5 Ways to Find YOUR DRESS at a Designer Weekend

You’ve set the date, now the fun can start… finding your dream dress! Wedding dress shopping can seem like a daunting prospect, so many styles to choose from, so many photos you love on Pinterest and Instagram – it can seem like a minefield.

Not only are there so many stunning gowns around but the pressure is on to find THE DRESS. One you adore, can’t live without and feel absolutely fabulous in, plus it has to be within budget. It can feel like an impossible task!

Then you hear about designer events or trunk shows and feel even more confused!

So, what exactly is a Designer Weekend and why should a bride to be make a must-attend event in her calendar?

Most bridal boutiques stock a comprehensive selection of dresses from each of their labels, but it’s impossible for them to stock all of the designer’s collection in one go, we just don’t have enough space!

A trunk show or designer weekend is a special event in a bridal shop where they invite a designer to showcase their whole collection. It’s usually a two or three-day event held over a weekend.

These VIP events can make your bridal experience even more memorable with the chance to meet the bridal gown designer or stylists, try on brand new collections and view exciting wedding gowns that the store may not usually have on their bridal floor.

So, if you’re drawn to a designer and love following them, attending a designer weekend is the perfect opportunity to view a large selection of their dresses in one appointment.

Here are The Wedding Shop’s top tips for a bride visiting a designer event for the first time:

1 – Work out your budget

Before you attend your designer weekend, have a clear idea of budget so you can stay on track when trying the new collections and save valuable time during your appointment. Staying focused on gowns that are affordable to you will make the process stress-free and more fun!

2 – Bring a trusted family member or friend

Picking the dress you’ll walk down the aisle in is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make, so choose one or two close family members or friends who will give honest encouragement and make your wedding dress shopping experience enjoyable. While bringing the whole bride tribe can seem like a good idea – too many contrasting opinions may leave you feeling bewildered!

3 – Have an open mind

Most brides have done their research on wedding dresses, styles and silhouettes they like, but we always recommend trying on a dress you may not have initially selected. That wild card could end up being your dress!

4 – Know your dates and time frame

Some designer dresses need up to eight months to be made so shop earlier rather than leave it till the last minute! Ask your consultant when your dress will be ready and allow for any alterations to be carried out too.

5 – Be prepared to make a decision

It’s advisable to go into your appointment at a designer weekend with the mindset that you could say yes on the day to a dress. Most events offer a 10% discount off gowns ordered on the day from the designer, so to get a great deal, these are the best times to buy as they are only available during the event. Now is not the time for hesitation, if you fall head over heels in love with a gown, go for it!

So now you know everything about these exciting events, why not book today for our TWS designer weekends. We feel privileged to be hosting two great events this month – our Kenneth Winston Designer Weekend 22-24^th November, plus an Essense Tester Weekend 29^th November – 1^st December.

Book today by calling 01206 767359 or book online. We can’t wait to see you there!