WTF Is Wedding Dress Shopping Like During A Pandemic?
For the Bride who procrastinates on all levels, let’s see if you can relate.
My past self wholeheartedly believes that I have all the time to look for a wedding dress. I built a solid case for my future self to just enjoy the now. There’s no hurry - it’s a pandemic world out there after all.
So I listened. Partly because the wedding dress experience is definitely an emotional one, and I don’t want to touch that with a 10-foot pole. I just don’t understand why it’s a big deal!
Brides-to-be are giving me death stares right now and think I’m stupid. I’m okay with that.
Last Friday, I went wedding dress shopping with my bestfriend for her dress (yes, the same one responsible for Tinder in Paris). Here’s my PSA - It takes the dress 8 to 9 months to arrive at the store and at least a month for alterations to finish.
Judging by this timeline… Procrastinate responsibly everyone!
If you have been dragging your feet (like me!) on finding your wedding dress, here’s a glimpse into what wedding dress shopping is like in Covid Times.
WTF Is Wedding Dress Shopping Like During A Pandemic?
Make an appointment
Hi Starbucks Lovers, the days of strolling through the bridal district and stopping at all the boutiques are long over.
You need to make an appointment before coming!
Personally, I’m not willing to make a bunch of bridal appointments because
1. Yikes, increased exposure
2. Lazy
It’s basically time to research and narrow down the shops. Revisit your Wedding Pinterest Board to get an idea of what you want in your dress, and sit down to determine an appropriate dress budget that you and the Hubs are comfortable spending.
Call the boutique that offers a wide selection in your size, style, and budget.
2. Two’s a Party, Three’s a Crowd.
This is especially true RIGHT NOW.
Most boutiques are only allowing you to bring a max of two people to the dress fitting! Who are you going to invite?!
That’s another Covid Conundrum for you to figure out, isn’t it?
To avoid possible hurt feelings, bring the rest of your bridal party along on a Zoom call. Alternatively, make arrangements with the shop to bring a couple of different friends when you come back to pick up your dress.
3. Don’t Go Breaking Protocols.
They’re there to keep you and everyone in the boutique safe.
Gone are the days of no shoes, no service. If you want service, leave your shoes at the door and keep your mask on!
Slippers are provided for use. You can also go barefoot if you’re not afraid of getting cold feet.
4. Do The Sip and Fill
A lovely sales associate will offer you a variety of beverages, as you fill out a form.
It will ask for your personal information, your wedding venue, dress style preferences, and dress budget. Based on your answers, your SA will help make dress recommendations that are within budget and match the feel of your venue.
The information is also used to create a file when you do buy a dress.
5. The Rose Ceremony of Wedding Dresses
It’s like the Bachelor, okay? Except instead of giving out roses, you get tokens to put on the hangers of dresses that you’d like to grace your body.
Be open to what you see: mermaid, boho, a-line, classic, satin, beaded, sequins, glitter, appliques, champagne, tea rose/ blush, ivory, tulle… THERE’S SO MUCH TULLE.
If you count shopping as exercise, then this part is really fun! Shopping with your girlfriends is fun, but wedding dress shopping with your girlfriends is a different level of giddy.
You’ll feel like you’re in a candy shop.
6. The Dress Is Supposed To Fit YOU
Not the other way around.
When trying on dresses or thinking about trying on dresses, future brides have a tendency to tear their body image apart. That’s a lot of pressure to put on your body!
It took me a number of trips to the hospital to feel all sorts of frustrations about my body and then gain appreciation for it.
It will take some training on your part too, to not default to criticism. You need to make an active choice to love your body. Thank it for everything it does for you everyday.
Your body does a lot!
7. Will You Say Yes To The Dress?
It’s the moment of truth.
Your bridal party are holding their breath, while you deliberate on breathing out that yes.
When you do say yes, CONGRATULATIONS! The cheers will erupt but the journey is not yet over.
You’ll be whisked away to the counter where you will make a deposit on the dress and pay for any accessories you’ve picked up (e.g., sash, veil, shoes, etc.).
It was with absolute joy and honour that I witnessed my friend find her perfect dress. Seriously, stunning queen right there!
I happily embraced the mountain of emotions that I’ve been trying to push away. In that embrace, I found a small spark that’s telling me to be open to at least ONE dress fitting.
Maybe I will make that appointment…
Are you in the process of looking for a wedding dress too? Have you been putting it off? Are you waiting for Covid to “blow over” before you go shopping? I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
