Let’s be honest—wedding planning is a lot. And finding “the one” (we’re talking about the dress this time) can feel just as daunting as finding your actual partner. With so many bridal studios out there, all promising once-in-a-lifetime vibes and dream gowns, how do you even start narrowing it down?
Don’t worry—we’ve got you. Whether you’ve tried on 10 gowns or none at all, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find a bridal studio that truly gets you.
1. Know Your Vibe
Photo: Sugar & Spice
Before you step foot in any studio, ask yourself: what’s your style?
Are you after something classic and elegant, or boho and romantic? Maybe a modern, minimalist number? Having a rough idea of what you like (and don’t like!) will help you find studios that specialise in those looks. Scroll through Instagram, save inspo pics on Pinterest, and note which designers you gravitate towards—this gives your consultant a solid starting point.
When choosing your dress, it’s worth considering how it complements the overall theme and setting of your wedding. Whether you’re going for a boho garden party, sleek city chic, or classic romantic look, your outfit should feel like a natural extension of the setting. Aligning your dress choice with your wedding theme not only pulls the whole look together, but also helps you feel more comfortable and confident on the big day.
2. Do Your Research
Photo: Little White Dress Bridal Shop
Bridal studios aren’t one-size-fits-all — some focus on luxury designer gowns, while others specialise in made-to-measure or rental options. Do your homework: read Google reviews, check platforms like Reddit, Lemon8, or Xiaohongshu, and scroll through their socials to see real bride photos and get a feel for their style.
Some things to look out for:
- Variety of styles and sizes
- Friendly, helpful and (most importantly) non-pushy consultants
- Transparent pricing
- Warm and welcoming environment
Word-of-mouth is pure gold when it comes to bridal studio recommendations. Recently married friends can give you the kind of honest, no-filter feedback that you won’t always find online. They might even share tips on what they wished they had done differently. So don’t be shy about asking around — those insider reviews can save you a lot of time (and stress).
3. Set A Realistic Budget (And Stick To It)
It’s tempting to go full “YOLO” when you catch yourself glowing in a $5K designer gown — but it’s important to stay grounded and consider what you (and your partner) can realistically afford. Your dress is a big part of the day, no doubt, but blowing the budget on it might mean cutting corners on other equally meaningful parts of your wedding.
Photo: Louisa Jackson Bridal
When checking out bridal studios, ask about:
- The price range of their gowns
- What’s included (e.g. alterations, veil, dry cleaning)
- Hidden costs—because yes, they exist
- A clear timeline for dress ordering, delivery and alterations
Don’t forget to factor in extra costs from accessories and post-wedding services, such as gown preservation — if needed. Once you’ve added everything up, you’ll get a clearer picture of whether the total cost fits your budget — and whether the studio makes sense for you.
4. Book A Fitting
You won’t truly know if a studio or dress is right for you until you experience it in person, so carve out time to visit your shortlisted bridal studios. Most require appointments, especially during peak wedding seasons (March to July, September to December), so be sure to book early.
Photo: Louisa Jackson Bridal
When you go, bring along one or two trusted friends or family members (any more and things can get overwhelming), and wear nude undergarments and heels similar to what you plan to wear on the big day. That said, don’t stress if you don’t have these — some studios provide them.
Most importantly, keep an open mind. You might not immediately find the dress in the exact style you had in mind, but trying on a few variations could surprise you. Sometimes, what looks best on you isn’t what you expected — so stay open and trust the process.
5. Pay Attention To The People
Photo: Gown Forestry
Keep in mind that your bridal studio isn’t a one-and-done interaction. You’ll likely be communicating with them multiple times in the lead-up to your big day — for fittings, alterations, and last-minute check-ins. If you’re already feeling uneasy or second-guessing them, that stress can snowball leading up to the big day. You can’t afford slip-ups when it comes to your gown — so if it doesn’t feel right early in the studios shortlisting process, don’t be afraid to walk away.
How to evaluate the consultants; do they:
- Listen to your preferences and take the time to understand your wedding theme, location and any specific concerns
- Take initiative to provide helpful suggestions or solutions
One of the most important aspects of choosing the right bridal studio is whether they offer in-house alterations or work with skilled seamstresses. Alterations are crucial for achieving the perfect fit, and you want someone who knows their craft.
How to evaluate the seamstresses:
- Ask what alterations they might do to your specific dress, like shortening a hem or adding an underskirt to help with better draping. A seasoned seamstress should have clear and practical suggestions.
- Ask to see examples of their work. Look for how they solved tricky issues like adjusting an open back gown without compromising the dress’ structure or design and precision work, especially around difficult areas like lace, embellishments, and fitted seams.
Assess their willingness to walk you through what can be done within your timeframe, and whether they can accommodate last-minute alterations if necessary.
TL;DR: Your Studio, Your Rules
Here’s a quick recap to finding the right bridal studio:
Pick a style – Choose a bridal look that reflects your personality and fits your wedding theme. Knowing your aesthetic helps you narrow down the right studios and dresses that feel like you.
Pick studios to shortlist by doing some homework. Read up on organic bride reviews and don’t underestimate a solid word-of-mouth recommendation from a recently married friend.
Pick a price and aim to be realistic about your budget. Check on package inclusions, hidden costs, and extras like veil rental or post-wedding dry cleaning.
Pick studio visits which give you sufficient time for try-ons at studios with different styles and vibes. Go with a small, trusted entourage, wear the right undergarments, and keep an open mind.
Pick people who are supportive and experienced – especially seamstresses who can explain how they’ll alter your dress, show examples of their work (or reviews), and provide clear timelines and costs.
Good things must share!
Send this to other brides-to-be (or your bridal party!) who also need some starting directions. You’ve got this — now go find the one! 👰♀️✨
