How to Find Your Dream Wedding Dress in North Carolina
Are you newly engaged and starting to plan your wedding in North Carolina? Congratulations! One of the most exciting parts of wedding planning is shopping for your perfect wedding dress. In this guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about wedding dress shopping in North Carolina.
1. When to Shop for Your Wedding Dress
Shopping for your wedding gown can be one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. However, it’s important to start early and plan ahead. We recommend shopping for your wedding dress 10 or more months ahead of your wedding date to ensure you have enough time to find the perfect match. Keep in mind that made-to-measure designer gowns can take months to come in and still require alterations, so it’s important to factor this into your timeline.
With so many wedding dress styles to choose from, it’s worth shopping around and trying on different styles to find the one that looks and feels best on you. If you’re working with a tighter timeline, don’t worry! Many bridal gown boutiques offer off-the-rack options from older designer collections that are still stunning.
You can also look for trunk shows and visit salons with corporate ownership, such as Vow’d, that mass-produce dresses and can offer shorter turnaround times. Whatever your timeline, there are plenty of options to shop for wedding dresses in NC and find the perfect dress for your big day.
Before you shop for wedding dresses in NC, we advise that you know the following:
- Wedding Dress Budget. You can share that with your stylist.
- The wedding date or month
- The venue or level of formality of the location / event
- The time of day that the wedding will take place
2. Wedding Dress Shopping Appointment
It’s common for people to bring their mother or members of their wedding party to the bridal gown appointment, but remember that this day is all about you! Make sure to bring people who will make you feel good and support you. Sometimes, a non-familial opinion can be the most helpful.
We interviewed a Raleigh wedding dress shop stylist for other tips for your bridal gown appointment.
3. Budget: How Much Do Bridal Dresses Cost in NC?
When it comes to wedding dress shopping in North Carolina, it’s important to keep your budget in mind. Each wedding dress shop carries several designers, and the staff can give you an idea of the cost based on the designers you choose. According to upscale bridal salons in Raleigh, NC, the average bridal gown cost is between $3,000 and $4,000.
However, the price of a wedding dress depends entirely on the product. Local boutiques carry inventory purchased from wedding dress designers, and prices can vary widely based on quality, fabric, and whether the gown is custom created or off-the-rack.
The good news is that North Carolina bridal gown salons have every style and price point under the sun, from Raleigh-Durham to Charlotte to Asheville to New Bern. Shopping locally not only helps support small businesses, but also ensures you receive better service and personalized attention.
As you budget for your wedding dress, remember to factor in other wedding fashion items like a veil, alterations, jewelry, shoes, and other occasion attire. By shopping locally and keeping your budget in mind, you can find a beautiful wedding dress that fits your style and your wallet.
At Heart of NC Weddings, we believe that every bride deserves to feel confident and beautiful on their wedding day. Explore our Wedding Dress Style Guide before your appointment.
Ready to find your dream wedding dress in North Carolina? Let Heart of NC Weddings guide you to the perfect bridal boutique. Explore our carefully curated list of preferred vendors and start your search today!