Hello gorgeous bride-to-be!! Now that it’s time for you to go dress shopping, do you want some inspiration on where to start? I got you!

Step 1. Initial Research

Start collecting data on your stylistic preferences. Utilize the “save” feature on Instagram or create a Pinterest board just dedicated to wedding dresses that you like. Once you start saving images, you may see patterns emerge – such as sleeve types, dress cut, and fabrics.

Don’t know where to start looking? I suggest checking out wedding magazines’ pages, both international and local, like @vogueweddings, @brides, @caratsandcake, @utahvalleybride, @rockymtbride. This will give you a good jumping off point from which you can narrow down your likes and dislikes.

It takes a while to identify patterns, so don’t be afraid to save everything that you like!!

Step 2. Schedule Appointments

Armed with this data, set up appointments at a few dress stores. I included a list at the bottom of this article with links to dress stores you may want to check out.

To decide what bridal boutique you think may carry styles you like, I suggest first browsing their Instagram profiles. Since bridal stores are moving so much inventory, it can be hard for them to catalog every new style on their websites. I found that when I was dress shopping, I emailed a few local stores about dresses that they had posted just a few months ago, and several of them were already discontinued!

Step 3. Put on the Dress (and possibly say yes)

Try on those dresses, babe! Your bridal stylist will be your bestie for the hour and help you pick out a range given your preferences. Don’t be afraid to try on a few styles that you previously ruled out… you may just be surprised!

Some things to keep in mind:

1. Try to shop as close to your size if possible to avoid extensive alternations.
2. If the sample dress you tried on is not already fit to your personal preference (ex: if you are looking for a dress with a higher neckline than the one in store), make sure to ask lots of questions about how gowns are built up. There is a difference between dresses that are custom made according to your specifications and ones that are “built up” during the alterations process. Personally, I would prioritize already built up dresses or a customized gown, because it will result in a more natural look.
3. Utah bridal shops are equipped to handle shorter engagements and oftentimes have large collections of the rack. Another good reason to buy your dress locally if this applies to you!

Bonus tip: Make sure to stick to dresses within your budget. I cannot tell you how sad I was when I tried on (for fun) a dress that was 4x the amount that I was willing to spend and had to put it back on the rack… *crying*

Step 4. Custom Made

Congratulations – you dress-shopped too close to the sun and now you have too specific of a vision that no preexisting dress can fulfill. Now is the time to pursue getting a custom-made dress!! With a completely custom dress, you can have a say in every facet of your wedding day outfit, from the fabric to the cut to the sleeves. Utah has several custom dressmakers that can make even your wildest dreams come true.

me in my custom wedding dress from a bridal shop in Utah

Utah Bridal Stores

these don't look like links but they are – click on them!

Utah Valley 

• Affordable Bridal Boutique
• Allyse's Bridal and Formal
• Elizabeth Cooper Design
• GBP Bridal
• Pritchett Bridal
• Sweetheart Bridal

Salt Lake Valley

• Alta Moda Bridal
• Boda Bridal
• Fantasy Bridal
• Malmrose Bridal
• Mary’s Bridal
• Moment's Made Bridal
• The Bride Room
• The Brides' Shop
• The Perfect Dress Bridal
• Versailles Atelier Bridal

Southern Utah

• Bell Tower Bridal and Boutique
• Boulevard Bridal and Prom
• Celebrate the Occasions
• Desert Rose Bride

Northern Utah

• Bridal Corner
• Janelle's Bridal
• Petals & Promises Bridal Shop

Dress Rentals

• Bridal Brilliance Rentals
• Laurel’s & Lace
• Something Borrowed Bridal Rentals
• Facebook Marketplace

Custom 

• ALP Bridal
• Janay Marie
• Tommaso Cardullo