What Every New Bride Should Know Before Shopping for a Wedding Dress: Expert Tips & The Unique Experience at The Poinsett Bride

You’ve said "Yes!" to the person of your dreams, and now it’s time for one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning: finding your dress. It's a rite of passage, a monumental moment - and honestly, it can feel a little overwhelming, too!

We get it. At The Poinsett Bride, nestled in the heart of Greenville, SC, we've been helping brides find "The One" since 2005. Consider us your big sister in this process. We're here to share some expert tips and walk you through what makes the experience at our boutique so special.

3 Essential Tips Before You Shop

Before you even step into a boutique, knowing a few key things can transform your shopping trip from stressful to sublime.

1. Appointments Are Your Best Friend (Ours is Full-Service)

Wedding dress shopping isn't like popping into a department store. It requires dedicated attention, and that's exactly what we offer!

Book Ahead: Appointments are required for all consultations at The Poinsett Bride. Our highly customized, full-service boutique model means you get a consultant's undivided attention. You can easily book online or give us a call at 864-241-0730.
 

Lillian West #66411

The Power of Small: We designed our little shop for an intimate shopping experience. We strongly recommend bringing a small, supportive party - think 2-3 trusted loved ones whose opinions you value. If you have a larger group or simply prefer an ultra-private setting, call us about our private appointment options! 2. Understand the Timeline (It's Longer Than You Think!) Patience is a virtue, especially in bridal fashion. A stunning gown takes time to create and perfect. Gown Order & Arrival: Plan for 6–10 months for the designer to create and ship your brand-new dress. Alterations & Fittings: Start scheduling these about 2–3 months before your wedding date. Total Recommended Lead Time: We recommend planning 9–13 months (or more) to allow buffer for bridal portraits and customizations. Need it Fast?: If necessary, we can often arrange a RUSH order to receive gowns as early as 4 weeks depending on the designer and style.

3. Know Your Budget (And Be Open-Minded)

It’s helpful to have a realistic budget going in. At The Poinsett Bride, our wedding gowns typically range in price from $2,000 to $8,000. We are dedicated to providing exceptional value and a diverse selection to suit various budgets.

Sample Sales Alert! Keep an eye out for our semi-annual sales events! These are excellent opportunities to find beautiful gowns and accessories at discounted prices, sometimes allowing you to snag a remarkable deal on a gorgeous floor sample.
Alterations Cost: On average, a fully altered dress typically costs between $600 and $800. We itemize our alteration costs so you only pay for the specific work needed. Note: Our alteration services are exclusively for brides who purchased their gown from our boutique.

Mikaella #M2580

What truly sets us apart from other boutiques? Located in The Poinsett Corners, just one block South of Main Street, we offer more than just dresses - we offer a partnership that lasts the entire journey. We vow that no bride ever needs to "make do" with a less than perfect or perfectly fitted dress. Sizing Secrets: Wedding dresses run small - often 2-3 sizes smaller than your regular clothing size! Don't be discouraged by the number on the tag. We carry gowns in sizes 8-26 and use our "arsenal of tricks and tools" to help you envision how a sample (which rarely fits perfectly) will look in your custom size. Beyond the Gown: We are a full-service destination! Beyond wedding gowns, you’ll find a large selection of Mother-of-the-Bride/Groom dresses, evening wear, and accessories. We carry jewelry, headpieces, cocktail purses, custom and ready-made sashes, and we even create custom veils right here in the store to perfectly complement your gown!   Our number one goal is to provide a helpful and fun experience so you can find THE dress that best expresses your personality.

We build relationships throughout the entire process - from when you first begin the search, through your alterations, right up to when we carry your perfectly fitted, ready-for-the-aisle dress out to your car for you. We aspire to create an experience that makes you feel special, beautiful, and fully supported.

We look forward to welcoming you to The Poinsett Bride and helping you discover the gown that celebrates your unique love story. Book your appointment today!