What Should I Wear When Shopping for My Wedding Dress?
The act of shopping for your perfect wedding gown should be an unforgettable experience, and Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal shop is here to help you and your besties make the most of it.
So, you've booked your bridal appointment to find your dream wedding dress and are currently in prep mode? We couldn't be more thrilled for you! We know that this part of the process can seem super overwhelming (believe us, we know), but the fact is, you just need to follow a quick checklist of what to bring when wedding dress shopping.
As professionals in the bridal industry, we've come to the conclusion that having the right clothing for your appointment, the right attitude, not to mention the right people by your side can really make all of the difference.
And that's why we've written this post, to answer just about everything you need to know about what to wear wedding dress shopping. We've included a handy checklist of what to bring wedding dress shopping to take with you, what your guests should wear to the appointment, as well as tips on the best undergarments to bring to your appointment – all things that will immensely help you focus on how the dress fits and feels on you. Your journey to finding your dream wedding dress starts here!
What to bring wedding dress shopping
What to bring wedding dress shopping: 2025 guide
A frequently asked question that we get from our Hand-Me-Gowns brides is "what should I bring wedding dress shopping?" Well to help you out, some ‘musts’ for your bridal appointment checklist should include: neutral-colored underwear, a clip for your hair, and a comfortable outfit, among a few others. Here's a closer look:
Appropriate undergarments: seamless and neutral-colored is the absolute best kind of underwear for wedding dress shopping
Nipple covers: bra optional for your bridal appointment (if this vibes with you!)
Hair clip/ponytail holder: to help you get a sense of your bridal hair look
Your favorite pair of socks: stay comfy while you try on those beautiful gowns
A comfortable and cute outfit for wedding dress shopping: be fresh and photo ready!
A few of your best dress shopping buddies: you’ll need a solid support system of besties by your side
Don’t forget this checklist on what to bring wedding dress shopping!
1. Comfy, neutral-colored undergarments
This is a probably the most important one, you guys. Wearing the right undergarments is an essential things to wear when shopping for your wedding dress. And to be more specific here, we're talkin' neutral-colored, seamless underwear being your best bet. To try on delicate gowns without any unnecessary fuss, you'll want to wear undergarments where the fabric and color won't create any type of friction and make things bunch up when we help you slip on the dress.
That's why we really don't recommend wearing any type of underwear in flashy colors and/or fabrics for your bridal appointment., because they just aren't a good match for wedding dress shopping. Instead opt for beige, white, nude, or any type of undergarment more on the lighter side so that it can't be seen through all of the amazing preowned gowns that you'll be trying on. Basically, it's better to be safe than sorry, and wear a comfortable and practical pair of underwear that won't clash with all of that exquisite wedding dress fabric!
On that note, wearing underwear when going wedding dress shopping is an absolute must! With no underwear bottoms on, we unfortunately won’t let you try on any gowns. We don't want you to be running to the store for a package of underwear in a hurry, so please bring them with you to your appointment! This is not just the rule for your bridal appointment at Hand-Me-Gowns, but it's the rule at all bridal shops. Wondering if thongs count? Yes they do, so you can wear a thong to try on wedding dresses.
What to wear when shopping for your wedding dress: undergarments, please!
2. Nipple covers
Got your nice, neutral-colored underwear bottoms washed and ready to bring to your appointment? Great, because the must-wear-underwear rule for bridal appointments doesn't apply to bras. This is because most gowns have a built-in bra and support system already, so trying on a wedding dress if you’re wearing your own bra will just add extra bulk. That's why nipple covers are an easy and practical thing to wear when shopping for your wedding dress.
So don’t worry, you can also go bra-less to your appointment if that's easier for you. You can also wear a bra to your appointment if you like, but know that it's probably not a good idea to keep it on while trying on a bunch of wedding gowns.
3. Your favorite pair of socks
Honestly, you don't need to worry too much about what shoes to wear at your bridal appointment. That's why we're recommending that you wear what you feel most comfortable in when trying on wedding dresses. We've found that most of our brides just end up going shoe-less for most of the appointment, so whether that be barefoot or with a comfy little pair of socks it's pretty much up to you.
As recommended by Caitlin, owner and head bridal stylist at Hand-Me-Gowns, "Most of our gowns are unaltered, so they'll be about 5'9 to 5'11, so you'll end up getting the gown altered to your height anyway."
So there's really no need to worry about working with the initial length of a gown in a pair of heels. When you go for your wedding dress alterations however, you should definitely bring the shoes that you plan on wearing on the big day.
What to wear when shopping for your wedding dress
4. A clip for your hair
Or any kind of pony tail holder, so you'll get a better idea of how a wedding dress will look on you when wearing your hair up or down. Your hair style is a key factor in your bridal look, so make sure to add a hair clip to your list of what to bring wedding dress shopping.
When trying on different gowns, you'll need something to clip your veil in or to style your hair. That's why a hair clip or even a scrunchie (yes, they're back!) or hair tie will end up being super handy for your bridal dress appointment.
5. A cute outfit to wear to your bridal appointment
Last but not least, make sure to wear a comfortable and cute outfit when shopping for your wedding dress. Choosing your perfect gown is a Kodak moment, so we recommend wearing an outfit that’s stylish and fun to help you get in the best mood for this experience. It's your time, and feeling great in your body will make this day even more memorable.
Over the years, we’ve noticed that our brides-to-be shop better when they're feeling at ease and in their element during their appointment. So, whether that’s being business casual or dressed for a fun Sunday brunch, wear something that you can easily slip in and out of when shopping for your wedding dress.
Still on the fence about booking your bridal appointment with us? Feel free to reach out to us anytime – we're always here to answer your questions!
What to wear when shopping for your wedding dress
What else to bring wedding dress shopping: family & friends
On top of good undergarments and a hair clip, another essential for your bridal appointment checklist is the right little entourage. Wedding dress shopping is the time to gather your people – and a great opportunity to have your biggest cheerleaders by your side. At Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal, we recommend inviting three people to bring with you wedding dress shopping. We find that three tends to be the perfect number – it's not too much to get too overwhelming and just enough if you need a few backups and opinions.
Of course, if you have a few more people that you’d like to accompany you, just let us know when booking your appointment with us and we’ll be sure to put extra seating in our showroom for ya!
Honestly, to find your perfect people to invite wedding dress shopping, you'll have to do a little vetting first. Here’s some key things to look out for:
Friends & family who shop well: you want people in your group who are practical and also have a keen eye for detail. Think of folks that are critical when they need to be, and super positive when the time is right.
Someone who knows your style: choosing your wedding dress is about finding a beautiful piece that reflects your style and taste, not someone else’s. When shopping for wedding dresses, they’ll know your bridal vibe when they see it.
Someone who listens to you: it's so important to bring along people to your bridal appointment who know the real you. Like, the ones who know that face you make when you aren't super pleased with something, or that genuine smile you have when you feel happy. Friends and family like this are just good to have around in general, and people like this are perfect to bring with you wedding dress shopping.
What to wear wedding dress shopping as a guest
We've covered the bride's checklist for her bridal appointment, but are you reading this and wondering what to wear wedding dress shopping as a guest? Whether you're coming as a bridesmaid or as the mother of the bride you want to be just as cozy and happy as the beautiful bride-to-be, so an outfit that's fun and comfortable (and photo-ready!) is truly your best bet.
A nice pair of jeans and top, your favorite linen summer dress or jumpsuit, or a light jacket with pants and a t-shirt are just some of the items our guests feel comfortable wearing when wedding dress shopping.
Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal shop interior in Downtown Hammonton, New Jersey
Ready to book your bridal appointment?
If you’re looking for a classy and affordable designer preowned dress for your wedding in 2025 or 2026, we’re your go-to boutique in the South Jersey and Philadelphia area. You'll be in great hands with us at Hand-Me-Gowns, as one of our professional bridal stylists works with you as you try on different wedding gowns to find your perfect match.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out this list of all the beloved wedding dress designers that we currently carry at the boutique, and please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Sustainably Yours,
Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal
xoxo
