Everything You Need To Know About Virtual Gown Shopping Appointments

With wedding planning happening for many couples virtually many bridal fashion retailers are also providing appointments in the digital space. Appointments can be scheduled, dresses selected and delivered to your home to try on and you can have your own stylist virtually on hand to guide you through and help you find your dream dress.

Toronto bridal retailer Sash & Bustle Bridal Boutique launched virtual appointments for clients in March 2020 and Lindsay Colbourne who handles social media initiatives for the company walked us through how the process works.

Can you share what’s involved in a virtual bridal gown appointment.
“A virtual appointment consists of two parts; the first is your virtual consultation. You can schedule these appointments on our website with one of our stylists for bridal gowns or accessories. During your consultation your stylist will guide you through the collection of dresses, relaying info, and displaying dresses on mannequins to discuss fit and this is all at no charge. During this consultation you can select a maximum of five dresses or eight accessories. The second part of a virtual appointment is the at-home-try-on-service; this service is completely optional; we can always save your favourites to your profile for a later date. If you opt for this service, we will arrange curb-side drop-off or courier delivery (depending on where you live) of your favourite dresses or accessories to try on at home. During your at-home try-on party you can elect to schedule a time with your stylist to answer any questions you may have, offer sizing/alteration tips or provide styling advice. We have posted a comprehensive outline of our virtual appointments on our website.”

After a virtual appointment if a client find's their dream dress what are next steps?
“If a bride says YES during her virtual consultation without a need for the at home service, she will have her lovely and enthusiastic stylist to celebrate with! That stylist will go over the measuring process, production timelines etc. They will also be promptly emailed this info. Also, if a bride says yes during the at home service there is a little package that comes with her dresses that we ask only to be opened upon finding her dream dress. In it will contain some treats and surprises for her, a way to celebrate and have an Instagram moment, as well as a measuring tape and a how-to guide on measuring at home, a congrats card and some next step instructions.”

How have virtual appointments been received by your clients?
“So far we have had a great response from our community and brides! Most brides seem grateful for a chance to shop in some capacity.”