All of us have spent endless hours online looking at clothing. In the age of online convenience, the virtual realm offers countless options at our fingertips – but there is still the question of whether it will fit, how the fabric feels and adapts to different body shapes, and if the provided sizing guide is practical and accurate. The whole experience is impersonal and at best a 50/50 chance of positively working out. You wouldn’t want to take those odds when bridesmaid dress shopping.

Choosing to shop for your bridesmaid dresses at a traditional, brick-and-mortar store provides a world of advantages that extend well beyond mere convenience. From choosing fabrics to customized service and the camaraderie of choosing dress styles together, the in-person shopping experience adds a touch of personalization and joy to being a bridesmaid. We stopped by Bella Bridesmaids, a local store that focuses solely on the women in your wedding party, to get their take on why in-person shopping trumps the virtual cart when it comes to selecting bridesmaid’s dresses.

DRESSING DIFFERENT BODY TYPES

The most obvious benefit of shopping in person is that you can explore different styles of gowns that will fit every body shape and make your bridesmaids feel confident in what they are wearing. Bella Bridesmaids alone has an extensive collection of designer gowns in hundreds of styles, colors, and sizes ranging from sizes 00 to 30W. With that type of inventory at your fingertips you go beyond the online shopping experience by taking the guesswork out of purchasing something that may not work. Your bridesmaids enjoy trying on different dress styles, narrowing down to the perfect one for their body type.

REMOVING UNCERTAINTIES

Unlike online shopping, where product images are often enhanced with Photoshop and filters to achieve a flawless appearance for the virtual store, in-person shopping eliminates these uncertainties. By utilizing swatch books, you can accurately see the exact shades of each dress color and experience the texture of the fabric firsthand. Plus you have the added benefit of observing how the dress gracefully flows while walking or dancing – a unique treat that exceeds the limitations of online browsing.

ASSISTANCE OF A STYLIST

The trend of mixing and matching styles and colors for bridesmaid dresses highlights the advantage of in-person shopping in achieving the perfect blend for your wedding day. Exploring various styles, fabrics, and colors in person allows you to experiment with different combinations, offering the unique advantage of seeing them side by side before settling on a final choice.

EASY CUSTOMIZATION & MATCHING

When you shop online you are completely on your own. Whereas, when shopping in person you have the support of a dedicated personal stylist. From answering questions to offering sizing guidance, the stylist is committed to guiding you through the entire process. With constant communication, the personal stylist stays connected with you and your bridesmaids, providing ongoing guidance from the initial fittings to the final details, keeping your orders on track, and ensuring a seamless and enjoyable dress-shopping process from start to finish.

CREATING A MEMORABLE EVENT

Why settle for a solitary click when you can turn dress shopping into a memorable occasion? Turn the day into a delightful outing with your bridesmaids, perhaps a leisurely lunch or celebratory drinks, coinciding with the dress fitting. Make the day about more than just finding the perfect dresses — treat your bridesmaids to a well-deserved day of shared laughter, camaraderie, and the enjoyment of being an essential part of your life. Turning the search for bridesmaid dresses into an event makes it more exciting and a cherished memory for everyone involved.

SUPPORTING LOCAL

Our choice to collaborate with Bella Bridesmaids stems from their status as a locally-owned, women-led shop. Opting for an in-person experience, particularly at a boutique, not only fulfills your needs but also grants the boutique the opportunity to cater to you personally, setting it apart from larger, impersonal brands.

Enjoy Bridesmaid Dress Shopping? Ready to start finding vendors for your wedding? Check out our collection of Kansas City Wedding Vendors.