After visiting Twirl Boutique, Meant to Be’s sisters store, for a Simply Love Studio Vendor Networking Event, I learned a lot of new things about wedding dresses and small bridal boutiques like Twirl. One thing a lot of people don’t realize about these small bridal boutiques is that all the dresses they have are samples. No one can go into a bridal boutique and take the dress home that day. The more you think about it, the more it makes sense, right? Another thing that brides don’t know is that the owners of these boutiques go to market only twice a year. So, when they go in the fall, they are shopping for spring dresses, and vice versa.
When it comes to timing, Ty, the owner of Twirl Boutique suggested brides start looking for their dress 8-9 months before their wedding. What needs to be considered is that it can take 4-6 months for their dress to come in. This can be for many different reasons, one being that the designer does not have a full inventory of dresses and the dress will need to be made. There is also the time needed for alterations. Twirl does not do in alterations in house, but they have a lot of good recommendations for their brides. Some alterations can be done in 3-4 weeks while others might need 8-10 weeks. All of these things need to be considered when looking for your perfect bridal gown.
The last thing they shared with us is the amount of people you should bring to your dress appointment. They talked about how it is good to have about four people with you, all being people whose opinions matter to you. If you try to go “look” at dresses, but your mom is not there and you really care about what she thinks, it really isn’t ideal for anyone. When it comes down to it, you know you can’t make your decision without her. So consider that before you make your appointment!
Allison Meade, Simply Love Studio Summer Intern
Photo: The Malicotes
