Ultimate Guide to Shopping For Wedding Dresses In Asheville, NC
For many brides, one of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding is choosing your wedding dress. In Asheville, NC, your choices for bridal sanctuaries are as diverse as the love stories that bring you here. However, sometimes the quest for that dream dress can feel as overwhelming as it is exciting. But don’t worry ladies - we’ve got you. In this article we will go through what to expect going into your bridal appointments, and give you an overview of some of the charming local boutiques to ensure you not only find a gown, but discover one that perfectly mirrors your unique personality and style.
Before we jump into the vibes and price points of bridal salons in the Asheville area, let's go over some universal basics of wedding dress shopping so that you can feel prepared and confident going into your appointments!
These are some of the most commonly asked questions brides have before their gown shopping appointments. In the paragraphs below, we’ll give everything you need to know to make the gown shopping process as easy as possible, so you can relax and focus on the unforgettable experience of finding that perfect dress:
Let’s get started with the FAQ’s!
How do I choose which bridal salons to visit?
By doing research- and this article is a great place to start! Many bridal salons will charge appointment fees, so before you make an appointment it’s important to look at the shops website and social media accounts so that you can get a good idea of the type of inventory that they have and make sure that what they offer aligns with both your personal style and budget.
When should I start wedding dress shopping?
While some shops may offer off the rack options that you can leave with the same day, most bridal shops carry special order gowns. This means that when you go in for your appointment, the dress you will actually try on is what is referred to as a “sample” gown. Once you find the one that ends up being THE dress, your bridal stylist will take your measurements and compare them to the specific size chart of the designer that created that sample. Your bridal stylist will then special order you a brand new gown from that designer in the size that your measurements best fit. Special order gowns take an average of 6-7 months to come in. You also need to leave yourself time for alterations once your gown arrives, which take an average of 2 months to complete. So, with all of that in mind - we would advise starting your dress shopping process 9-12 months prior to the actual date of the wedding. We know that sounds like a long time, but with this timeline you will be able to fully explore your options and ensure everything goes according to plan. It is always better to be safe than sorry and give yourself a little extra buffer!
How many appointments should I schedule?
While many brides feel like they need to try on gowns at every shop they can - we would advise against that. Decision fatigue is a real thing, and the paradox of choice can be paralyzing. The more gowns you try on, the harder the decision becomes. While it may surprise you, a high number of brides actually find their gowns during their first bridal appointment - especially if they do their due diligence and research their local bridal shops ahead of time to ensure that they're only visiting shops that align with their style and budget. We would recommend making appointments at 1-2 bridal shops, 3 max to start off with. It’s better to take time to select bridal shops and salons whose vibe and inventory you truly resonate with, than to set up appointments all over town.
What should I wear and/or bring with me to my bridal appointments?
Let's start off with undergarments. You cannot wear a bra with most wedding dresses these days (they pretty much all have built in support), so while you should bring a bra for having your measurements taken - we would advise bringing a pair of pasties for modesty while changing, or in case you end up trying on something sheer up top. Additionally- the best thing to wear on bottom is a nude colored thong, especially if you are wanting to try on fitted gowns. This is because depending on the material of the gown you try on, you would potentially see panty lines and/or the color of the material through the fabric if you were to wear a darker color undergarment like navy blue. If you plan on wearing shapewear for your wedding day, you should bring it with you. However, keep in mind that depending on the style of gown you choose, some gowns may not work with shapewear (for example, if there are sheer cut outs on the side). If you have your wedding shoes already, you can bring them to see how they pair, but keep in mind that the gowns will not have been altered to your height yet, so most bridal shops will have you stand on a pedestal and heels will not be necessary. If you have a veil or other accessories already, you will want to bring them so that you can see how they pair with the gowns you try.
Should I go into trying on gowns with a set budget, or explore my options first and then decide on a budget later?
Determine your budget ahead of time and be clear on what it is. There is no worse feeling than falling in love with a gown that is out of your price range. Being able to express to your bridal consultant what your budget is will help them be able to show you gowns in styles that interest you, but are also within a price range you’re comfortable with. With that in mind - you want to make sure that you are not only prepared for your appointments emotionally, but financially as well. Bring funds with you so that if you find your gown, you can begin the process of ordering it, and officially check it off your wedding to do list. Be ready to fall in love with a gown and move forward with it, so you can celebrate your “I said yes to the dress!” moment with your loved ones who accompany you to your appointment, and have your bridal stylist take a photo of you all together!
What can I do to best prepare for my bridal appointments and utilize my time at the bridal salons to the fullest?
Think about what you want ahead of time. Make a pinterest board with gowns that you love, or create a separate album of screen shots on your phone for easy reference. When you are able to show your bridal stylist specific styles you like, it is easier for them to pull things that match the vibe you are going for. Keep an open mind - if your stylist suggests a gown, there are reasons they think you might love it. Things can look very different on the hanger than they do on the body, so be open to trying things your bridal stylist suggests. Additionally, it is important to remember that different bridal shops operate in different ways. Some may send you a questionnaire or material to review before your appointment, so make sure to keep an eye out for correspondence from the bridal shops you schedule appointments with in the days or weeks leading up to your appointment to make sure that they have all the information they need from you to adequately prepare before you arrive. Most salons will have a formula for how they run their appointments, so let your consultant take the lead and guide you through to ensure you get the most out of your time as possible. Lastly, be mindful of the details surrounding your appointments at different shops. If the appointments are 1 hour long, you want to make sure to arrive on time so that you can make full use of your scheduled time. Similarly, if you have an hour long appointment, be mindful of that time frame while you are trying on gowns. While it is meant to be a fun and exciting experience, trying on a gown you find outlandish “just for fun” might not be the best utilization of time if you know it's not a style you are actually interested in, and that time could possibly be better spent trying on a gown that IS your vibe.
Is bridal gown sizing the same as standard dress sizing?
Bridal sizing is based on couture sizing- so as a general rule of thumb, it runs about 1-2 sizes bigger than standard clothing. For example, if you’re usually a size 4, chances are you’ll be closer to a size 6 or 8 in bridal. The sample gowns you try on in shops will all most likely be a bit too big or a bit too small (depending on what sample sizes they have of different available gowns). It’s also important to keep in mind that the gowns have not yet been altered so they will most likely be too long in the skirt, as well as in the shoulders and sleeves. However, this is a big part of what your bridal stylist is there to help with! Your stylist will most likely use a pedestal to account for extra skirt length, as well as clips, fabric panels, and a little bit of magic to show you how the gown will look on you once it is properly altered.
Still with us?!
Now that we’ve covered the bridal shopping basics, lets take a look at some of the bridal shops in Asheville & the surrounding area, and break down what makes them unique.
1. Wildflower Bridal
Nestled in the artsy and refined shopping scene of Asheville in Biltmore Park, Wildflower Bridal is more than just a boutique; it's a haven for brides seeking a highly personalized experience. Imagine strolling through a bohemian wonderland, where lace and flowing fabrics effortlessly create a dreamy and relaxed essence. At Wildflower Bridal, each gown is curated by the owner and tells a tale as beautiful as yours. With a rotating selection of over 200 special order gowns (and a limited selection of off the rack options), Wildflower is a boho bride with an eye for styles dream. Wildflower is open by appointment only, with appointments lasting an hour and a half. The experience is both peaceful and personal, with just you, your loved ones, and the bridal consultants present. Their gowns are boho, chic, and romantic, with a dash of ethereal and vintage vibes thrown in the mix as well. Their prices range from $1000-$3500 (with the majority being between $1500-2500) and their sample sizes run from 10-24. They carry gowns from many well known designers such as Essense of Australia, Chic Nostalgia, and Madi Lane. If you are a whimsical, earthy, creative and free spirited bride looking for a unique bohemian gown that reflects that - this is the shop for you! You can find them on instagram @wildflowerbridal or online at www.wildflowerbridal.com.
2. Birchwood Bridal
The experience is everything at Birchwood Bridal, but the dresses definitely do not disappoint. Ethereal forest fairies, free-spirited mountain dwellers, and effortlessly timeless icons alike can be found answering their calling within this Historic West Asheville bridal boutique. Their broad range of style invites intrigue, offering something for all walks of life within their rotating inventory of 125 unique gowns. Whether you're in a pinch or planning far ahead, their Off-The-Rack room ($400-$1300) and Special-Order room ($1100-2800) are stocked with a beloved selection of dreamy styles. The majority of their dresses sit between $1200-1800, and with sizes ranging from 6-26, Birchwood Bridal aims for inclusivity for all. At Birchwood, every dress whispers a promise of magical moments for a beautiful wedding day that begins in their bright and airy atmosphere with nature-inspired decor. By only taking one appointment at a time, they strive to give every bride the individual attention they deserve for an intimate experience, whether the bride comes in solo or with their loved ones. They cultivate enchanted memories that stand the test of time by helping them feel comfortable, confident, and at ease. You can find them on Instagram @birchwoodbridal indulge in an appointment by booking online at www.birchwoodbridal.com.
3. Meadowbrooke Bridal
Located just a short drive outside of Asheville on North Main Street in Weaverville, NC is Meadowbrooke Bridal. Meadowbrooke prides themselves on being rooted in tradition and elegance, while still curating a selection that is modern with the right amount of class (or sass) for every bride. Think luxurious fabrics, inspired lace details, and picturesque beadwork housed in a bright and light feeling shop with elevated and intentional decor inspired by the estate the owner grew up in. Meadowbrooke carries a number of well known bridal designers including Maggie Sottero, Alena Leena, and Truvelle. They carry a rotating selection of around 100 special order gowns (including a limited selection of off the rack options) in sample sizes ranging from 8-20, and their prices range from $1500-$5000 with the majority of their collection sitting priced in the span of $1800-$2500. Meadowbrooke offers personal hour and a half long appointments where their stylists can work with their brides one on one to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. As you explore the curated collection of exquisite wedding gowns at Meadowbrooke, your experienced consultant will help you find your dream gown - whether it is a fairytale ball gown, a sleek and modern silhouette, or something uniquely you. If you are chic and sophisticated bride looking for a gown that is stylish and refined - this is the shop for you! You can find them on instagram @meadowbrookebridal or online at www.meadowbrookebridal.com.
4. Candler Budget Bridal
Just a quick drive outside of Asheville in Candler, NC you’ll find Candler Budget Bridal. For brides looking for their dream dress for a dreamy price - Candler Budget Bridal has you covered. Picture delicate lace, flowing chiffon, and silhouettes that evoke a sense of elegance and grace. With both contemporary and traditional styles, Candler Budget Bridal carries over 500 designer gowns ranging in sizes 4-26, with the majority of their gowns costing $600-$1000 or less. They offer private appointments where brides can work one on one with a bridal consultant to make sure they are shown gowns that fit their vision and their price point. They have a number of off the rack selections available for brides on a shorter timeline. At Candler Budget Bridal, they believe that every bride deserves their fairytale dress regardless of their price range. If you are a bride who is balling on a budget and wants to try a number of different types of designer gowns without the high price tags, this is the shop for you! You can find them on instagram @candler_budget_bridal or online at www.candlerbudgetbridal.com.
5. Jillian's Bridal Outlet
Located a little over an hour outside of Asheville in Hickory, NC is Jillian’s Bridal Outlet. Jillian’s is a wonderful option for brides on a shorter timeline, as all of their inventory is sold off the rack and you can leave with your gown at the time of purchase. Jillian’s carries over 650 bridal gowns ranging in size from 00 to 26, and they carry a number of well known designers such as Stella York, Justin Alexander and Allure. It’s also a very budget friendly salon with every gown costing the same price of $699. Their gowns range in style from classic and romantic to modern and minimalist with something for everyone. A few potential downsides are that they do not offer layaway, holds or payment plans; nor do they offer individual appointments - it is first come first serve with each bride being allotted 1 hour for trying things on. If you’re having a wedding soon and need a gown with a quick turnaround time but still want a dress with a wow factor, this could be the salon for you! You can find them on instagram at @jillians_bridal_outlet, or online at www.jilliansbridaloutlet.com.
+1 (828) 367-7327
