Shopping for your Wedding Dress is one of the most memorable parts of the entire wedding experience. Post Engagement excitement, choosing the wedding dress can provide an opportunity for the Bride-to-Be to bond with the special women in her life.
Here are some helpful tips on choosing the Dress of your Dreams!
Here are some helpful tips on choosing the Dress of your Dreams!
Do Your ResearchNine months to a year before your wedding, start collecting photos of dresses and noting important details; whether you prefer lace or a specific silhouette, for instance. Ask your planner and married friends to recommend shops, and check out designers’ Websites to find local stores that carry their lines. The sites also might clue you in to a sample sale or trunk show (which the designers often will attend).
Book Your BoutiquesFocus on a few stores that offer various experiences, such as an intimate boutique, a designer showroom (just call for an appointment – a month ahead for a Saturday reservation) and a large department store. Appointments are necessary at most shops. Allow an hour and a half or two for the first visit to see a variety.
Select Your StyleDon’t get too attached to one designer, unless he or she has a distinctive aesthetic you love. It’s more important to have an idea about the look you want. Flip through your clippings to choose a silhouette or fabric. If you’re unsure, the date and setting might help determine your look: The perfect dress for a summery beach soiree, for example, likely will differ from one for a winter ceremony in a cathedral.
Try it on for SizeMost salons provide strapless bras and specialty undergarments for customers to try with certain styles. But if you plan to use shapewear, like Spanx, for the wedding, wear it to the stores as dressses will fit differently. Also any jewellry or any colour swatches that are a part of your day should be brought along. It woul not be wise to purchase a gown based on "anticipated weight loss". A large dress can be taken in but it is virtually impossible to let out a small one. Another tip - avoid alcohol and salty foods the day before to prevent bloating and feel your best in the dressing room.
Accept AdviceWhen shopping, bring just two or three friends or relatives with trusted opinions. “It’s counterproductive when there are too many opinions flying around the room. Consider how much professional input you want, and ask whether shops have open or closed inventory. Both can have excellent service, but they operate differently: Closed stores have stylists who pull styles based on the bride’s preferences; those with open inventory let customers peruse sample gowns themselves. (Most high-end boutiques have a closed selection.) in either case, don’t rule out a gown a stylist suggests before you try it on. A dress does look different on the body than it does on the hanger. Sometimes a bride will select a style far from her original plan!
The Fittings
The importance of fittings cannot be stressed enough. A bride must devote some serious time and effort toward fitting her gown to preserve the beauty of the gown itself and her own peace of mind. Regardless of the shape or the way the gown is made, it will only look beautiful if it fits properly. A good piece of advice would be to take your wedding shoes to every fitting you have in order to avoid hemline issues! You should also check with the retailer to understand their policies surrounding alterations.
Take the Plunge Purchase your dress at least six months in advance of the wedding, to allow for adjustments and shipping. Still, a dress with a long, bustled skirt or an intricate bodice will require more fittings and take longer. It’s tempting to tell the world about your gown, but we suggest sharing the details with only a few close confidants and making your look a surprise for family and friends on the big day. “They should gasp with pleasure and have tears of joy the first time they see you.”
Remember this is your special day and in the end your choice should reflect your sense of identity ...........also you should feel like a princess!
Happy shopping!
