“The time has come,” the fabled Wedding Walrus says, “to talk of many details: of shoes and slips and bikini waxes, of veils and your future King, and why wedding dresses are so expensive, and whether you’ll find the perfect one.”
Awkward Lewis Carroll puns aside, wedding dress shopping feels a bit like stepping into a fairy tale — but with a wedding planner as your fairy godmother. When it comes to the dress, you’re usually on your own, or your mother, mother-in-law and bridal party all come in tow. Mainly, you want to look fabulous and not trip over your own toes while walking down the aisle. Find your perfect aisle style at these top U.S.-based trunk shows this fall.
Allure Bridals
Allure Bridals hosts over 60 trunk shows across the United States, so you’ll likely find one in your state. The trunk show takes place from Sept. 28 to 30.
Allure gowns are simple, elegant and traditional, with a silhouette for every woman. Your neckline can go high or low, V or sweetheart. Want to be a mermaid dressed in lace? They have that silhouette, too, and you can trust Allure to find a fit for your natural waistline.
Ashley & Justin Bride
The Ashley & Justin fall 2018 collection covers size zero to 30, and the shows last one to three days. Most of the trunk shows are on the East Coast, but some are to the west, too. Find intricate embellishments, lace details and rich embroideries in this collection. Feel like a fairy tale princess in a ballgown or swoon for a swirling, elegant A-line. From simple silhouettes to walking the red carpet as a bohemian celebrity, this brand takes care of your dress preferences with quality, taste and perfect tailoring.
Ashley & Justin often includes discounts for those who order on the spot. Trunk shows aren’t about selling discount merchandise — they’re about finding your perfect fit.
Hayley Paige Bridal
Do you like your dresses layered in details the way you like your cake? Get all the poof, ruffles and modern Southern belle flair you want with the fall 2018 Hayley Paige collection by JLM. Slight V-necks and sweetheart cuts are favored, but lacey long sleeves, high necklines and simple silhouettes with a little flirt also reign this season.
Hayley Paige Bridal trunk shows kick off on Sept. 28, running from 24 to 48 hours, and the trunk show season for the brand ends Nov. 18 in the U.S., with two winter shows taken overseas. Shop in Nashville or Denver and anywhere in between.
Naeem Kahn
The Naeem Kahn fall 2018 collection is elegantly and simply bold, unafraid to play with fringe, don a sheer, high-collared shawl or innovate with a lacy pantsuit. The style is minimalist, but you feel as if you stepped back in time, as these looks are timeless. Inspirations of different countries and decades feel accounted for here.
Check out this collection coming up next in Dallas on Oct. 12 at Neiman Marcus, but you can catch the collection in a few major cities across the country. The show runs for two days on average.
Nordstrom
Yes, Nordstrom! Trunk shows for Nordstrom already started their circuit in late summer, and many shows reappear in the same place about two months later if you happen to miss it. Fall is trunk show season for Nordstrom, running for two days across the country and a little into winter.
Dare to show your belly and make getting around so much easier in a two-piece lacy gown. Learn the waltz and dance in a classic ballgown. Let trailing lace and slight V-necks capture a boho vibe for a beach wedding. Go back a few decades or centuries with a modern twist on high necklines with elegant silhouettes and renaissance gowns with angel sleeves.
Deciding on a wedding gown that proves affordable, classic and fits both you and the elements can test any bride’s patience and financial resources. When you feel at a loss, pile in the car with your bridal party and take a road trip to the closest trunk show for inspiration where you can try on every gown under the sun.
When you do fall in love with a dress, you can snag it with a discount and customize it according to your dreams.
Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Ruffled, and more!