5 Wedding Dress Shopping Questions You Didn’t Think to Ask—But Should

When most brides start looking for their dream dress, they focus on the obvious: style, silhouette,

and price. But there’s a whole other layer of factors that can make or break your shopping

experience—details that many brides overlook until it’s too late.

To get the inside scoop, we sat down with Adrianna Barefoot, co-owner of Party Dress Express in Fall River, who has helped thousands of brides find the one. She’s sharing her answers to the questions brides rarely think to ask—but absolutely should. From the best time of day to book your appointment, to why you might want to limit your entourage, Adrianna’s advice will help you avoid stress, save money, and walk away with a gown you truly love.

1. What’s the best day (and time) to shop for a wedding

dress?

Adrianna: “If you hate feeling rushed, avoid Saturdays. They’re our busiest days, and you’ll likely have more brides in the salon at the same time. If you can, book a weekday morning or afternoon. That’s when it’s calmer, you’ll get more one-on-one time with your consultant, and you’ll feel less pressure to make quick decisions.”

2. How many people should I bring with me?

Adrianna: “I always tell brides—less is more. Bringing your entire bridal party might sound fun, but too many opinions can make it overwhelming. Stick to two or three VIPs: maybe your maid of honor, your mom, grandmother, or a close family member. And if you’d rather shop solo, that’s totally okay too. The goal is to make you feel comfortable and supported.”

3. Should I stick to my original vision—or be open to

surprises?

Adrianna: “Come in with ideas, but keep an open mind. Wedding dresses fit and flatter differently than your everyday clothes. I’ve seen so many brides fall in love with a gown they never imagined wearing. Trust your stylist—we work with dresses all day, every day—but also trust yourself when something just feels right.”

4. How do I avoid blowing my budget?

Adrianna: “Be upfront about your budget before we even start pulling dresses. And don’t try on gowns that are way outside your price range—it’s the fastest way to get your heart set onGWE Blog Post (draft) something you can’t have. I always encourage brides to research the salon’s price range before booking an appointment, so you know we’re a good fit for your budget.”

5. Should I eat before my appointment—or wait to

celebrate?

Adrianna: “Eat something light before you come in. You want to have energy and feel your best in the dressing room. Stay hydrated and well-rested so you can focus on finding your dress. As for champagne—save it for after the appointment. A little bubbly is fine, but too much can cloud judgment. Celebrate when you’ve found the one.”

The Bottom Line

According to Adrianna, asking the right questions—especially the ones you didn’t know you should ask—can make all the difference. Choose the right day, bring the right people, keep an open mind, respect your budget, and take care of yourself. The result? A stress-free search and a dress that feels just right.