What to Wear & Bring to a Bridal Appointment
Shopping for your wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning! Whether it’s your first bridal appointment or you’re narrowing down your choices, being prepared can make all the difference. Knowing what to wear and what to bring will help you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to find "the one."
At Cariad Bridal in Canmore, we specialize in sustainable, ethically made wedding gowns perfect for mountain weddings and beyond. Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of your bridal appointment!
What to Wear to Your Bridal Appointment
The right outfit can help you envision how your wedding dress will look and ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
1. Wear Nude or Light-Colored Undergarments
Opt for seamless, nude underwear to avoid visible lines under light or fitted gowns.
If you plan to wear shapewear on your wedding day, bring it along to see how it feels in different dress styles.
2. A Strapless or Convertible Bra (If Needed)
Many wedding dresses come with built-in support, but if you need an extra lift or simply feel more comfortable, wear or bring a strapless bra.
If you're considering a backless or deep-plunge gown, try adhesive or low-back bras to see how they work with your dress options.
3. Minimal or No Makeup
Consider booking a makeup trial before your appointment—it can help you envision the full bridal look.
Style your hair in a way that makes you feel beautiful and polished. A greasy, messy bun won’t give you the best picture of how you’ll look on your wedding day.
If makeup isn’t your thing, no problem! Just come as the most confident version of yourself.
4. Simple, Easy-to-Remove Clothing
Wear something that’s comfortable and easy to change in and out of, like a button-up top or a flowy dress.
This makes trying on multiple gowns quicker and more convenient. (Cariad Bridal has a dressing gown you can wear in between dresses!)
5. Comfortable Shoes (or Your Wedding Shoes!)
Bring shoes similar in height to what you'll wear on your wedding day to see how the dress falls.
If you already have your wedding shoes, bring them along!
What to Bring to Your Bridal Appointment
Bringing the right items to your bridal appointment can help you make a confident, well-informed decision.
1. Inspiration & Dress Preferences
Save Pinterest boards, screenshots, or magazine cutouts of dresses you love.
Explore the boutique website and come up with an idea of which gown/attire you like the best.
Be open-minded—sometimes, the dress you least expect becomes your dream gown!
2. Hair Accessories & Jewelry
If you already have a veil, hairpiece, or sentimental jewelry, bring it along to see how it pairs with different gowns.
Many bridal boutiques (including Cariad Bridal!) carry a selection of bridal accessories to try on with your dress.
3. A Trusted Friend or Family Member
Bring one to three people whose opinions you trust—too many voices can be overwhelming!
Choose supportive guests who will honour your vision and help you feel your best.
4. Your Wedding Venue & Theme in Mind
Consider your wedding location—a flowy boho dress may be perfect for a mountain wedding, while a structured gown suits a formal ballroom.
If you're planning a Canmore, Banff, or Lake Louise wedding, we can help you find the perfect dress to complement the scenery!
5. An Open Mind & a Positive Attitude
Even if you have a specific style in mind, be open to trying different silhouettes and fabrics—you might be surprised!
Enjoy the experience and trust the process—your dream dress is waiting for you!
Bonus: Questions to Ask at Your Bridal Appointment
How long does it take to order my dress? (Most take 6-9 months, plus time for alterations.)
What alterations might I need?
Do you offer in-house alternations or have a seamstress you recommend?
Do you carry sustainable or ethical bridal designers? (At Cariad Bridal, we specialize in this!)
Do you have accessories or veils that match my gown?
Ready to Find Your Dream Dress? Visit Cariad Bridal in Canmore!
Shopping for a wedding dress should be fun, stress-free, and all about celebrating YOU. At Cariad Bridal, we offer a curated collection of sustainable, ethically made gowns from Canadian and Welsh designers—perfect for mountain weddings and beyond.
Come prepared, stay open-minded, and let’s find the dress of your dreams! 💍✨
