brides, in addition to our current collection. We're ecstatic to finally be able to give all of our brides offbeat, hip designers.