Before pinning all those diamond encrusted wedding dresses from Pairs, take a look at your wedding budget and set a number you’re willing to spend on your gown. With an endless supply of beautiful gowns, this will help narrow your choices and manage your expectations during the dress shopping process.

At Ashley's, we're happy to let you try on any dress in the shop just for fun, but it's not recommended trying on gowns outside your set budget. Two unfortunate things can happen: 1) you may end up spending more than you planned,  putting serious strains on your wedding budget and 2) you may fall in love with certain lux feature that always comes with a certain price-tag, leaving you frustrated finding “the perfect dress”.

And remember, if your budget is $2000, plan to buy a dress less than that to factor in extra costs like alterations...

Believe it or not, gowns typically take anywhere from 4-10 months to be made. Factor in shipping times (if your designer's headquarters is in another country) alterations, and multiple fittings –  your gown could take up to 12 months to be ready.

Lately, we have been seeing a lot of brides rushing due to online orders not working out or last minute engagements and quick wedding dates, and we will do our best to accommodate you! However, we want to ensure you walk down that aisle in the dress of your dreams and rushing is not advised.

Some designers offer rush services, but be prepared to pay an extra fee. If you’re happy getting a professional cleaning and are  fit into our in-store, off-the-rack sample sizes, we do have some  samples off the rack for a lower price.

Overwhelmed by endless options and don’t know where to start? Check out social media #bride, #weddingdress and follow us on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram to get ideas on styles you love. Coin keywords to let your stylist know exactly what you're looking for 'boho', 'fitted and sleek', 'classic ballgown', but don't be afraid to try-on gowns outside the box. Most brides are pleasantly surprised when they LOVE a dress they didn't even think to try on.

While looking online, make sure you keep the season and destination in mind. You're not going to want a full ballgown with long sleeves for your beach wedding or will you be comfortable in  that super sleek, sheath dress for your winter wonderland wedding?

Yes, your bride tribe knows you best! But no one knows the gowns and alteration process like your bridal stylist and we're here to make this experience perfect for YOU! During your appointment, we are thinking of what you like, not what everyone else likes.... If you know deep down you don’t love something, it’s not your gown, no matter how “pretty” your bride tribe says you look, follow your gut instinct and let your stylist know! We'll pull the next option for you!

While choosing who to bring to your appointment, ask yourself who needs to be there. For instance, is anyone helping pay for the gown? Choose guests who are above all positive and uplifting, understands who you are and what you like, and understand that this day is about you choosing your wedding dress! This is supposed to be FUN!

If you fall in-love with a dress on your first appointment, don't force yourself to keep looking. Consider yourself lucky that you found 'the one' and can move forward with other wedding planning details.

Too often we hear brides spending countless hours trying on particular dresses they saw online at different salons in the area, to return to the first dress they knew they loved!

Dress shopping doesn't have to be a marathon. At Ashley's we just want you to have FUN and we're here to help you find the dress you feel and look your best in!