4 Bridal Stylist Red Flags | Words of Wisdom from the Curvy Godmothers™

Sometimes, navigating the waters of wedding dress shopping can feel overwhelming. Between emotions, timelines, and endless dress options, the last thing you need is a bridal stylist who makes the process harder than it has to be. At Ivory & Main, we believe every bride, especially our curvy brides, deserves to feel celebrated, supported, and confident throughout their shopping journey.

Here are four red flags to look for when working with a bridal stylist:

1. They Lack Experience with Plus-Size Bridal Wear

If your stylist continuously suggests gowns with sleeves “to cover up” or pushes designs meant to hide parts of your body, that’s a problem. This isn’t about covering up, it’s about celebrating YOU! A stylist who doesn’t understand plus-size bridal fashion may unintentionally make you feel limited in your choices. You deserve a stylist who not only knows the ins and outs of plus-size gowns but also listens to your vision and empowers you to feel beautiful in whatever style makes your heart sing.

2. They Disregard Your Preferences (or Rush You)

Your appointment should feel like an exciting, supportive journey…not a sales pitch. If your stylist isn’t listening to your preferences, dismisses your ideas, or seems reluctant to pull a variety of styles for you, that’s a red flag. Sometimes, a stylist might even try to push you toward one specific dress or rush you through the appointment. You should never feel like your voice doesn’t matter. A great stylist will collaborate with you, adjust to your feedback, and encourage you to explore styles that align with your personality and vision.

3. They Have a Limited Selection of Plus-Size Dresses

We can’t stress this one enough—selection matters! Too often, plus-size brides walk into a boutique only to find one tiny rack of gowns in their size. Not only is this discouraging, but it also makes it much harder to find your dream dress. Do your research before booking an appointment and choose a boutique that proudly carries a wide range of plus-size options. You deserve more than a handful of gowns, you deserve the full bridal experience with variety, knowledge, and expertise tailored to your needs.

4. They Ignore Your Budget

Budget is one of the most important conversations to have with your stylist. If your budget is $3,000, your stylist should not be pulling $5,000 gowns without explanation. A stylist who consistently shows you dresses far beyond your price point is disregarding your boundaries and wasting your time. A good stylist will always respect your budget, communicate openly about options, and, if they do pull a dress over budget, explain exactly why they believe it’s worth considering.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, bridal gown shopping should be exciting, not stressful. A great stylist prioritizes your comfort, listens to your preferences, respects your budget, and celebrates you every step of the way. If you encounter any of these red flags, take it as a sign to explore other boutiques where you’ll be supported the way you deserve.

At Ivory & Main, we’re here to make your dress shopping experience unforgettable in the best way possible. Book your appointment today and pop the champagne at Ivory & Main!