Who would have predicted this is where we would be in 2020? Every business took a hard hit and the wedding industry is no exception. Luckily, we are slowly getting back into the swing of things as we prepare for our 2021 to-be-weds. As you’re getting ready to shop for your dream wedding dress, we have to remind our brides to-be that wedding dress shopping during a pandemic will be similar to what it was before but nevertheless, it will be a different experience.
That’s not to say it won’t be a memorable one. If you can get past all the hand sanitizer, limitations of guests in the store, and other preventative safety measures, you can still have a shopping experience like no other.
With our HUGE Bridal Week Sale around the corner, we want to let all of our brides know what to expect and what actions to take take before and during their try-on appointment. Shopping for your wedding gown during a pandemic is possible, however, there are few things you’ll need to know.
Planning Ahead
Dress shopping now will require a little more prep-work than before. Here are a three things to do BEFORE arriving to your appointment.
Contact Your Local Bridal Shop
Make sure to call your local bridal shop to find out what preventative measures they are taking. Here at Livingston Bridal and Events we are following our state’s guidelines very closely.
- We will continue to operate strictly by appointment
- As mandated by state orders, both employees and customers are required to wear masks up entry. Forgot yours? No problem! We have disposable masks available for you.
- Hand sanitizer will be available in each dressing room
- Private experience guaranteed. Only one party will be allowed in the bridal shop at a time.
- As per state orders, we are only able to operate at a 25% occupancy so parties will be limited. Only a maximum of three guests may be allowed to accompany the bride.
- We will be properly disinfecting all surfaces in between try-ons and fittings, including gowns.
Do Your Research
This is something we recommend pre, during, and post pandemic. However, during this pandemic, most bridal shops are limiting the amount of dresses that can be tried on. At our store, we steam clean every gown after try-ons. Once the gowns are steamed, they need time to dry. Limiting the amount of gowns each bride tries on, allows for a faster turn around in between appointments. Because we can only work with one bridal party at a time, it is very important that stay on time for each of our appointments so each person gets the time and attention they deserve.
We always recommend that our brides do a little homework before arriving at their appointment. This could be something as simple as going on Pinterest and looking up pictures of dresses that they like. Or going through their closet and determining what style of dress/skirt they’re into. Do they like a body-con dress? Maybe that means they’ll be more into fitted dresses. Do they own tons of A-line skirts? That will let us know to start the ballgown route. That’s not say we won’t explore options, but by doing so, it gives consultants a confident idea of where to start.
Prepare For a “Different” Experience
At the end of the day, we want our to-be-weds to recognize wedding dress shopping during a pandemic will be a different experience. Although bridal shops are working hard to make your shopping experience as “normal” as possible, we have to practice measures for the safety of our employees and our guests.
The Day Of
The day you’ve been waiting for is finally here! We’ve put together four things to know the day of your appointment.
The Less The Merrier
The number of people you can bring will change drastically for many. At our shop we are only able to allow 3 guests per bride. That equals 25% capacity when you include the bride and the staff on hand. However, this may be a saving grace for a lot. We always recommend not having too many chefs in the kitchen. Keeping your entourage small and intimate allows for opinions only from those that truly matter. Once you’ve narrowed your choices down, we can always schedule a secondary appointment to show your entourage your favorites.
Don’t Forget Your Mask
We get it. It’s not an ideal situation having to wear masks during your wedding gown try-on. However, for the safety of employees and guests, most places will require you keep your mask on the whole time. At our store, if you happen to forget your mask, we’ll provide you with one.
Communicate
Consultants can usually tell right away if a someone loves the dress they’re in. With the current mask requirements it’s hard to read face expressions. You might be wondering why your consultant is asking so many questions? They have to make sure they’re on the right path. Do not be afraid to voice your opinion. Consultants will not be upset if you don’t like a gown they suggested, they’re here to make the most of your appointment and explore all of the possibilities.
Discuss Timeline and Budget
If you know your budget and your timeline, that should be the first thing you communicate with your consultant. If you have a strict budget of $600, your consultant is not gonna point you to a $2,000 gown. The same way they’re not going suggest a gown that takes five months to produce if you only have two months to the wedding. Therefore, make sure this is one of the first things you talk about. You and your fiancé decided to elope tomorrow, you need a dress and alterations done in less than 24 hours? You can rest assured that Livingston Bridal is going to do everything we can to make it happen for you.
Wedding dress shopping during a pandemic will be different- but it is totally possible. This might be one of the best times to dress shop for some. As bridal boutiques work to get back to normal, you will find that many places are having great sales. At our shop we are offering a FREE tux or suit with the purchase of any designer gowns.
So if you’re ready to start shopping- don’t miss our Bridal Week Sale taking place November 28th- December 5th. Enjoy discounts of up to 40% off discontinued gowns, 20% off of in season pieces and 10% off reorders. For appointment bookings call 575.521.0872. Stay tuned and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more details. Happy shopping!
XOXO
-Livingston Crew
