Planning your gown shopping trip in Kansas City

We see brides from around the Midwest searching for their dream dress in Kansas City—and with boutiques like ours, it’s easy to see why! If you’re joining us from outside of Kansas City for a daytrip or shopping-focused weekend getaway, we have a few pointers.

Do your research. Having an idea of what you do and don’t like and how much you can afford to spend is always a good idea before you go gown shopping, but it’s especially important if you’re looking to find a dress in a limited amount of time, like on a trip. That doesn’t mean you can’t try out new things—you can and you should!—but it ensures you have a solid starting point.

You’ll also want to make sure you pack a strapless bra, seamless undies and any shapewear you might want to wear to give yourself the best idea of how the dress would look on your wedding day.

Create a plan. Kansas City has a number of bridal boutiques, and many, like Savvy Bridal, are by appointment only. To make sure you’re spending your time in the stores where you’re most likely to find what you want, do some online sleuthing. Find out what designers and collections they carry, their price points, and what sizes they offer. Your time is valuable, so don’t be afraid to call and ask questions.

You’ll also want to note where each shop is located so you can create an itinerary for the day. Give yourself at least an hour at each stop in addition to travel time and coffee breaks so you don’t arrive already stressed out from racing to get from place to place.

Keep in mind that the Kansas City metro is spread out over two states with bridal shops to check out from downtown Kansas City (in Missouri) to Overland Park and Leawood in Kansas, so you’ll need to plan to do some driving or narrow down your search. If you’re focusing on the downtown area, there’s a free KC Streetcar you can hop aboard that’s within walking distance of numerous boutiques (including Savvy Bridal!) as well as other local attractions.

Make it fun. Depending on how you feel about shopping (and any friends and family members you bring along for the journey), finding your wedding dress can be super stressful or a moment you’ll cherish forever. Make it the latter by taking some time to enjoy yourself in our wonderful city.

Catch up on your beauty sleep in style by booking a room for you and your crew at the glamorous Hilton President Kansas City in the heart of downtown. The hotel was originally constructed in the 1920s and is a National Historic Landmark. Make it a point to enjoy some of Kansas City’s famous barbecue at Q39, which boasts locations in Overland Park as well as Midtown (just a few minutes outside of downtown Kansas City) or explore our neighborhood, the vibrant Crossroads Arts District, which is home to art galleries, locally owned shops, restaurants and cocktail spots, and great live music.

Got questions about visiting Kansas City to look for a dress? Let us know in the comments!