Finding the Perfect Wedding Dress: Expert Insights from Estelle Bridal

Choosing a wedding dress stands out as one of the most thrilling yet daunting aspects of planning a wedding. To help brides in this exciting journey, we had a conversation with Florence from Estelle Bridal, a renowned wedding dress boutique in Houston celebrated for its personalized approach to bridal fashion.

Florence of Estelle Bridal (left), Tiffany of TTE (right)

Interestingly, the journey of Estelle Bridal's founder began not with wedding gowns, but with flower girl dresses. “I was known for crafting beautiful flower girl dresses,” says Florence. “One day, a bride approached me, asking if I could create her gown. My initial reaction was to decline; I thought, ‘No way’, however, I felt compelled to assist her, so I decided to give it a shot. That decision marked the beginning of this wonderful journey.” As time progressed, Florence’s passion for bridal fashion flourished, ultimately transforming Estelle Bridal into the trusted boutique it is known as today.

At Estelle Bridal, every moment in the boutique is thoughtfully curated to ensure it is both memorable and engaging. The dedicated team focuses on personalizing each experience, making sure that brides not only find the perfect dress but also enjoy the process along the way.

“First Things First, When Should I Start Shopping for My Wedding Dress?”

The team at Estelle Bridal recommends that brides begin their dress search about six to eight months before the wedding to allow enough time for production, fittings, and alterations. However, they understand that every bride’s situation is different.

“If you need something sooner, we can absolutely make it happen,” they shared. “The pressure is really up there, but we’ve done it before.”

For brides shopping more than a year in advance, Estelle Bridal emphasizes considering potential body changes:

“We always ask questions like, ‘Are you planning to lose weight? Are you expecting to have a baby before your wedding?’ We take several measurements and might even have brides come in once or twice during production to adjust for any changes.”

“Okay. I Booked My First Bridal Appointment. How Do I Prepare?”

Walking into a bridal boutique for the first time can feel overwhelming, but Estelle Bridal has a few tips to help brides prepare:

• Bring Inspiration – “Come in with some designs that you might want to see yourself in, but also keep an open mind,” they advised. “Sometimes, dresses look totally different on your body than they do on the hanger.”

• Wear the Right Undergarments – “Nude, neutral-colored underwear is always best. Some dresses are light, and you don’t want bright colors showing through.”

• Consider Shoes & Glam – “A regular glam is good because when you see yourself in the dress, your pictures look amazing. It just helps complete the vision.”

• Book One Appointment Per Day – “A lot of brides try to fit multiple dress appointments in one day, and that can be overwhelming. I always say, go with one boutique per day. That way, you’re not rushed, and your stylist can really help you.”

Wedding dresses designed by Estelle Bridal

“Should I Bring an Entourage?”

Many brides dream of bringing a large group of family and friends to their bridal appointment, but Estelle Bridal actually recommends keeping it small.

“You have to know who your people really are. Too many opinions can be overwhelming, and we’ve seen brides leave confused because someone in the group said, ‘Well, this wouldn’t look good on me,’ instead of thinking about the bride.”

Their suggestion? Bring no more than three trusted people who truly have your best interest at heart. Some brides even visit alone first to choose their dress and then return later with loved ones to celebrate their decision.

“We’ve had brides come alone, say yes to the dress, and then come back with their entourage pretending they’ve never been here before. And guess what? We play along every single time!”

“I’m Having Dress Anxiety— Help!”

Shopping for a wedding dress can be stressful, especially under tight deadlines.

“Sometimes brides come to us in full panic mode because they bought a dress somewhere else and ended up hating it,” they explained. “We always tell them, ‘It’s okay. We’ve got your wedding date, and our job is to deliver.’”

Estelle Bridal Team and Tiffany of TTE (middle)

The team reassures brides every step of the way, ensuring that their dream dress becomes a reality—even if it means working against the clock.

Budgeting for a Wedding Dress

For brides wondering about cost, Estelle Bridal’s starting price is around $1,800.

“Some people expect wedding dresses to start at $4,000 or $5,000, but our starting price is about $1,800 and up,” they explained. “The cost depends on details like handmade beading, custom embellishments, and fabric choices.”

Brides looking to elevate their look can also shop for accessories like veils, gloves, and headpieces, which Estelle Bridal offers in-store and by request.

Finding the perfect wedding dress is a journey—one that’s best approached with preparation, patience, and trust in the process. Each step should ultimately lead you to a dress that makes you feel like you. And if the stress creeps in, remember: this moment is meant to be enjoyed. Working with the team at Estelle Bridle has been an absolute pleasure, and their expertise, warmth, and stunning selection make them a must-visit for Houston brides. If you’re looking for your dream gown, we highly recommend stopping by! And if you need a wedding planner to help bring the rest of your vision to life, we’d love to be part of your journey. Happy dress shopping! ✨