We all know that traditional wedding dresses are basically the investment buy of your life, so seeing a four-figure price tag on the dress of your dreams is worth it, because, well, wedding dress.
But add to that the extra costs for simply being in the bridal boutique and things can get a little spenny.
While we're drawing up a Google Doc with a break down of every penny spent on that Naeem Khan embellished jumpsuit, those brides who are a little more chilled about the situation might be left in the dark when it comes to the secret costs of getting your bride on.
Check out our guide to paying the real price for your wedding dress and be the most empowered bride out there.
How it works
The fee varies from shop to shop, and some don't charge at all. We've seen anything from £20 to £50 for one appointment, and you can usually redeem the amount against the dress if you end up buying it there.
Some of the more high-end boutiques charge no matter what time or day of the week you attend, while others usually place these charges on their busiest appointment times at evenings and weekends.
Peta Hunt, editor-at-large of You and Your Wedding, explained that logistically, without scheduled appointment times and deposits, the bridal shops would struggle to run their businesses efficiently. 'I am a fence sitter here as far as charging for wedding dress appointments goes', Peta told us.'
'I would love it if it there wasn't a need to do so, however, most brides-to-be only have time in their busy schedules to shop on a Saturday, which is naturally the busiest day for bridal shops.
'To ensure that a bride secures her hour of shop stylist's time they ask for a payment, think of this like a deposit to secure your appointment (you lose the money if you are a no show). If they didn't it would be a logistical nightmare for them.'
Why do shops charge in the first place?
It's not all to do with scheduling. Peta thinks that indecisive brides, as well as people playing dress up are to blame.
'The reason for the charge is to stop the serial trier on/non-engaged shopper and her crew, taking over the shop on a Saturday and getting tipsy on glasses of fizz with no intent to buy', Peta tells us. 'I do think it's unfair that some selfish shoppers have created the need for shops to charge the legitimate brides.'
How can you avoid the fees?
Not all boutiques charge, of course. And if you're savvy about when and what boutique you want to visit, you can avoid unfavourable fees. Cities or 'famous' bridal shops specifically will be more likely to cost money, while more rural boutiques or independently-owned shops don't see the need.
If these luxury, paid appointment boutiques are really where you want to go to look for your dress, then make sure you don't choose blindly. Research the designers that you like and the types of dress you're most drawn to and pick a boutique that ticks most of those boxes so that you have a better chance of finding 'the one' with just one visit.
If you really have a specific designer that you're looking for, scan the internet for shops that may be a bit further afield and might not charge, or those that you can visit on a week day instead.
Peta also suggests going to sample sales, or attending wedding exhibitions that allow brides to try on dresses. She says: 'Whatever you choose to do remember stick to your budget, hone down your selection and pace yourself so you don't try and cram too much in.
'Don't take a huge group of friends with you, search out those shops that don't charge at all and most of all, enjoy the trying on experience because when the right dress comes along, you'll know it!'
And if all else fails, Net-A-Porter have a great delivery service.
