What to Expect at Your First Wedding Dress Trunk Show

From what to expect to how to find local trunk shows, we’ve got you covered.
Wedding dresses on mannequins
Photo: Stocksy
carli brennan headshot
by
Carli Brennan
carli brennan headshot
Carli Brennan
The Knot Fashion Contributor
  • Carli writes freelance fashion articles for The Knot.
  • Prior to The Knot, she was the style section editor at Her Campus Media and launched the Fashion Institute of Technology chapter of Her Campus.
  • Carli’s passion for the wedding industry stems from her time as a bridal consultant and her previous internship in a bridal showroom.
Updated Oct 22, 2024

So you're thinking about attending a wedding dress trunk show? You've come to the right place. When beginning your wedding dress search, learning about local trunk shows is a great way to make for an unforgettable shopping experience. From exclusive perks and a wider selection of dresses to the opportunity to meet your favorite wedding dress designers, there are so many reasons to shop at bridal trunk shows when searching for your dream dress.

In this article:

What Is a Trunk Show?

Hayley Paige, wedding dress designer and creative director at She Is Cheval, explains "A bridal trunk show is a special event hosted by a boutique that showcases a curated collection from a specific designer. It's a unique opportunity for brides to see a wider variety of gowns from that designer, including styles that may not usually be available in-store."

Trunk shows are a great opportunity for brides to explore a larger selection of wedding dresses than what the store may typically carry. Sometimes the store will even bring in a designer that they don't typically carry as a way to test the waters and see how customers respond.

Many bridal salons will have a rotating calendar of trunk shows, typically on the weekends. "Many trunk shows also offer exclusive perks such as customizations, discounts or even the chance to meet the designer in person, alongside expert guidance from a sales rep to help you find your dream dress," Paige shares.

How to Find Bridal Trunk Shows Near Me

A great way to find a local wedding gown trunk show is to follow your favorite designers and bridal salons on social media, where they will often post about any upcoming events. You can also call your local bridal salon to inquire about any upcoming trunk shows they have scheduled. If you're unsure where to start, The Knot Vendor Marketplace is a great resource for locating bridal salons in your area. You can filter by dress type, location, fashion services and more. Plus, read reviews from other brides who have shopped there before you.

Are Trunk Shows a Cheaper Way to Find Wedding Dresses?

"Not necessarily, but trunk shows often come with special pricing incentives that aren't available year-round," Paige explains. "These promotions, along with the exclusive perks and added customization options, make the event both unique and cost-effective for brides."

While trunk shows are not always a cheaper option for brides, there is potential to save money on your wedding dress when it comes to certain trunk-show-specific promotions that may be tied to the event, as Paige explained. Sometimes trunk shows will offer an exclusive discount if you purchase your dress that day or sometimes the designer will throw in complimentary customizations that would not typically be offered. This varies by trunk show, so it's important to ask any price questions you have up front. You can also look out for specific trunk shows for designers that carry affordable wedding dresses. Use our free wedding budget tool to learn more about wedding budget costs, including average wedding dress costs.

What to Expect at a Wedding Dress Trunk Show

Attending a trunk show is such an exciting moment, but it's easy to feel overwhelmed if you're not sure what to expect. Below, we've broken down everything you need to know about attending your first trunk show.

A Wider Selection of Dresses

A wedding dress trunk show is a great opportunity to shop for a wider selection of dresses than what is typically available in the store. Think of it like a bridal show, but only for wedding dresses. Trunk shows get their name from the days when designers would quite literally bring their new designs from store to store in trunks. If there's a particular wedding dress designer you love, keeping an eye out for a trunk show is a great way to get to shop a wider variety of their dresses and maybe even shop some new designs early.

Meet the Designer

One of the most exciting parts of shopping at bridal trunk shows is the opportunity to meet the designer of your wedding dress. They can offer advice and guidance alongside your bridal consultant to help you find your dream dress. Sometimes, they'll even offer something personalized, like a custom wedding dress sketch on-site.

Exclusive Perks

Every trunk show is different, but many of them offer some exclusive perks that incentivize you to shop. "The benefits can vary depending on the boutique and designer, but typically you'll find exclusive offers like discounts or gifts with purchase, special gown customizations and access to designs that aren't regularly available in-store," Paige explains.

An Unforgettable Experience

"Brides can expect a magical and sentimental experience," Paige says. "A trunk show is often the perfect time to say 'yes' to the dress, as the energy and exclusivity of the event make it an unforgettable occasion. It's a moment to feel extra special, surrounded by designs that inspire, and ideally to walk away with the dress of your dreams."

Up Next
  • fireplace decorated with greenery and candles
    40 Pro-Approved Ways to Save Money on a Wedding