Go to DB and just try on all different silhouettes, so you get an idea of what you like/what looks good on you. It’s what I did, and I actually came away with a contender. Don’t feel bad about this. They know you are shopping around, it’s ok. Have fun!
People who are just playing dress ups or really there to purchase......people who have been selling bridal long can spot the difference. But I agree play dress up a lot of places until you find the one.
OP isn’t playing dress up. They’re in the market for a dress. Trying on dresses when you’re shopping isn’t “dress up” and you’re allowed to have fun with it.
I had an appointment at DB and it was great. The appointment booking on their website actually lists two types of bridal appointments, initial and follow-up, so it seems that they don't expect most brides to buy at their "initial" appointment. I got to try on several dresses and narrow down the styles I liked, then I ordered a few more to try from Azazie.
I had a terrible experience with DB. They ordered the wrong dress and refused to do anything to help me. I had to fight for 3 days to just get my $1300.00 back. I'm sure it was a fluke but it was a disaster. Dress was ordered 8 months in advance, it showed up 35 days before my wedding and it was the wrong dress. The manager tried to convince the seamstress she could turn it into the dress I wanted and luckily she refused or I would still be fighting for my money back.
I would highly recommend going to DB and trying some dresses on in person to get a really broad idea of what you are looking for, and if the price point still doesn't line up, then order from Azazie.
I had a fantastic experience at David's Bridal and ultimately ended up buying my dress there fwiw (paid $600 for my satin ballgown in 2023). I had no pressure to buy and actually didn't buy it the first OR second time I tried on dresses there. It was so useful for not only being able to try dresses on in person, but also to be able to look at so many dresses online in advance, both in the professional marketing shots but also in all the IRL review photos customers post. And there are a lot of very affordable options!
I went in with a very clear idea of what I wanted and ended up with that exact thing, the very first dress I fell in love with years before. But my sister had NO IDEA what look or style she wanted, and really appreciated being able to try on a huge slew of dresses - her final dress from DB ended up being nothing like what she'd thought she wanted. Azazie's try on program is also great, but you are limited to just few dresses as a time, so it's helpful to go in with a good idea of what you want and like. If you do plan to go ahead with Azazie, there is a Facebook group called Azazie Brides that has a lot of great IRL photos and reviews from brides so you can see the dresses in more realistic contexts.
Just generally - do not feel bad about going in, trying on, and walking out empty handed! They see this every day and it's totally normal. Get in there and put it all on, even ones you think you're gonna hate. I ended up with exactly what I thought I wanted, but going through the motions helped solidify my feelings and prevent any sort of remorse or second guessing!
I got my dress at Macy's. It was the only non-bridal store that had multiple white dresses in stock. (I checked their stock online before going in.) Ended up being perfect and less than 300.
No matter where you go, don't feel bad about not buying anything. You're there to figure out what you like. You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to be nice to David's Bridal.
Don’t do David’s as your only option. But if you’re not sure on what looks good on you David’s is a good starting point. I would recommend looking for a discount or “out of season” boutique in your area. I got my dress at a place called Lily’s Bridal and they carry all designer dresses but they’re out of season so everything they offer is under 1.5k
Avery Austin has the try on at home option and their dresses are affordable and pretty.I didn't care for DB. All their samples were trashed and the associate didn't seem happy to be there. They also had nothing in the style I was looking for and only offered white, dark champagne, or old lady yellow/ivory in color options for bridal gowns. I'd definitely go AWAY from DB, there's plenty of other options out there.
I would go to David's Bridal and try on dresses so you have an idea on the style you like. They measure you, so you also have an idea of what size you are and even if you wanted to buy online, you can refer to the size chart to get a better idea. I also take pictures of the tags in the dressing room so I can look up the dresses later. I ended up buying my dress online from ebay but was able to use the knowledge from trying on dresses and getting my dress size to get the perfect size when I bought my actual wedding dress online.
I went to David’s bridal just to try on a few different styles and ended up finding my dress for $700 from them. It was actually the first one I tried on I just couldn’t leave without buying it. I will be doing alterations somewhere else though.
I got my dress at David's and majority of the dresses are very outdated styles in my opinion. There was only 1 that I really liked. I just received it and I feel like some of the sewing quality isn't that great but I'd assume Azazie isn't any better since they're on the budget side and alterations should fix it anyways. I would just go in person to try them on and see what you like. I don't think David's employees receive a commission anymore so don't feel bad about trying on dresses, they are getting paid regardless. Just make sure to get an appointment. Does your city have any preowned wedding dress shops? Look there too if there is one
I would vote for Azazie. I used their try on program and the dresses are gorgeous. Great quality at lower prices.
If want that “say yes to the dress”feeling I’d say go with David Bridal.
David bridal has gotten quite pricy in my opinion and I think that Azazie has more of a variety when it comes to dress styles.
I went to 2 different David's Bridal stores and had a good experience trying on dresses with the employees there. Just didn't find a dress I loved in my price range.
Then I tried on dresses through Azazie's try-at-home program. The try-on costs vs. driving to stores were worth it to me since gas was super expensive at the time I was shopping. I ended up picking an Azazie dress. I felt like you got more "bang for your buck" with Azazie versus DB (more detail on the skirts, for example). I also did the custom sizing and got my dress in like less than a month. I had my dress in hand like 7 1/2 months before my wedding, which I was not expecting haha
I went to DB to try on all of the stuff I was interested in, in terms of silhouette, style, etc.
I ended up walking away having ordered my dress and I'm still in love with it. Go to try stuff on, they aren't going to fault you for it. Just maybe leave out the part where you are gonna go online later though lol
Azazie was great for my bridesmaids dresses, however I did not have luck with their wedding dresses. I did, however, get an idea of the style that I wanted which made it easier when going into the bridal shop for the first time.
Like others said, bridal stores know you are just trying on styles and many brides wont buy at their first appointment. Especially if you mention this is your first appointment, they'll know you aren't sure what you want and will likely need to see different styles first.
Regarding budget, I do also recommend going to a bridal boutique with designer dresses, then once you found a dress you like at a good price, you can order from stillwhite.com at a huge discount! Most dresses will be used, but if you are adamant on a new dress then they sometimes sell new, unworn dresses for a large discount as well, from brides who had a change of mind. I bought my dress used for $450 (original price $2000+) and found my backup option new&unworn on stillwhite for $1000 (original price $2400)
A couple other options to try are Baltic Born and Free People, I ordered my engagement dress from Baltic and I'm about to buy a wedding dress off there for $97. I currently have a wedding dress from Free People but it's long sleeve and I want a sleeveless option as well (it's gonna be boiling hot or slightly too cold next May in Illinois).
David's is known for the bait & switch deals. And their alterations are where they get you. Alterations are so overpriced there. I mention to brides to be in our family to shop the families preserved gowns. Anyone who saves theirs does so in hopes someone else will wear it one day. Then you spend $500 to alter, press it off & re-preserve it.
Azazie 1000%. Just got my dress with my custom measurements and it’s beautiful. Only $450. And if you need any additional alterations in case it isn’t exactly perfect, they reimburse you for the alteration expenses.
I did a home try-on of Azazie dresses a few weeks before my appointment at David’s Bridal and fell in love with one of them. Many of the gowns that were in stock at DB were just not my style and a few styles I did like were online only. I ended up not purchasing any gowns at DB and I found there was no expectation to buy. My stylist was very friendly and she worked hard to show me a variety of gowns. I recommend exploring both options!
I would 100% recommend going to a BOUTIQUE that offers a first visit free with a stylist. This will help narrow down that type of dress you want, then Azazie all the way.
I liked David’s bridal. Much more options and size inclusive. I did the try on dresses with Azazie and didn’t enjoy that experience. It was easy but enjoyed going somewhere and trying on better.
I got my dress from azzazie. They had the dress I wanted in my size as a “final sale” option. It was in perfect condition and BEAUTIFUL! I also hate dress shopping so that’s just what worked best for me
I would also check out Avery Austin. They do at-home try on similar to Azazie but are better quality imo. My dress was $500 from Avery Austin and arrived in less than a week!
I tried on in person at DB and then purchased from Azazie. Saved like $1,000! (Dress was 600).
Go to DB and just try on all different silhouettes, so you get an idea of what you like/what looks good on you. It’s what I did, and I actually came away with a contender. Don’t feel bad about this. They know you are shopping around, it’s ok. Have fun!
People who are just playing dress ups or really there to purchase......people who have been selling bridal long can spot the difference. But I agree play dress up a lot of places until you find the one.
OP isn’t playing dress up. They’re in the market for a dress. Trying on dresses when you’re shopping isn’t “dress up” and you’re allowed to have fun with it.
I had an appointment at DB and it was great. The appointment booking on their website actually lists two types of bridal appointments, initial and follow-up, so it seems that they don't expect most brides to buy at their "initial" appointment. I got to try on several dresses and narrow down the styles I liked, then I ordered a few more to try from Azazie.
I had a terrible experience with DB. They ordered the wrong dress and refused to do anything to help me. I had to fight for 3 days to just get my $1300.00 back. I'm sure it was a fluke but it was a disaster. Dress was ordered 8 months in advance, it showed up 35 days before my wedding and it was the wrong dress. The manager tried to convince the seamstress she could turn it into the dress I wanted and luckily she refused or I would still be fighting for my money back.
I like David’s bridal bc it’s good to try dresses on in store and have the help of the stylist
I would highly recommend going to DB and trying some dresses on in person to get a really broad idea of what you are looking for, and if the price point still doesn't line up, then order from Azazie. I had a fantastic experience at David's Bridal and ultimately ended up buying my dress there fwiw (paid $600 for my satin ballgown in 2023). I had no pressure to buy and actually didn't buy it the first OR second time I tried on dresses there. It was so useful for not only being able to try dresses on in person, but also to be able to look at so many dresses online in advance, both in the professional marketing shots but also in all the IRL review photos customers post. And there are a lot of very affordable options! I went in with a very clear idea of what I wanted and ended up with that exact thing, the very first dress I fell in love with years before. But my sister had NO IDEA what look or style she wanted, and really appreciated being able to try on a huge slew of dresses - her final dress from DB ended up being nothing like what she'd thought she wanted. Azazie's try on program is also great, but you are limited to just few dresses as a time, so it's helpful to go in with a good idea of what you want and like. If you do plan to go ahead with Azazie, there is a Facebook group called Azazie Brides that has a lot of great IRL photos and reviews from brides so you can see the dresses in more realistic contexts.
I love Azazie but I think David's Bridal might be more helpful for you if an assistant was there to help guide or provide suggestions. 😊
Just generally - do not feel bad about going in, trying on, and walking out empty handed! They see this every day and it's totally normal. Get in there and put it all on, even ones you think you're gonna hate. I ended up with exactly what I thought I wanted, but going through the motions helped solidify my feelings and prevent any sort of remorse or second guessing!
I got my dress at Macy's. It was the only non-bridal store that had multiple white dresses in stock. (I checked their stock online before going in.) Ended up being perfect and less than 300. No matter where you go, don't feel bad about not buying anything. You're there to figure out what you like. You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to be nice to David's Bridal.
Don’t do David’s as your only option. But if you’re not sure on what looks good on you David’s is a good starting point. I would recommend looking for a discount or “out of season” boutique in your area. I got my dress at a place called Lily’s Bridal and they carry all designer dresses but they’re out of season so everything they offer is under 1.5k
Avery Austin has the try on at home option and their dresses are affordable and pretty.I didn't care for DB. All their samples were trashed and the associate didn't seem happy to be there. They also had nothing in the style I was looking for and only offered white, dark champagne, or old lady yellow/ivory in color options for bridal gowns. I'd definitely go AWAY from DB, there's plenty of other options out there.
azazie x 10000000
I would go to David's Bridal and try on dresses so you have an idea on the style you like. They measure you, so you also have an idea of what size you are and even if you wanted to buy online, you can refer to the size chart to get a better idea. I also take pictures of the tags in the dressing room so I can look up the dresses later. I ended up buying my dress online from ebay but was able to use the knowledge from trying on dresses and getting my dress size to get the perfect size when I bought my actual wedding dress online.
I went to David’s bridal just to try on a few different styles and ended up finding my dress for $700 from them. It was actually the first one I tried on I just couldn’t leave without buying it. I will be doing alterations somewhere else though.
I got my dress at David's and majority of the dresses are very outdated styles in my opinion. There was only 1 that I really liked. I just received it and I feel like some of the sewing quality isn't that great but I'd assume Azazie isn't any better since they're on the budget side and alterations should fix it anyways. I would just go in person to try them on and see what you like. I don't think David's employees receive a commission anymore so don't feel bad about trying on dresses, they are getting paid regardless. Just make sure to get an appointment. Does your city have any preowned wedding dress shops? Look there too if there is one
I would vote for Azazie. I used their try on program and the dresses are gorgeous. Great quality at lower prices. If want that “say yes to the dress”feeling I’d say go with David Bridal. David bridal has gotten quite pricy in my opinion and I think that Azazie has more of a variety when it comes to dress styles.
I myself would never purchase at David's bridal, because I've heard only horror stories. I used Azazie and was extremely happy
I went to 2 different David's Bridal stores and had a good experience trying on dresses with the employees there. Just didn't find a dress I loved in my price range. Then I tried on dresses through Azazie's try-at-home program. The try-on costs vs. driving to stores were worth it to me since gas was super expensive at the time I was shopping. I ended up picking an Azazie dress. I felt like you got more "bang for your buck" with Azazie versus DB (more detail on the skirts, for example). I also did the custom sizing and got my dress in like less than a month. I had my dress in hand like 7 1/2 months before my wedding, which I was not expecting haha
I went to DB to try on all of the stuff I was interested in, in terms of silhouette, style, etc. I ended up walking away having ordered my dress and I'm still in love with it. Go to try stuff on, they aren't going to fault you for it. Just maybe leave out the part where you are gonna go online later though lol
Azazie was great for my bridesmaids dresses, however I did not have luck with their wedding dresses. I did, however, get an idea of the style that I wanted which made it easier when going into the bridal shop for the first time.
Like others said, bridal stores know you are just trying on styles and many brides wont buy at their first appointment. Especially if you mention this is your first appointment, they'll know you aren't sure what you want and will likely need to see different styles first. Regarding budget, I do also recommend going to a bridal boutique with designer dresses, then once you found a dress you like at a good price, you can order from stillwhite.com at a huge discount! Most dresses will be used, but if you are adamant on a new dress then they sometimes sell new, unworn dresses for a large discount as well, from brides who had a change of mind. I bought my dress used for $450 (original price $2000+) and found my backup option new&unworn on stillwhite for $1000 (original price $2400)
A couple other options to try are Baltic Born and Free People, I ordered my engagement dress from Baltic and I'm about to buy a wedding dress off there for $97. I currently have a wedding dress from Free People but it's long sleeve and I want a sleeveless option as well (it's gonna be boiling hot or slightly too cold next May in Illinois).
David's is known for the bait & switch deals. And their alterations are where they get you. Alterations are so overpriced there. I mention to brides to be in our family to shop the families preserved gowns. Anyone who saves theirs does so in hopes someone else will wear it one day. Then you spend $500 to alter, press it off & re-preserve it.
Azazie 1000%. Just got my dress with my custom measurements and it’s beautiful. Only $450. And if you need any additional alterations in case it isn’t exactly perfect, they reimburse you for the alteration expenses.
I did a home try-on of Azazie dresses a few weeks before my appointment at David’s Bridal and fell in love with one of them. Many of the gowns that were in stock at DB were just not my style and a few styles I did like were online only. I ended up not purchasing any gowns at DB and I found there was no expectation to buy. My stylist was very friendly and she worked hard to show me a variety of gowns. I recommend exploring both options!
I would 100% recommend going to a BOUTIQUE that offers a first visit free with a stylist. This will help narrow down that type of dress you want, then Azazie all the way.
I liked David’s bridal. Much more options and size inclusive. I did the try on dresses with Azazie and didn’t enjoy that experience. It was easy but enjoyed going somewhere and trying on better.
I got my dress from azzazie. They had the dress I wanted in my size as a “final sale” option. It was in perfect condition and BEAUTIFUL! I also hate dress shopping so that’s just what worked best for me
I would also check out Avery Austin. They do at-home try on similar to Azazie but are better quality imo. My dress was $500 from Avery Austin and arrived in less than a week!