Now I completely understand if the bride doesn’t want to the buy the dress because
- she didn't feel that AHA moment OR
- it isn't within price range.
These are sensible reasons...but if you're a bride and you try on a dress and you have that AHA moment then buy the dress, don't think twice, and if you're thinking twice then definitely go home, research about the dress, and find a local bridal shop that might have it for a cheaper price. Stick to what you love! You now know what you want, so go after it!
Things to keep in mind is of course pricing but also pricing of alterations and hemming.
Unfortunately, nowadays, brides do hesitate a lot more when buying the dress because they want to know ALL of their options. Being a savvy shopper myself, I completely understand that notion, BUT also being a planner for so long, I also know that brides usually end up at that first AHA dress in probably that first or second store. Being part of the millennial generation, I understand it’s hard to make any decision when you have the Internet at the disposal of your fingertips to find out a better price or a better bargain.
My biggest advice for dress shopping is of course hire a planner to pick the shops for you OR do your research and only go to 3-4 shops AND THAT’S IT. I believe if we, as people, have too many options, we tend to become more indecisive and less likely to commit to a decision. It seems stressful to only have 3-4 shops to shop in but in this case, that’s a good thing! I think if a bride knows she can only go to 3-4 shops, she is more willing to do an in depth research about the store, about what she wants, and about pricing. Not only that, I believe brides are more open minded to new options and more likely to make a decision!
