Wedding Dress Questions Everyone Is Too Afraid to Ask

Wedding Dress Shopping Questions Everyone Is Too Afraid to Ask

There are the questions you know you should ask your bridal stylist...

And then there are the questions that pop into your head at 11:47 p.m. while you're staring at your wedding dress Pinterest board.

Can I bring champagne? Can my fiancé come? Can I buy the sample? Are alterations included?!

We've heard them all. And honestly, we're glad you asked. Here are some of the random wedding dress questions we get asked most often at Something White.

Can I bring champagne?

We love a celebration, but outside food and drinks aren't permitted during appointments.

But don't worry, we've got the champagne covered! Once you find your gown, we include a complimentary champagne toast to celebrate your yes with you and your guests.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes! Something White Bridal Boutique is appointment only. We don't accommodate walk-ins because we want to give each bride our undivided attention and a personalized experience.

When you have an appointment, you'll have a dedicated bridal stylist who can get to know you, learn what you're looking for, and pull gowns specifically with you in mind.

Can my kids come to my appointment?

We love our littles, but Something White is an age 15+ boutique, so guests under 15 are not able to attend bridal appointments.

Can I bring my dog?

We know. We want to say yes to this one, too.

But because we're working with delicate gowns and have other brides coming through the boutique, pets aren't permitted during appointments.

If you have a service animal, please reach out to us ahead of time so we can make appropriate arrangements.

What should I wear to my bridal appointment?

Come comfortable! We recommend wearing nude, seamless undergarments so you can easily see how the gowns look on you.

A strapless bra is completely optional. Many of our gowns have built-in structure and support, and your stylist will help you get everything situated once you're in the dressing room.

We also recommend wearing minimal makeup to help keep the gowns clean.

And most importantly? Wear something you can easily change in and out of. You'll be trying on a lot of dresses!

Can I buy the sample off the rack?

It depends on the gown!

Some gowns are only available for special order, while others may be available to purchase directly from the floor. If you're interested in taking a sample home, just ask your stylist. They'll be able to tell you whether that particular gown is available for purchase and what options are available.

If you're working with a shorter timeline, definitely let your stylist know when you book your appointment. An off-the-rack gown can sometimes be a great solution for a bride who doesn't have months to wait for a special order.

Do you buy used wedding dresses?

We don't purchase used wedding dresses, or wedding dresses of any kind. We only sell gowns from our curated designer collections.

Can I shop if I'm still losing weight?

Yes! You don't have to wait until you reach your goal weight to begin shopping for your wedding dress. Your stylist will help you determine the best size to order based on your measurements and the designer's sizing.

Once your gown arrives, alterations are where the final fit is perfected.

The important thing is to be honest with your stylist about your timeline and any anticipated changes so we can help you make the best decision for your gown.

What if I live out of town?

No problem!

We work with brides who travel to Kansas City to shop with us all the time. If you're making a special trip, let your stylist know when you book so we can help you make the most of your appointment.

And if you're coming from out of town specifically to find your dress, we recommend planning your trip with enough time to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.

What exactly is a trunk show?

A trunk show is a special event where a designer sends us a larger selection of gowns from their collection for a limited time.

Think of it as your chance to shop a designer's collection beyond what we normally have in the boutique.

Trunk shows are a great opportunity to see new gowns, try on designs that may not normally be in our store, and, depending on the event, take advantage of special event pricing.

We announce upcoming trunk shows on our website and social media, so if there's a designer you're obsessed with, keep an eye out.

Read our full guide to bridal trunk shows →

Can I order a trunk show gown after the event is over?

Sometimes!

Trunk show gowns are brought in specifically for the event, so availability after the show can vary. If you fall in love with one, the best thing to do is talk with your stylist while the trunk show is happening.

If you've missed the event and are now thinking, “Wait. That was the dress.”, don't panic. Reach out to us and we'll see what options may be available. Just keep in mind that since the gowns are brought in specifically for the trunk show, ordering after the event may mean ordering the gown without being able to try it on again. Your stylist can help you talk through the details and determine what's possible.

Are alterations included?

Alterations are not included in the price of your gown. Wedding dresses are often made to a standard size, so some amount of tailoring is almost always needed to get that perfect, personalized fit.

We don't do alterations in-house, but we have trusted seamstresses we recommend and are happy to point you in the right direction when the time comes. We typically recommend starting alterations about 6-8 weeks before your wedding.

What if I saw a dress on Instagram?

Send us the screenshot! Seriously. If you've been scrolling Instagram and suddenly see the dress, save it and bring it to your appointment.

If it's a gown we carry, your stylist can check whether we currently have it in the boutique. If we don't have that particular gown, we can often use it as inspiration to pull other dresses with a similar look, designer, silhouette, or details.

You can also browse our online inventory before your appointment and screenshot your favorites. It gives your stylist a great starting point for pulling gowns that feel like you.

What if the sample doesn't fit?

That's completely normal! Bridal gowns aren't made to fit every bride who walks through the door, and that's where your stylist comes in.

If a sample is too big, your stylist can clip it so you can see how it will look in a closer-to-your-size fit. If it's too small, we'll do our best to determine whether we can comfortably get you into the gown with clips + paneling and, if not, we'll find another way to show you the look.

What if my wedding is less than 9 months away?

First: don't panic! While we typically recommend shopping 9–12 months before your wedding, we know wedding timelines don't always follow the rules.

Depending on your wedding date and the designer, rush options may be available. We also have select gowns available to purchase off the rack, which can be a great option for brides with a shorter timeline.

The most important thing is to tell us your wedding date when you book your appointment. That way, your stylist can help you focus on gowns that are realistic for your timeline.

Read our full guide to shopping on a shorter timeline →

How should I store my dress?

Once your dress is home, keep it in the breathable garment bag we provide and store it somewhere cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight.

Avoid storing your gown in a hot attic, damp basement, or anywhere it could be exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures. And while it may be tempting to peek at it every other day (we get it), try to keep it safely tucked away until your big day.

If your gown needs to be steamed before the wedding, we also offer professional steaming at Something White the week of your wedding.

How far in advance should I book my appointment?

As soon as you know when you'd like to shop!

We are a small, appointment-only boutique and our weekends tend to fill up quickly. If you have a specific Saturday in mind or you're coordinating a group of people coming into town, we recommend booking early.

You can book your appointment online anytime, and we'll take it from there.

Ready to start shopping? Book your appointment →

Okay, Now You Know

Was every single one of these questions keeping you up at night? Probably not.

But if you've wondered about even one of them, chances are another bride has, too.

Wedding dress shopping comes with approximately one million little questions, and you don't have to know all the answers before you walk through our doors. That's what we're here for.

Do a little research, bring your questions, save your favorite gowns, and come ready to find the dress.

We can't wait to help you find your something white!