At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What Is a Bridal Salon?
The term “bridal salon” can be used to describe two different types of businesses: stores that sell wedding clothing and beauty salons that specialize in providing beauty services to brides and wedding parties. In both cases, the employees of these businesses are trained to address the specific needs of brides and their attendants. Both types of establishments may operate differently than similar businesses. Bridal shops may require the advanced booking of an appointment to view dresses, and beauty salons that specialize in wedding-day styles may request that a bride visit multiple times so as to determine the best hair and makeup style for her wedding day.
Some beauty salons specifically focus their services for brides and bridesmaids. This is because the hair and makeup styles worn by wedding parties tend to be more formal and elaborate than those worn on an everyday basis. A bridal salon that provides makeup and hair services may specialize in helping brides decide on a hairstyle that matches their wedding headpieces and veils and may also be able to work with large wedding parties to create a harmonious look for each bridal party member. The salon’s stylists may also be experts in applying makeup that is suitable for photography. This is often very important, as many brides place a high value on the quality of their wedding photographs.
The other type of bridal salon, a shop that sells wedding apparel, sells wedding dresses, bridesmaid’s dresses, and in some cases other types of formal-wear, such as evening gowns and prom dresses. These shops often also sell bridal headpieces and veils. In many cases, the bridal salon does not stock ready-to-wear garments, but instead assists brides in choosing dresses for themselves and their bridesmaids that are then ordered from the manufacturer. The bridal salon may also perform alterations on the dresses after they are delivered. In some cases, a designer of custom-made wedding gowns may open his or her own salon, designing and making wedding dresses to order.
Unlike many retail shops, a bridal salon may require that individuals book an appointment before visiting. This is because the choice of a wedding dress is very personal and typically requires a significant amount of personal attention from an expert salesperson. Brides and bridesmaids may try on dozens of dresses in order to select the right one and must then typically be measured so that the correct size can be ordered. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled after the dresses are delivered to the bridal salon so that alterations can be performed.
Discussion Comments
I'm the maid of honor for my best friend and we spent all week at bridal salons looking at wedding dresses. It was quite crazy! There were so many people, trying on so many dresses. And each bride-to-be had at least three people with her to give opinions on the dresses. It was kind of chaotic but my bestie finally found a great dress that's just perfect for her.
@discographer-- Yes, it's absolutely worth it. Going in to try out the wedding day look is like filming a pilot for a TV show. It basically tells you exactly how things will be on your big day. And you might just discover that the hairstyle or makeup that you were so sure about doesn't look as good as you though it would.
This happened to me. I had selected everything just like you but when I went in to try them out, I was not happy at all. The hairstyle didn't suit me and the make up was not good enough for photography. I ended up changing both significantly and the opinion and advice of the hairstylist and makeup artist made a huge difference.
Believe me, this is not a waste of money at all. You will be grateful that you had this done. And if it turns out as you expected, then all the better. You can be confident that you are ready for your big day.
I'm getting married on a very tight budget so I'm trying to cut costs wherever I can. I already know how I want my hairstyle and makeup to be on my wedding day and I've discussed it with the stylist at the salon I selected. But she insists on having me go in a week before to try out the hair style and makeup. Of course, I will have to pay an additional fee which I would rather not pay if this is not necessary.
Should I go in to try out my look? Is it really essential and will it be worth the money?
Post your comments