Photo by Anna Docking. 
Dress from Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique. Photo by Cassandra Daye Photography. 
Choosing your wedding dress should be joyous, not exasperating and exhausting. There are things you can do to shop smarter, not harder, and find something stunning:
• Browse online. When you see something striking, take note of the description: Empire waist? Bateau neck? Cathedral train? Get familiar with the terms so you’ll be able to describe what you’re looking for. There are AI virtual try-on apps in which you can upload a photo and try out different styles and silhouettes.
• Call a few bridal salons. Find out which designers they carry, ask about price range, accessories available, whether they can do alterations on-site, and whether there are any major sales scheduled soon. Choose two or three that carry different designers for maximum options
• Don’t assume you know your size. Bridal couture tends to run smaller than everyday clothing, so don’t be surprised to discover at your appointment that you may need to go up a size or two. Don’t assume this means you’re too heavy and need to lose weight for size 8. Order what will fit comfortably, and if you do slim down, it’s a lot easier to take a dress in than let it out.
Dress from Adriana’s Bridal 
Birdcage Veil by Millinery Treasures. 
Dress from RK Bridal. Photo by Love Me Do Photography. 
Dress from Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique. Photo by Erin Glover Weddings. 
Bridal couture tends to run smaller than everyday clothing.
• Bring a notepad. It’s the best way to keep track of dress details and prices as you shop; maybe make quick sketches. Many salons won’t allow photography until you’ve finalized your purchase.
• Bring trusted friends. That means one or two close, low-drama, patient people who know your taste (and whose taste you trust.) People who’ll tell you the truth.
• Read the fine print. Your contract should specify manufacturer, size, style number and color, as well as any alterations or modifications with an estimate of what these will cost and how long they will take. When will the dress be ready for the final fitting? What recourse do you have if something goes wrong? Get it all in writing before you pay a deposit.
• Putting it all together. For your final fitting, don’t forget to wear or bring the right undergarments, accessories, jewelry, and footwear.
• Consider comfort. Remember that while your ceremony is probably well under an hour long, you’ll want to be comfortable all day. Some dresses flex well, allowing you to shed frillier details like a bustle, train, or shawl and have something you can work with on the dance floor. If you want a luxuriously formal gown, consider choosing a second look for the reception, something that’s still stunning but easier to romp in—the possibilities here are endless.
ADRIANA’S BRIDAL Rhinebeck,
845-516-4660, adrianasbridal.com
Adriana’s Bridal is invested in creating an intimate and highly personalized bridal gown shopping experience for each of our beautiful brides. Sip chilled prosecco as you chat with your style concierge about your wedding plans and stylistic vision. Our passion is taking the time to get to know each bride-to-be’s personality to showcase a carefully curated selection of dresses from our designers like Pronovias, White One, Maggie Sottero, and more. Once you have found your gown, we are ready to elevate your look even further by helping you accessorize with jewelry, headpieces, or the perfect veil.
LAMBS HILL BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
Beacon, 845-765-2900, lambshillbridalboutique.com
Five-time winner of Best Bridal Shop in the Hudson Valley. Enjoy a boutique shopping experience in this elegantly designed shop, conveniently located in downtown Beacon. Try on designer wedding dresses in a wide range of styles, sizes, and price points in your personalized, one-on-one appointment with your stylist. The boutique also carries bridal accessories.
MILLINERY TREASURES
Hudson Valley, 646-286-3092, millinerytreasures.com
Find your perfect wedding style. Offering cathedral-length wedding veils, bridal pillbox hats, birdcage veils, and one-of-a-kind bridal headpieces. Contact us to discuss your wedding needs.
SALIX INTIMATES
New Paltz, NY 845-633-8028, salixintimates.com
Located in the Water Street Market in New Paltz, Salix Intimates is a lingerie boutique and apothecary specializing in earth-friendly garments and lifestyle items. Fun and flirty lingerie for special occasions, honeymoons, bridal, and bachelorette parties. Expert bra-fitters on staff focusing on comfort, style, and fit. Bachelorette party event space available.
