Step By Step Guide: How to buy a Quince dress

Timeline:

Dresses can take up to 9 months to come in, so a good rule of thumb is to begin shopping a year before your event. This should leave you plenty of time for portraits and other things you need the gown for, prior to your event.

Step One: It all begins with inspiration

Search up and take screenshots of styles you like online. Instagram, Tik Tok and Pinterest are great resources to see what the newest styles and trends are. Keep an open mind. Most of the time girls will decide on a certain color and then change their minds once they physically see the dress on. Refrain from purchasing decorations or committing to a certain color scheme until you have placed a deposit on your dress.

Pro Tip: Beware of online scammers. Sellers on Amazon and other websites often take photos of real dresses and then send you a cheap copy that is not by the original designer. It is always best to purchase from a legitimate seller to get the quality and value you deserve.

Step Two: Set a budget.

 If you have Padrinos or Sponsors for the dress, be sure to communicate ahead of time so that everyone is on the same page prior to going and shopping. Most Quince dresses can range anywhere between $1100 - $4000, with some sample sales offering gowns for as low as $199. (Keep in mind, most dresses at this price will be older, discontinued styles.)There are so many options out there and there is a dress for every budget!

Step 3: Research

Research stores that carry Quinceanera dresses in your area. Which stores have great google reviews and positive customer feedback? Check social media pages to see if they have dresses that fit your vision. Once you have narrowed it down, give each one a call and ask what their in-store selection is like, and then set up an appointment to start trying on. Be sure to set up a time where you, and anyone that needs to see you in the gown is available. 

Pro Tip: Keep your group small. It can be difficult when you have several family members giving different opinions at the same time, and it can often overwhelm the Quinceanera and overshadow what she truly wanted for herself. Narrow down your list to your most trusted and supportive people.

Step 4: Try on with intention

There is a huge selection of gowns out there and it can be overwhelming to choose which to try on. Do your best to select gowns that you think stand a good chance of being your dream dress. Also clearly communicate with the sales associate to ensure that the gown is within your budget and time frame prior to trying it on. There is nothing more heartbreaking than saying yes to your dream dress and then finding out it won’t arrive on time for your event. 

Pro Tip: For your appointment try to bring the following: an open mind, a strapless bra, spandex shorts to wear under the hoop, and a fully charged phone so you can take photos and videos.

Step 5: Place your Order

Once you have fallen in love and gotten that special, once in a lifetime feeling of finding your dream dress: Place your order! Several stores offer payment plans and layaway options. You want to place your deposit as soon as possible because arrival times do change daily depending on warehouse availability. Most designers do sell worldwide, so stock is constantly changing daily. Paying your deposit and signing the contract ensures you can lock in your estimated arrival time and move forward with the rest of your planning.