1. PLAN AHEAD

Start shopping at least 12 months ahead (if you can) - Gowns typically take between 4-10 months to be made. Factor in shipping times, alterations and multiple fittings and your gown could take 12 months to be ready. However, at Allison Louise Bridal we can also offer an off the peg service which means you could walk away with your wedding dress the very same day!

2. SET A BUDGET

It’s a great idea to have a budget in mind when searching for your wedding dress. Take a look at your wedding budget and set an amount you’re willing to spend on your gown. This will not only help with your choices and shops you decide to visit, but it will also help you hone your expectations and make it easier to find your perfect gown.

3. DO YOUR RESEARCH

Wedding dress shopping can seam daunting as there are an endless amount of options. Research your local bridal stores and only make appointments to visit the ones that have gowns that interest you and fit your style and budget.

4. BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Most bridal shops will require you to book an appointment to visit them. This helps you to plan your day and helps them to find out a bit more about you and your wedding, along with your dress style before you visit.

5. CHOOSE YOUR BRIDE TRIBE WISELY

Take special care when you select which guests will be joining you on your wedding dress journey. Take a good look at who NEEDS to be there. Limit your guests and choose positive, uplifting people who understand who you are, your likes and dislikes, and understand that this day is all about you choosing your wedding dress.

6. DON’T BE LATE

Set aside enough time to make sure you arrive on time for your bridal appointment, you don’t want to feel stressed, rushed or flustered before you start.

7. WEAR THE CORRECT UNDERWEAR

Bring along good supportive underwear, we suggest nude or light coloured. It might be wise to invest in some new ones as you may not feel your best if you drag out some old underwear that may have lost its shape, when trying on beautiful expensive gowns. A strapless bra is best if you’re planning on wearing one, however, remember dresses with open backs will not suit a bra, but should have enough built-in bust support to accommodate this.

8. FORGET ABOUT SIZING

Bridal sizing is crazily different to high street sizing so don’t worry about what size dresses you are trying on or what size dress you order. Once your dress arrives it will be altered by our hugely talented bridal seamstress who will ensure it fits you perfectly.

9. TRUST YOUR BRIDAL CONSULTANT (AND YOURSELF!)

When you arrive for your appointment you and your bridal party may already have ideas of styles you want to try on. However, trust your consultant and be open to trying on different things if needed.

Wedding dress shopping is completely different to clothes shopping so if your consultant suggests something different, you should trust them – what have you got to lose? After all, they’re the experts.

Also trust yourself, if it feels right and your party are not 100% on board, trust your gut and go with it.

10. DON’T BE AFRAID TO SAY YES TO THE DRESS

Whether it is the first wedding dress you have ever tried on, or the 10th, don’t be afraid to commit to that wedding dress that makes you smile from ear to ear and gives you the excited butterflies in your tummy. We have had many brides fall in love with the very first wedding dress we put them in, because we have listened to your requirements, pictured your venue, looked at your body and matched you to a selection of dresses that we think you will love. If you look amazing, feel fantastic and think this is the one, don’t overthink it – SAY YES TO YOUR WEDDING DRESS!"

Why ALB?

Allison Louise Bridal is a bridal boutique nestled in the beautiful town of Belper in Derbyshire. Run by proud owner Michelle Allison, this bright and airy studio is packed to the rafters with gorgeous labels from leading design houses, each handpicked by Michelle herself. They are Derbyshire and Nottingham’s only stockist of inimitable Australian couture label Rachel Rose, and premium stockists of Milan’s best bridal designer, Eddy K.

Book your exclusive appointment now!