The short answer: wear clothes that come off easily and nude, seamless underwear. Bring a strapless bra, shoes close to your wedding heel height, a few inspiration photos and a budget range. Invite a small group, and come with questions about timing and customization. In NYC, book ahead: many designer salons, including ours, see brides by appointment only.
Your first wedding dress appointment is exciting. A little preparation makes it calmer, and helps you see each gown clearly.
ZAKAA was founded in New York, and our New York studio is on West 37th Street in the Garment District. Every visit is a private appointment with a stylist personally trained by our founder, Asma Zaka. Here's how to prepare for your wedding dress appointment in NYC, and what to expect when you arrive.
The short version:
Wear easy-off clothes, nude seamless underwear and a strapless bra.
Bring shoes, inspiration photos and an honest budget range.
Keep your group small, so your own opinion stays loudest.
Ask about timing, customization and what's included.
What to wear to your wedding dress appointment
You'll change several times, so dress for ease.
Easy-off clothes. A button-down, a wrap dress or a top and skirt. Skip anything you have to pull over your head again and again.
Nude, seamless underwear. Prints and dark colors can show through light fabrics like organza and silk.
Hair pulled back, or easy to pin up. It lets you see necklines and the back of each gown.
Light makeup. Skip self-tanner and heavy perfume. Both can transfer onto ivory fabric.
What to bring to your wedding dress appointment
A strapless or convertible bra. Many gowns have structure built in, but it helps to have one.
Shoes close to your wedding heel height. Heel height changes how a skirt falls and how a train moves.
Inspiration photos. Saved screenshots are perfect. They don't need to match each other.
A budget range. Even a rough one helps your stylist show you the right gowns.
Accessories you've already chosen. A veil, a headpiece or earrings you plan to wear.
A hair tie and your phone. For pinning up hair and taking photos to compare later.
The best appointments start with an honest budget and an open mind about shape.
Who to bring
Keep your group small. Two or three people you trust is plenty.
A big group can fill the room with opinions, and it's easy to lose your own. Bring the people who know your style and will tell you the truth kindly. The gown should make you feel like yourself, not like everyone else's choice.
What happens at a ZAKAA appointment
Every ZAKAA visit is by private appointment, in a calm setting with a stylist focused on you. Here's what to expect:
A personal stylist. Your stylist is trained by Asma Zaka. Expect to talk about your wedding, your venue and the look you're drawn to.
Trying on gowns. You'll explore our collections and try on designs, including silhouettes you might not pick from a photo. Curious about ball gowns or a corset and skirt? Our guides to princess wedding dresses and bridal separates are a good place to start.
Styling advice. Your stylist can help with necklines, trains and accessories, from earrings to capes and toppers.
Customization. If a gown is almost perfect, this is the moment to talk about changes, like adding sleeves or changing the train.
Can you meet the designer?
Select appointments include Asma Zaka herself, our founder and Creative Director. Her time depends on availability. If you'd like to work with her, mention a Designer Consultation when you book.
Questions to ask at your appointment
Write these down before you go. It's easy to forget them once you're in a gown.
What price range do the gowns I love fall in?
How far ahead do I need to order for my wedding date?
Which details of this gown can be customized?
How many fittings should I plan for?
What's included, and what costs extra?
The answers help you compare gowns fairly, and they save surprises later. If you're considering changes to a gown, our guide to custom wedding dresses explains how the process works.
Wedding dress shopping in NYC: tips for the day
New York adds a few things to plan around.
Book ahead. Designer studios in the Garment District often work by appointment, and ours is appointment only.
Getting there. Our studio at 247 West 37th Street is a short walk from Penn Station and Times Square. It's in Suite 703, so allow a few extra minutes to get upstairs.
Walk in comfortable shoes. You'll likely walk more than you expect. Carry your wedding-height shoes in a tote and change at the appointment.
Visiting more than one salon? Leave time between appointments. It gives you room to think about what you've tried on, instead of rushing to the next one.
Dress for the weather. Bring a bag for your coat or umbrella, so your hands are free for gowns.
When should you book your appointment?
Earlier is easier. A gown is ordered, made and then fitted, and custom details add time. Booking early gives you room to try on, think it over and still order comfortably before your date.
If your wedding is soon, tell us when you book. Your stylist can focus on what's possible for your date.
Our studio in New York, and our Virginia salons
Our New York studio is in the Garment District, and we have two salons in Northern Virginia. All visits are by appointment.
New York, NY (Garment District): 247 West 37th Street, Suite 703, New York, NY 10018. (212) 244-3692.
Ashburn, VA (One Loudoun): 20335 Exchange St, Ashburn, VA 20147. (703) 858-4393.
Fairfax, VA (Mosaic District): 2910 District Ave #150, Fairfax, VA 22031. (703) 336-9656.
Book your appointment
When you're ready, book a private appointment online and choose New York, or call the studio. Find every location on our store page.
FAQ
What should I wear to a wedding dress appointment?
Wear clothes you can take off easily, like a button-down or a wrap dress, with nude, seamless underwear. Pull your hair back or bring a hair tie so you can see each neckline.
What should I bring to my first wedding dress appointment?
Bring a strapless bra, shoes close to your wedding heel height, a few inspiration photos and a budget range. Bring any accessories you've already chosen, like a veil or earrings.
How many people should I bring to a wedding dress appointment?
Two or three people you trust is plenty. A smaller group keeps the appointment calm and keeps your own opinion at the center.
Do you need an appointment to shop for a wedding dress in NYC?
At most designer studios, yes. At ZAKAA's New York studio on West 37th Street, every visit is by private appointment. You can book online or call the studio.
Can I meet the designer at my appointment?
Select appointments include founder Asma Zaka, subject to her availability. Mention a Designer Consultation when you book.
