If you’re recently engaged, you already know that you’ll be hiring a planner (hi!), a floral designer, and a caterer for your big day—but what about a bridal stylist? The idea of having a bridal stylist is fairly new, but hiring one is like having a fashion expert at your fingertips on a day when you want to look and feel your absolute best. We chatted with our favorite bridal stylist, Gabrielle Hurwitz, to explain her day job, and why you should consider having a stylist on your team as you walk down the aisle.

What is a bridal stylist, anyway?

Think of a bridal stylist as your fashion BFF at your wedding. From the dress to the shoes to the jewelry, Hurwitz works with clients to make sure that  fashion enhances the overall design of your big day, and that you walk down the aisle feeling your most confident and beautiful. 

A stylist doesn’t just help you curate your big day look. Hurwitz says that many of her brides hire her to help with looks for their entire wedding weekend, from rehearsal dinners to welcome parties to after parties and farewell brunches—even honeymoons! 

Why should you hire a bridal stylist?

Think of your wedding day as one big puzzle, Hurwitz says: “You’ve hired a planner to plan and execute a flawless event. You’ve hired a floral designer to create stunning flowers that will wow your guests. You’ve hired a photographer to capture all the special moments, planned and unplanned. Hiring a bridal stylist ensures the fashion is as thoughtfully executed as all the other elements of your dream wedding.” After all, your dress is just as important (if not more important) as any other element of your big day, and remember that it will appear in photos for years to come. 

What does the bridal styling process involve?

Every one of Hurwitz’s brides starts with an in-depth consultation to establish how she wants to feel on her wedding day. What is she looking for in a dress? What is her overall vision? From there, Hurwitz discusses silhouettes, necklines, fabrics, and design details, then puts together a mood board that incorporates everything from the consultation. The board features dresses and designers that complement the bride’s body type, venue, and budget.

Then comes the fun part: shopping! Hurwitz creates a personal itinerary of appointments at various showrooms and boutiques. “Wedding dress shopping can be emotional and overwhelming, but I act as a bride’s advocate, making sure she finds the dress of her dreams—not someone else’s,” she says. Once her client finds “the one,” Hurwitz suggests jewelry, accessories, and even hair and makeup inspiration to complement the overall look.

At what point during the planning process should you hire a stylist?

As soon as you’ve decided on a venue, a date, and an overall feel for your big day, it’s probably time to start talking to a bridal stylist. That way you can make sure that the fashion works with every other element of your wedding. Speaking of, Hurtwitz even styles bridal parties and other important VIPs.