Walking into your first bridal appointment is exciting, you’re surrounded by stunning gowns, supportive loved ones, and the promise of the one. But for many brides, that excitement can quickly turn into decision paralysis when trying on dress after dress.
So how many dresses should you try on? Spoiler alert: there’s no magic number. There is a sweet spot that keeps the process fun and focused.
What is the Average Number?
Most brides find their gown within the first 5 to 8 dresses. And yes, contrary to popular belief, many say yes to the very first dress they try on! That’s more common than you think.
The truth is: if you’ve done a little research, communicated with your stylist, and trust how you feel in the gown, it doesn’t take dozens of dresses to find your dress.
Why Trying on Too Many Can Backfire
More isn’t always better. Trying on 15, 20, or even 30+ gowns can lead to:
- Confusion — Details blur together and it’s harder to remember what you liked. We call it getting “dress drunk”.
- Pressure — You start to feel like you're supposed to “keep looking” just in case.
- Disconnect — You may end up chasing a feeling rather than trusting the one you already had.
If you liked the third dress but then tried on seven more “just to be sure” and that’s normal! But if you keep going without a clear reason, you may find yourself overwhelmed instead of excited. This is especially true with not only in-store shopping, but with scrolling online as well. Sitting and looking at all the options available online can drive anyone crazy, so try to avoid doing this at all costs!
What’s a Healthy Approach?
Here’s what we recommend:
- Be honest when a dress feels close, but not quite. You don’t need to entertain a “maybe” for too long.
- Trust your gut and your stylist. They’re trained to read your reactions and pull with purpose.
- Say yes when it feels right. Not when you’ve hit some imaginary “magic number.”
You Don’t Need to Try on Every Dress to Know. Think of it this way: You probably didn’t date 100 people to know who was the one. You just knew.
Finding your wedding dress is the same. When it’s right, it feels like you. And that feeling is worth trusting.
Still Unsure?
If you’re someone who needs to “see all the options,” try flipping the script. Instead of focusing on what else is out there,ask yourself:
"Can I see myself walking down the aisle in this?"
If the answer is yes, it sounds like you found ‘the one’, and that’s something to celebrate.
Ready to find the one without the stress?
Book your bridal appointment with us and let’s make this fun, memorable, and totally you.