Gowns….shopping for the one! What do you do?
So you have the groom and the ring, and now you are ready to hit the ground running to find that perfect dress. Congratulations! Here are some tips to finding that perfect dress and staying stress-free.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK: Go online, scour the newsstand, and look in magazines, to find anything and everything wedding related. When you think of your wedding day, what do you picture yourself wearing? Is it a full ball gown or a form-fitting mermaid gown? Know the different styles of wedding gowns and what you are looking for, as well as your budget, before making an appointment. You don’t want to get your heart set on a $10,000 gown if you cannot afford it.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: Most bridal boutiques ask that you make an appointment and come prepared. Make an appointment with a consultant, and find out how much time you are allotted. Because Saturday’s are hectic, weekdays are the best time for an appointment, because the consultant is able to give you her undivided attention. Make sure you have enough time to order your gown . . . allow six to eight months when working with a bridal boutique. Bring pictures of gowns you like. Ask the consultant to pull a few of their picks, too, as variety equals options. Keep an open mind as you shop, as most of the time you will not end up with the gown you pictured. Try on headpieces and veils while you are trying on gowns to give the full effect.
THINGS TO BRING TO AN APPOINTMENT:
- A strapless bra and the proper undergarments
- A credit card, just in case you happen to find the dress
- An open mind, and don’t look at the size of the gown you are trying on or measuring.
- A camera. If the salon will allow you, take some pictures to capture the moments when you come out in the dresses. Even if you don’t like some of the gowns, the pictures make a great album later on. Snap a picture of you and your consultant, especially if she sells you the gown. Don’t show anyone the pictures; the more opinions you get, the more confused you are.
- Your mom! She will want to share this experience, and it can be an experience you both cherish the rest of your lives.
- Don’t bring the entourage! While you would like to include everybody in the gown shopping process, make sure that you only bring two to three people. If you bring too many people, it can become confusing and you will not know what you like.
ENTERTAIN THE IDEA – VEIL OR HEADPIECE: If you have a seasoned bridal consultant, she will automatically put you in a veil or headpiece. This will do two things: make you feel like a bride and complete the bridal look. Your consultant will more than likely accompany the veil with a headpiece, which will further complete the look and enhance the dress. Some brides choose a tiara, headband, pretty clip, or other baubles.
BELT IT UP: To create a defined waistline, a beaded or colored belt can make a huge difference. Belts have become a staple when it comes to bridal fashion; they complete the bridal look. From a plain gown to an all lace gown, the beaded and/or colored belts are just the perfect amount of definition the gown needs. The addition of the belt can change the look of the whole gown, making it the one!
COLOR IS ALL THE RAGE: All gowns come in at least two colors across the board: white or ivory. Some companies have the addition of diamond white, blush, red, and even black. Anyone can wear white or ivory; it’s all about what color looks best on your skin type. Brides who are wearing colored wedding gowns such, as pink or blue, have a certain amount of confidence that they are exuding and want to express their certain style on their wedding day.
ALTERATIONS 101: Alterations can become pricey, especially if you have a lot to change about the dress. Rule of thumb: if you have to change the entire style of the dress, it is not the dress for you. Typical changes in wedding dresses are the hemlines, because almost always the dress is too long. Some companies offer what’s called a “hollow to hem” measurement, which is a measurement to make sure the dress is the correct length for you. The hollow to hem measurement is especially helpful if you have an all lace or beaded gown with a scalloped edge on the bottom. When making the first alterations appointment, make sure it’s about three to four months in advance, and have them pin it first. You can count on the bust line being taken in; they never fit exactly right! If you are choosing not to wear a bra, then have the alterations person attach bust cups for the support. The last thing you want to see on your wedding day is your gown sagging in the front. Make sure that the dress is properly fitted in the bust. You don’t want to be pulling the gown up all night long.
NEVER BUY ONLINE: You know those super, cheap, knock-off sites where you can find the exact same dress for about $200; it’s too good to be true. NEVER buy from them! The dresses are coming from overseas, and they take forever to get to your home. In addition, the packages are not insured, and are not of good quality. You don’t want to be like the bride that purchased a gown online and received a gown that had been hot glued together, and in the wrong size. Make sure you know who you are buying from, and if they are a legitimate company or not. The last thing you need is a dress coming in wrong, or having money taken and not returned back to you.
See the latest in gowns and trends in the newest winter/spring 2014 issue of Premier Bride of Mississippi. To get your free copy, visit www.premierbridems.com