The Do's and Don'ts...

Fridays and Saturdays are usually terribly hectic here at Maggi Bridal so I rarely have a moment to myself let alone time to blog, but I will do my best. I want to make up for not posting anything yesterday.

Now might be the perfect time, and fitting considering the day I've had, to share some tips concerning bridal and bridesmaid appointments.

Do:

• Make an appointment~ It is best and always appreciated to call ahead and schedule an appointment. This way you know you will be getting the best service and the bridal consultant will know some basic information about you such as your name, the wedding date, and the style(s) you are interested in trying on. For many bridal boutiques an appointment is required. Some will take walk-ins, but others will not. It is most important to make an appointment on Fridays and Saturdays since those are the busiest days.
• Come prepared~ As a bride, coming to the appointment with an idea in mind of what you are envisioning for your dress is always helpful. Bringing along pictures from magazines or the internet of the dresses that caught your eye is even more so! It gives the bridal consultants a clear picture of what you love and what you absolutely do not. Have an open mind~ You might really surpirse yourself with what you fall in love with. Try not to rule out a dress just by looking at it on the hanger. Dresses look very different on the hanger than they do on a bride. The bride makes a dress the dress. When you find the dress you will just know because you will feel like a bride.
• Be detailed~ It really helps the bridal consultant to hear the details about your wedding, such as color theme, venue, and overall feel of the wedding and to get to know you and your personality. Those details can make a difference gown selection and might help you better select your dress. If the bridal consultant isn't taking the time to get to know you then she might not be the right consultant for you. This is too special a day to rush any of the details.

Don't:

• Forget to call~ If you can't make an appointment it is courteous to call and inform the bridal boutique that you won't be able to come at that time. If you would like to rescedule for a more convenient time, then you can do so at that time. I have been "stood up" by brides and bridesmaids and it never is easy. If a bridal consultant plans to have you there, setting aside time for you, it is polite to let them know that they can leave that appointment time open for someone else. The same if you are running late. It is best to call to let them know.
• Get overwhelmed~ If you are a bride, it is important to stay focused, but you shouldn't feel pressured to make a decision. This is your wedding and the dress you choose needs to be your dress, the one and only. It is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Trying on dresses and selecting your dress should be a wonderful experience and hopefully the bridal consultant you work with is understanding, kind, and fun to work with!
• Come with preconceived notions~ It's best not to judge a bridal boutqiue until you have experienced it yourself. Asking other brides for their opinion and reading ratings online can be helpful, but your opinion matters most to you.When you go to a big bridal store there is going to be a much larger selection of dresses to choose from, but more often than not the service they provide is not as personal. Smaller bridal boutiques do have less of a selection of dresses in stock, but offer more exclusive customer service where they can devote their time and attention on one bride.  Each bride is unique so find an establishment that fits you!

I am a manager at Maggi Bridal, a small, but quaint bridal boutique in Raleigh, NC, and through my experiences these are some of the things I have come across and thought I'd share with you. Hope they were helpful!