Before you start your gown search it's wise to have a budget already in place, so you don’t overspend on your dress. Have a price in mind that includes your wedding dress, headpiece or tiara, slip, shoes, undergarments and bridal jewelry. Visit several established shops, and you'll quickly get a feeling about service and organization. Is the staff helpful?
Be sure to take into consideration your size and weight. Short women often look best in close fitting dresses with less decoration. When you walk down the aisle, you want the crowd to say “What a beautiful bride.” So wear what makes YOU look your very best. It is the most expensive dress you will ever buy and so smart shopping is important.
If you are big busted, take your bustier with you. Trying on dresses is very time consuming so bringing the right bra saves you time. The final bustier or bra is determined by the style of the dress so you may want to purchase it after the dress is decided upon.
The final length of your wedding gown can only be determined by wearing the right heel size. Before you walk out to look in the mirror, slip on heels. The look & flow when you walk is greatly affected by the right shoes and the right slip.
Look for a dress that best compliments your complexion and eye color [see our blog: Eye Makeup 101]. There are many shades. Just because it is a popular color, doesn’t mean it is right for you. A general rule would be that if fall and spring colors (Peach, Olive Green, Rust and Turquoise) look good on you, then gowns with yellow in them would be a good choice such as Beige or Gold. If summer and winter colors like Purple, Sky Blue, Cranberry and Lavender are good colors for you then you may want to try Ivory and stark White dresses. You can experiment with colors. Suddenly your friend or mother will say “THAT IS THE ONE.”
The back of your gown is also very important. Keep in mind that during the ceremony you will have your back to your guests. Be sure to look at the back of the gown in the mirror. If you have a train on your dress, you will have to bustle it up before leaving the church or chapel. An option would be a dress with a removable train.
It's important to ask about the bridal shops pricing for alterations, repairs, final fittings, pressings and cancellations. If you plan on dieting, start it early in your engagement because alterations can be costly. Try to get as perfect a fit as you can. You may want to order it a size or two smaller, if you are already loosing weight.
Your bridal dress contract should indicate the manufacturer, style number, size of gown and any additional charges; namely alterations or pressings. Double check to be sure the contract has the exact choice of style and size. Be sure the delivery date is listed and that it allows time for fittings before the wedding date. Waiting time for ordered gowns, depending on the manufacturer, can be up to six (6) months. If you find a gown that fits perfectly but don’t like the color or décor, try on another gown from the same manufacturer in that size. The fit should be similar.
Our hope is that purchasing the right wedding gown for your special day will be a unique and unforgettable experience and something you will always cherish.
Find your perfect wedding dress.
Destination Weddings are extremely hot right now and picking the right wedding dress for a destination wedding is different. Keep in mind the need to travel with your dress, cleaning and pressing your wedding dress upon arrival, and being able to fit into it after traveling to your destination.
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