What to Bring When You Go Wedding Dress Shopping

Shopping for your wedding dress is one of the most momentous occasions, but it requires a little bit of careful planning and some key background knowledge to feel ready for the fitting room. You’ve picked out the salon you want to hit first and invited your closest crew. Besides screenshots of your favorite bridal gowns on Instagram, there are a few other important items to bring with you to the salon.

Ahead, industry expert Liz Teich offers tips to help you feel prepared and confident stepping into that first gown.

Opt for Nude Underpinnings 

One thing that will definitely not go with your dream dress? The dreaded VPL (visible panty line), or worse, bright pink undies. "It's important to bring any skin-colored options you may opt for with a dress because it definitely makes a difference when you see the dress on," Teich says. "Something I always tell my clients is to bring the bra(s) and shapewear they plan on wearing with dress options. It can really change the shape of the dress and dictate your decision."

Fortunately, Erin Carpenter, founder of inclusive lingerie brand Nude Barre, created an entire line centered around helping women find their perfect shade of nude undergarments. "Shopping for your perfect wedding dress is such a special moment, and all humans should be able to find undergarments in their own personal shade of nude, to show up for the day feeling confident and worry-free," says Carpenter.

And if you’re looking to add some support or smooth over certain areas, bringing shapewear to your appointment will also minimize any questions you might have about how they will look under any gown, especially if you find one you love. "It's also important to bring the exact underpinnings, including any shapewear, you plan to wear to every fitting so your tailor can alter the dress to fit with these pieces," Teich adds. "Nothing is worse than spending a lot of time and money on tailoring and then realizing you need it to be totally different after the first fitting."

Bring Your Desired Heel Height

Another surefire way to feel comfortable when you try on gowns is to bring your own heels. "It's always a good idea to bring a wedding shoe you have your eye on because [it] will likely fit the dress if you find it, and it's good to know the height you want to have. Heels also make your posture look better in a dress, so even a small heel is a good idea," says Teich.

Many salons have shoes to try on with your dress, but it’s best to bring a pair that fits you well and is around the same heel height that you’ll wear on the big day. 

Come With Your Inspiration Photos 

Whether you’re looking for a traditional bridal gown or you haven’t completely nailed down the dress style you picture yourself in, coming to your appointment with reference photos is a great way to help narrow down the options. "I always find it helpful to make and bring a mood board or Pinterest board of dresses you gravitate towards, or at least the vibe of the wedding you’re envisioning, so the person helping you dress shop can pull aside dresses that fit your aesthetic without guessing," Teich says.

Have over a thousand photos saved to your Pinterest board? Us too. Narrow down your options by selecting your top ten favorite photos. Your bridal salon stylist will have a better understanding of what you’re looking for and will thank you for it.