21/05/2026
We hear all kinds of stories and experiences from our brides, and so as a bridal store owner with over 10 years in the industry, here are my 3 biggest red flags to watch out for during your bridal appointments 😉
1. Not allowing photos during your appointment. It’s 2026 - there’s no good reason why you should not be allowed to take photos of the gowns you try on. We’ve heard some stores say it’s so their designs don’t get copied, but if that store is also publishing their designs on their website or socials, how is this really a concern? Also, if you’re trying on multiple gowns it gets tricky remembering important details, so photos are always a good idea. 📸
2. No mirrors in the change rooms. I’m sorry - but this should be bridal dress shopping 101. Why wouldn’t there be a mirror in the change room so you can see how you look before deciding if you want to open those curtains? 🙈
3. 10% off only if you purchase today, (also known as: high pressure sales tactics). These on the spot “deals” are designed to pressure you into making a decision before you’ve had time to think and consider your options. Stores offering this type of discount have generally inflated their pricing in order to enable them to give the ‘illusion’ of a discount. We always encourage brides to take a break and sleep on it if they are unsure… and the price you are quoted is the price you’ll pay today, tomorrow, and the day after that!
*disclaimer on this one: our prices may need to change if a designer is running a promotion, doing brand wide price increases, or if we need to place a rush order due to a shorter lead time. But it’s never a “buy today for a discount” situation!
Let us know in the comments, have you encountered any red flags when shopping for your bridal gown?
Keywords: Adelaide Brides, wedding dress shopping, shopping tips, wedding dresses, bridal boutique
