Planning your wedding in Los Angeles and ready to order your dream bridal gown? As one of the top bridal dress shops in the Los Angeles area, as bridal stylists at Lovella Bridal we have worked with thousands of brides, and we’ve seen firsthand the questions that can cause the biggest stress once a special-order wedding dress arrives. From color variations and fit surprises to sparkle differences and alteration realities, these are the moments that can catch even the most prepared brides off guard. We’re sharing the top five unexpected, but completely normal, truths about special ordering a wedding dress so you can feel confident, informed, and excited every step of the way.
Get to know the five most common surprises that catch brides off guard when they special order their wedding dress, and why each one is completely normal. From why your gown may look different than the sample, to color variations and the reality of alterations, this expert bridal guide from Lovella Bridal in Glendale, CA will prepare you for every step. Don't let surprises steal your joy. Learn what really happens after you say "yes to the dress."
At Lovella Bridal, we’ve helped thousands of stylish, fashion-forward brides find the wedding dress of their dreams. But what happens after you say “yes to the dress” is something many brides are never told and it can come as a surprise.
Buying a wedding gown is unlike any other shopping experience. Unlike grabbing a ready-to-wear dress or a favorite pair of jeans, most bridal gowns are special orders, made just for you. Once ordered, it typically takes six to eight months for your wedding dress to arrive, and that's when things get real.
In your first fitting, many brides are surprised to find themselves asking: “Wait… I didn’t know this would happen when my dress arrived!”
To help save you the stress, we’re sharing the most shocking (and completely normal!) truths about special-ordering a wedding dress, especially what to expect when your gown finally arrives and alterations begin.
Watch: Shocking Unexpected Truths To Know About Special Ordering Wedding Dresses
Prefer to watch instead of read? In this week’s bridal fashion advice video, our expert bridal stylist shares real stories and insider tips about what truly happens when your special-order wedding dress arrives and why it might look different than the sample you tried on.
Tune in below to learn the shocking unexpected truths about special ordering wedding dresses.
Truth #1: Your Dress Will Not Look Exactly Like The Sample You Tried On
Many brides are surprised when their special-order gown arrives and it doesn’t look identical to the sample they fell in love with in the salon. This moment can feel unexpected, but it’s actually one of the most common parts of the bridal gown journey. The sample wedding dress you tried on has lived a very different life than your made-to-order dress, and understanding why these differences happen can help you avoid unnecessary stress and embrace the beauty of your unique gown.
Here’s what often changes between the sample and your gown:
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Age and wear: Sample gowns have been tried on hundreds of times. Embellishments like beading and crystals may oxidized, giving a darker, vintage sparkle that many brides unknowingly fall in love with. When your brand-new gown arrives? Those same crystals will look brighter, newer, and shinier- a totally different look.
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Fabric differences: Samples hang in the store under gravity’s weight, surrounded by other dresses. This can flatten the fabric and make it feel less structured. Your freshly made gown will feel more full, crisp, and alive.
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Dye lot variations: Your dress will likely be made from a different fabric roll than the sample. That means there may be slight shifts in color, especially in whites and ivories. These differences are usually subtle, but under certain lighting (or in a sea of white gowns), you might notice them.
These variations are not flaws. They’re a normal part of how bridal gowns are created and why every dress is truly one of a kind. This is also where having an experienced stylist matters. At Lovella and for our brides shopping in the Los Angeles area, we walk you through these differences during your fittings so you understand what’s happening and can focus on how incredible you look and feel in your gown.
Truth #2: You’ll See Your Feet. Yes, Really
Many brides are surprised the first time they try on their hemmed wedding gown and catch a glimpse of their feet with each step. In the bridal salon, sample gowns are intentionally made with extra length so they can work for a wide range of heights. They often pool dramatically on the pedestal floor, creating that romantic puddled effect many brides fall in love with.
Once your gown is tailored to your actual height, the excess length is removed so you can walk comfortably without tripping. This means that as you move down the aisle or dance at your reception, the front of the dress naturally lifts and reveals your shoes or toes. It is not a mistake. It is simply how gowns are designed to move once they fit you correctly.
Brides who prefer more coverage can opt for gowns with extra layers or volume in the skirt, which allows the fabric to float and drape a bit more as you walk.
Pro Tip: If you don’t want your feet to show, consider gowns with more volume or layers, so the fabric flows and covers more as you move.
Truth #3: Proportions Change Everything
During your bridal appointment, you try on dresses while standing on a raised pedestal, which elongates your frame and alters how the gown appears in the mirror. When your actual gown arrives and is tailored to your unique proportions, the silhouette can look different than what you remember in the fitting room. The waistline might sit slightly lower, the skirt may not flare as dramatically, or the neckline might hit in a different spot because the dress is now truly customized to your measurements.
This shift can feel surprising at first, but it is simply the reality of moving from a universal sample to a gown that is shaped to your body.
The best way to set clear expectations is to talk openly with your stylist during your initial appointment. Ask how the dress is likely to change once hemmed and bustled, and consider how the fabric will move in real life, not just under perfect salon lighting. Understanding these changes ahead of time helps you stay focused on the overall look you fell in love with rather than fixating on small differences that are actually normal.
Truth #4: Sparkles, Lace & Tulle Will Vary
Every wedding dress is made by hand, and no two gowns are ever exactly the same. Lace appliqués may be placed differently on your gown than they were on the sample. The density of beading or the placement of floral motifs might shift slightly because artisans build each piece individually.
Fabric can also vary from batch to batch. Tulle might feel softer or stiffer, and even two veils from the same designer may not match perfectly because they’re made from different materials. Lighting plays a major role too. A dress that looks warm ivory in natural daylight can appear crisp white under indoor or evening lighting. These subtle shifts are part of what makes your gown unique to you.
We always encourage brides to view their dress in multiple lighting conditions, take photos, and talk through any differences with their stylist so you understand what is normal and expected.
Truth #5: Alterations Are Where the Magic Happens
When your dress arrives in the bridal shop, it is not supposed to fit like a finished, ready-to-wear garment. Alterations are a critical step in transforming a beautiful gown into one that feels made for you.
We've talked before about alterations and how important they are to the process can make or break your wedding dress. Our best advice is to not skimp on the bridal dress alterations, this is an area where you really do get what you pay for.
The alterations is the stage where experienced seamstresses refine every detail to create the perfect fit. Your hem will be tailored to your exact height so you can move with ease. The bodice will be shaped to your bust and waist for support and comfort. A bustle will be added so you can dance freely during your reception. Straps or sleeves can be adjusted or customized to enhance your overall look.
Brides are often surprised by how much a gown changes during alterations, but this is where the magic happens. It is a collaborative process between you, your stylist, and the alterations team to ensure the final result is exactly what you envisioned.
Pro Tip: If your gown doesn’t feel “perfect” right out of the box, don’t panic. It’s not supposed to. That’s why we have alterations.
Our Final Word: Expect Variation. Embrace the Beauty.
Ordering a wedding dress is unlike any other shopping experience, and it’s completely natural to have questions or feel nervous as the process unfolds. At Lovella Bridal, we know this is your first time navigating these steps, but it’s far from ours. We’ve guided thousands of brides through this exact journey, and we’ve seen every scenario imaginable. That’s why our team is committed to being transparent, supportive, and proactive every step of the way.
Your bridal gown will arrive looking slightly different from the sample you tried on. The fit will evolve through alterations as it’s tailored precisely to your body. The color may appear different depending on the lighting and environment. These details can catch you off guard if you don’t know to expect them, but they’re all completely normal.In fact, these subtle differences are what make your gown one of a kind.
Your wedding dress is being made just for you. It hasn’t lived on a hanger for months or been tried on by dozens of other brides. It’s fresh, unaltered, and waiting to be transformed into something that fits and flatters you perfectly. Our job is to help you understand each step, celebrate the beauty in the details, and make sure you feel confident, cared for, and excited from the moment you say "yes to the dress" until the day you walk down the aisle.
Wedding Dress Shopping Tips from Lovella Bridal Los Angeles
We hope you have found this advice helpful when it comes to knowing what to expect when your wedding dress arrives and alterations begins. For even more helpful advice when it comes to bridal styling and the wedding dress shopping experience, be sure to check out our past posts:
- How To Choose the Perfect Wedding Dress Color
- What Brides Need To Know to Prepare for Wedding Dress Alterations
- What To Expect When The Wedding Dress You Ordered Arrives
Meet Lovella’s Wedding Fashion Expert in Los Angeles
Our wedding dress shopping tips and advice are from Nayri, Lovella's own, in-house wedding fashion expert. Nayri is truly the expert when it comes to bridal fashion and wedding style. As the Wedding Fashion Expert, Nayri is the top bridal fashion stylist and the best-selling author of the book "I'm Getting Married And I Have Nothing To Wear," the ultimate guide to helping brides find their wedding day style and their perfect wedding dress. You can subscribe to her YouTube channel or listen to her podcast for more helpful and practical advice on wedding dress shopping.
