Bridal Trunk Show Ins and Outs

This post was updated 12/1/2025.

“Bridal trunk show” is a familiar phrase for those of us in the bridal industry. But as a newly-engaged person, you might not be familiar with what that is or what it means. And that’s okay! In this blog post, we’ll help you understand what a bridal trunk show is and how they work. Along the way, we’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about bridal trunk shows. Plus, we’ll tell you what you can expect when you make an appointment during one.

Bridal Trunk Shows: Frequently Asked Questions

While you are shopping for your wedding-day look you might come across boutiques hosting designer bridal trunk shows. In case you want to make an appointment to try on wedding dresses during one, we’ve answered some of the most common questions regarding bridal trunk shows to familiarize yourself with what they are and how they work.

What is a bridal trunk show?

First things first, what is a bridal trunk show? A bridal trunk show is a limited-time event when a bridal boutique hosts a curated selection of styles from a bridal designer.

The featured designer might be a designer they already carry or a new designer they want to test out. Whether it’s an existing designer or a new one, trunk shows are a chance to see and try on styles that are not usually available at the boutique! Once it’s over, the styles that are not permanently stocked at that boutique are gone.

How do trunk shows work?

All trunk shows have a start and end date. How long a trunk show lasts varies by designer. So, it might be as short as a weekend and as long as several weeks! There are instances when a trunk show can be extended, but that’s not always a guarantee. Nonetheless, it’s a good idea to check the dates on the designer’s and/or the boutique’s website and schedule an appointment.

Also, since trunk shows are for a limited time, make sure to book your appointment asap! The limited dates mean that there are limited appointment times. So, you don’t want to wait too long and risk not being able to get in to try the styles you want to try on before they leave.

At the end of a trunk show, the styles get packed up and sent along to the next bridal boutique. Most designers list the trunk show schedule on their website so that you can see what city and/or boutique the show is headed to and when it’ll be there.

What can you expect during a trunk show?

​At an Edith Élan trunk show, we send along the newest collection plus a handful of favorites from collections past. If a store or bride requests styles that aren’t on the trunk show list, we do our best to accommodate the request!

In general, however, the appointment experience during a trunk show shouldn’t be any different than the appointment experience outside the trunk show dates. What will be different is that you have access to try on styles that may not be permanently stocked year-round.

Are the gowns cheaper?

Oftentimes, the hosting boutique will also have an incentive or special offer that applies when you say “yes” to a style from the featured designer. It might be a discount on the style, a free veil/accessory, a gift with purchase, or something else. But once the trunk show ends, that special offer or incentive is no longer valid. Not sure if your local boutique has an incentive or special offer? Reach out to them and ask!

Do you have to buy a dress?

You are under no obligation to buy a wedding dress during a trunk show. However, if the incentives or special offers are important factors in your decision-making, definitely take them into consideration. If you aren’t ready to purchase your dress during a trunk show, that’s 100% okay. Don’t feel pressured to say “yes” if you aren’t ready. Shopping doesn’t need to be stressful!

What happens if you say “yes” during a trunk show? Can you take your dress home that same day?

First of all, congratulations! 🎉 🥂 No matter where you buy it or which designer it’s by, saying “yes” to the bridal style that speaks to you is an exciting moment!

In our case, after you say “yes,” the boutique will submit your order. Once we receive the order (including any customizations), we get it queued up in our production schedule. If you pay the fee for a rush order, it’ll get bumped towards the top. But normally you can expect it to take at least 4 months for your bridal style to come in.

Who should you bring with you?

Who you bring with you is when you are shopping for your wedding-day look is important. As we mention in the wedding dress shopping tips blog, bring people who you know will life you up. Also, keep in mind that some boutiques will have a limit to the number of guests that can join.

Where can I try on Edith Élan styles?

The current lineup of trunk shows is on our Find Us page under “Trunk Shows + Events.” Book your appointment directly with the hosting boutiques and to confirm if your favorite styles are in the store. If there isn’t a show close by, contact us. We’ll do the legwork to bring Edith Élan bridal styles to you.

Found this blog post helpful? 

If you are newly engaged and thought this blog post was helpful in explaining bridal trunk shows, we’d love to have you follow us on Pinterest and save it for later using the pin below!

On the other hand, if you know someone who is newly engaged and could benefit from this information, share this post with them so that they are better prepared for bridal wear shopping.