5 Wedding Dress Shopping Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Bringing Too Many People to Your Bridal Appointment

We totally get it—saying “yes” to the dress is a big moment, and you want your people with you! But too many opinions can make the process overwhelming and take the focus off what you love. When it comes to wedding dress shopping, less is more.
Pro tip: Bring 1–3 trusted friends or family members who will support you and help you tune into what feels best for you.

2. Shopping Without a Clear Budget

With so many beautiful designer wedding dresses in front of you, it’s easy to get swept away by sparkle or trend. That’s why having a budget in mind is so important. It allows our stylists to pull dresses that you love—and can feel good about buying.
At Ivory Vine Bridal Rack, all of our gowns are discounted off retail prices, with many dresses under $1799. We’ll help you find a designer look you love, for a price you’re excited about.

3. Assuming You Have to Wait Months for Your Dress

Here’s the good news: you don’t! One of the biggest mistakes brides make is assuming they’re too late to shop because most bridal boutiques require 6–8 months for special orders. That’s not the case here.
At Ivory Vine Bridal Rack, almost every dress is off-the-rack (we have some orderable options too), meaning you can say YES and take your gown home that same day. No waiting, no stress. Perfect for brides with a shorter timeline or those who just don’t want to wait.

4. Trying On Too Many Dresses

With so many beautiful options, it can be tempting to try on everything. But after too many dresses, it all starts to blur—and decision fatigue sets in fast. Trust your gut! When you feel confident, beautiful, and can picture walking down the aisle, that’s your moment.
Our stylists are here to help narrow it down and guide you through a focused, fun, and pressure-free experience.

5. Only Looking for What You Thought You’d Wear

Many brides come in with a clear idea—like “no lace” or “absolutely not a ballgown”—only to fall in love with something totally unexpected. That’s the magic of keeping an open mind. You may surprise yourself!
At Ivory Vine, we carry a wide variety of off-the-rack bridal gowns in different silhouettes, fabrics, and styles. Let yourself explore a little—you just might find “the one” in a style you never saw coming.