What to Bring to Your Bridal Appointment (So You Can Actually Enjoy It)

Your bridal appointment is not the time to wing it. This is a big day—photos will be taken, opinions will be shared, and at some point you will almost definitely say, “Wait… I think I love this one?”

Everyone says a little prep goes a long way, but what if you don’t actually know how to prep? To help you walk into your first bridal appointment feeling confident, calm, and excited, here’s my complete, no-nonsense checklist. The good news? It really isn’t complicated.

The Absolute Must-Haves

✔ Proper Undergarments

This one isn’t glamorous, but it is important. Underwear can completely change how a dress looks—and so can going braless. Wear your good bra: the one that makes you feel supported and confident. If shapewear or smoothing shorts make you feel more comfortable, wear those too.

Getting the base right makes finding the dress so much easier.

✔ Hair Ties or Clips

Most salons will clip your hair up for you, but bringing your own hair ties or a claw clip helps you see how a gown really looks—and makes life easier for your consultant, who will be doing a lot of fastening and unfastening.

If you’re planning on wearing your hair up on the day, this is especially important. Hair up versus hair down can completely change the vibe of a dress.

Things That Make the Experience Better

(Not mandatory, but very helpful)

✔ Inspiration Photos

A few screenshots or saved posts are perfect. I have a bit of a love–hate relationship with inspiration photos—not because they aren’t helpful, but because many (like my illustration here) are AI-generated. That means the gowns don’t actually exist, and brides can fall in love with something they’ll never be able to try on.

Use photos as inspiration and a starting point—but don’t fall in love with something that doesn’t exist.

Pro tip: Be open to trying styles outside your saved folder. Many brides fall in love with the dress they swore they’d never wear.

✔ Your Budget (Including Alterations Wiggle Room)

Know your number—and be honest about it. If your budget is £1,000 including alterations, tell your consultant exactly that. We have dresses that can work within your budget, and sometimes we may even be able to sell a sample.

Falling in love with a dress that’s way over budget is emotionally taxing for everyone involved. Openness leads to a more relaxed, successful appointment.

✔ The Right People

Bring a small, supportive crew. I know it’s tempting to bring six bridesmaids, three aunts, Grandma, and Mum—but the more people you bring, the more opinions you’ll have to navigate.

At WsM Bridal, we welcome larger entourages and would never turn you away. Just be aware that too many voices can make decisions harder, not easier.

Don’t Forget

✔ An Open Mind

This might be the most important thing on the list. Your dream dress might surprise you. It may not be the one you pinned on Pinterest or saved on Instagram—it might be the one your consultant chooses after really listening to your feedback.

And I’ll say this again: you don’t need to cry for it to be “the one.” Sometimes a quiet, confident yes is all you need.

One last thing—ignore the hanger size. That’s for the consultant to worry about, not you. Bridal sizing can be wildly inaccurate. We’ll measure you properly and use the size guide to order your dress. The numbers often bear very little resemblance to high-street sizing.

Final Thought

Your bridal appointment should feel exciting, fun, and empowering—not stressful. Bring the essentials, prep just enough, and let the experience unfold. The right dress has a funny way of making itself known… usually when you least expect it.

And if nothing else, remember this: you’re not just shopping for a dress—you’re finding your dress.Enjoy the process. 💍