
If you're newly engaged and exploring bridal boutiques near you, chances are you've come across something called a trunk show. At Love Bridal Boutique, we host these exclusive events to give brides a rare opportunity to view full designer collections, access limited-time perks, and discover dresses that aren’t always part of our everyday lineup.
But trunk shows aren’t your typical shopping appointment, and to get the most out of the experience, it helps to know what to expect. In this post, we’re sharing the top do’s and don’ts of bridal trunk show etiquette, so you can show up prepared, confident, and ready to say yes to the dress (maybe even with a special gift in hand!).
Whether you’ve RSVP’d or are still deciding, this guide covers everything Jacksonville brides should keep in mind before attending their first trunk show.
Trunk shows are exciting—and exclusive. Since they’re typically short weekend events with limited appointment slots, it's essential to reserve your spot early. Love Bridal Boutique requires appointments so we can ensure each bride receives one-on-one attention from our stylists and has time to explore the full designer collection.
Walk-ins are rarely accepted during these events, so planning ahead is key. We typically recommend brides shop a year out from their wedding date to allow for their gowns to arrive and have time for alterations.
We totally understand the urge to invite everyone to your dress moment, but trunk shows can be fast-paced, and too many opinions can cloud your own. We recommend bringing one to three trusted guests whose feedback truly supports your vision. Keep the focus on you and your bridal style.
Letting your guests know ahead of time that you’re considering saying “yes” at the trunk show can help set the tone for support and celebration.
You might have a dream silhouette in mind, but one of the biggest benefits of a trunk show is trying on gowns you wouldn’t normally have access to. Designers send in their entire new collection, so it's the perfect time to try styles that might surprise you.
And don’t be afraid to speak up! Your stylist is there to guide you, but your honest feedback helps us pull the right looks and ultimately find “the one.”
Trunk shows are meant for brides who are ready to find their dress. While there’s no pressure to buy, we always recommend attending with the mindset that you might say yes. That’s because many trunk shows come with designer incentives—like discounts, complimentary customizations, or special gifts—that are only available during the event.
One of the best parts of a trunk show is the exclusive access to a featured designer’s latest work. At Love Bridal Boutique, we hand-select collections from sought-after bridal labels, so during a trunk show, you’ll see the full range, not just the few gowns we typically carry in store.
Ask questions. Learn about the fabrics, the inspiration behind the designs, and how long each gown will be available. You might just fall in love with something brand new and incredibly rare.
A common misconception is that you need to know everything about your wedding before booking a trunk show appointment. But the truth is, as long as you have a date and venue (or at least a general idea), you're good to go.
Most gowns take several months to arrive, so finding your dress early—especially at a trunk show—means less stress and more time for alterations, accessorizing, and all the other exciting to-dos.
Trunk shows offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore full designer collections, access exclusive deals, and find your dress with extra confidence. At Love Bridal Boutique, we’re honored to host these special events right here in Jacksonville, and we love watching our brides light up when they discover “the one.”
Ready to attend a bridal trunk show? Visit our events page, follow us on Instagram for updates, or book your appointment today!