Style & Trend
What to expect wedding dress shopping at wed2b…
You may be feeling a bit nervous about your first wedding dress shopping experience or just not sure quite what to expect. We've put together this guide with handy tips and advice to help you have a stress-free wedding dress shopping trip.
Congratulations! You're engaged and we can’t wait to welcome you instore and get your wedding dress shopping journey started. You never know, you might even leave the very same day with the dress of your dreams!
Why choose wed2b?
We believe every bride should look and feel amazing on their wedding day, regardless of budget. That’s why we have thousands of affordable dresses in every shape, size and style, all ready to try on. So, you really are guaranteed to find something magical that's just perfect for you.
With more than 15 years in the bridal industry, our limited edition designer collections are by some of the world's best bridal manufacturers and sold exclusively in 59 wed2b stores throughout the UK and Europe. This allows us to offer incredible quality gowns, in UK sizes 8-30, to take home the same day. What’s more, our prices on average are 40% cheaper than boutiques.*
We’re also consistently rated 4.9 out of 5 for our welcoming stores, large changing rooms, friendly staff and, of course, hundreds of dresses. You can read some of our reviews here.
Sound good? Well, to get you started, we’ve put together our expert guide to wedding dress shopping at wed2b, with everything you need to know to have the very best bridal experience with us…
Pre-shopping prep…
Before you visit we recommend browsing our range of wedding dresses and picking some styles you like. Think about the shape of the skirt, the type of neckline you think will be flattering and the style of back you would love to wear. Our Guide to Wedding Dress Shapes will help and we also have some top tips to help you work out what might suit your figure.
Also, think about what wedding underwear you'll wear and come to your store visit wearing something similar. A well fitted, supportive bra is also essential, ideally strapless, as it will make it easier to try on different styles and necklines. Your bridal consultant will assist you in the dressing room, helping you get into and out of your dresses. They really won't mind what you wear, but you might feel a little self-conscious if you've not planned your underwear. Lastly, it’s helpful to bring a pair of shoes that have a heel that’s roughly the right height, too.
Who to bring and when to visit
You don’t need an appointment at any wed2b store, apart from those in Germany (and here we don't charge for appointments like other boutiques). Plus, with so many stores, your nearest wed2b is closer than you think. Weekends are our busiest time, so for quieter shopping try a weekday, plus we offer late night shopping across the UK too**. It’s a good idea to allow two hours for your visit, so you have time to chat with a bridal consultant, browse the styles and take your time trying on and getting an idea of what feels amazing on you.
When it comes to your entourage, most brides bring a small group of family or friends, however, you’re welcome to bring as many people as you like! For more information on accessibility and who you can bring to stores, see our FAQs here.
When you arrive…
When you get to your nearest wed2b one of our bridal consultants will greet you and spend a few minutes finding out more about you. During this personalised one-to-one, they’ll ask a few questions about you, your style, what kind of wedding you’re having and how you picture your dream dress looking and feeling. They'll also be able to suggest styles and designers that might suit you best.
Then it’s on to the dresses!
It can be rather overwhelming at first, so your bridal consultant will initially pick out four dresses you might like, based on your discussion. Although, don't worry, you can try on as many you like during your visit! She will then take you to one of our spacious changing rooms to try them on. There’s also plenty of room for your friends to kick back and relax while they wait for the big reveal.
Your bridal consultant will assist you from start to finish as you try on our beautiful gowns, helping with lacing, buttons and corsetry. They’re also the experts when it comes to personalised bridal styling and will be able to guide you through the world of underskirts, veils, sparkling accessories and more, to help you create a look that’s totally unique.
Our 5 top tips for a great visit…
1. Take your time
There’s no rush and also absolutely no pressure to buy, so simply relax and enjoy yourself. You can try on as many dresses as you like, for as long as you like, and you're welcome to visit as many times as you need. You may well have been dreaming about the perfect wedding dress since you were a little girl, so take your time. This is a big decision and one of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding!
So, take it easy, refuel with a lunch break nearby or visit again with different members of your family and friends. You might only go wedding dress shopping once in your life, so make the most of it. Just remember, our exclusive dresses are off-the-peg and limited edition so, once they’re gone, they’re gone.
2. Try something new
Keep an open mind. It can be a good idea (and fun!) to try on different styles, as you may end up falling in love with something you'd never have considered before.
3. Try on different sizes
You may find that the perfect gown is a size bigger than your normal size, so don't be afraid to try on different sizes. Every store can also provide a list of recommended local seamstresses, should you need any alterations.
4. Do the big reveal in style
Let your bridal consultant add some stylish extras too, before they pull back the curtain for the big reveal. Our experts really know their stuff and they’ll help you show off your dress to the full with underskirts, jackets, veils and more. You can even create two looks in one, with the addition of a stylish lace jacket or glamorous faux fur bolero. Plus, there are fabulous sparkling hair accessories or glittering belts to finish and to create a look that's totally unique to you.
5. Look after your dress
Finally, when you do find 'The One’, you'll just know. And, best of all, you get to take it home the very same day, with no stressful waiting! You can also purchase a breathable fabric dress bag to store it in perfect condition or a specialist box, which is ideal for post-wedding storage or travelling abroad.
Complete the look
Then, once you’ve found your dream dress, there are a few more treats instore, to make sure your whole wedding day is sorted…
Maids in heaven
Our Infinite bridesmaids collection includes 10 different designs in 19 complementary colours across our Chiffon and Satin collections, so you can find the perfect dress for each and every one of your bridesmaids. We also have adorable flower girls' dresses, some of which are mini versions of our adult designs, and matching tie and cufflink sets for your groomsmen, too. So, that’s your whole wedding party catered for!
And, finally, the perfect gifts
Lastly, if that wasn’t enough, there are also stylish gifts and a few nice items to gift to yourself too! We have pretty nightwear and robes, elegant jewellery, cute pins and also sophisticated hen do treats. Plus there’s a beautiful bridal clutch bag, makeup case and travel bag too, so we really have got your whole day covered!
Well, we hope that this has helped you plan your wedding dress shopping trip. If you have any more queries, check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or get in touch with us today. Our friendly bridal consultants (both online and instore) are brilliant at helping brides find the perfect dress and also have an absolutely magical wedding dress shopping experience. So, why wait? Take home your dream dress today!
Click here to check out all our stunning wedding dresses, then try on your favourites at your nearest wed2b store. Lastly, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook or TikTok accounts.
*Read more about our story here.
**Does not include European stores
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