Start looking for your gown well before the
wedding. Four to six months delivery time is standard for a dress,
so plan to shop for this critical item well in advance. Allow yourself
plenty of time to select, order, receive and make alterations to
your dream gown!
Prices for bridal dresses range from a couple
hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Prioritize how important
your gown is in the grand scheme of things and set a budget. Don't
forget to plan for small, but expensive items like specialty undergarments,
shoes or veils & headpieces.
- Talk to friends and co-workers for recommendations
on local bridal shops or outlets. Do some research to understand
your style preferences before you even go to a bridal shop. Buy
a few bridal magazines and some post-it flags. Flip through the
gowns and flag the ones you like, or certain aspects of dresses
that you like (even if the overall dress doesn't appeal to you).
If you love a particular designer, check his or her web site to
see the latest designs or to find bridal shop locations near you.
If you can't afford a designer gown, but like the style, take
a picture to the bridal shop. The salespeople can probably find
you a less expensive equivalent, often from the same manufacturer.
Looking at gowns on-line and in magazines is not only fun, but
also helps you identify your likes and dislikes.
- Once you have a good idea regarding what appeals
to you, call a few bridal shops. Most prefer that you schedule
an appointment so that they may better service you. Clearly communicate
your favorite dress styles and characteristics to your salesperson
so he or she can show you only those selections that meet your
requirements. This will save you a great deal of time and will
prevent you from getting frustrated or overwhelmed.
- Take someone with you who shares your tastes,
and who will give you an honest opinion about each dress and whether
or not it flatters you. Talk to your officiant to see if there
are any restrictions regarding the type of gown you can wear (length,
sleeveless, color, etc.)
Before you order a gown, be completely sure
that it is the one you want. Make sure you understand the shop's
policies and prices regarding deposits, order cancellations, fittings,
alterations, etc. Get a receipt for the total cost of the dress
that includes the delivery date.
Take all appropriate undergarments and shoes
to your first fitting so the dress can be hemmed to a suitable length
for your shoes (based on the height of the heels).
If you choose to use a headpiece or veil,
keep the following tips in mind. Choose a headpiece or veil that
works with your gown. It should be:
- the same color;
- the same style;
- a length similar to your dress length (short
veil, short dress);
Consider how you plan to wear your hair with the
headpiece and whether or not you plan to wear it at the reception.
Make sure it is comfortable, since you will be wearing it for several
hours on your wedding day.
Select sheer hosiery in white, ivory or beige
to match your gown and shoes. Special wedding hosiery with wedding
bell or flower appliqués is available, or you can choose
a lace design. Regardless of your choice, pick up at least 2 pairs
of your selected hosiery…just in case! Guests may see your
legs during the garter removal, so make sure you have elegant hosiery.
Pumps in silk or satin are the most common
choice and can be died to match your dress, if necessary. Above
all else, make sure the shoes are comfortable! You will be on your
feet for several hours on your wedding day, so make sure you select
shoes made for endurance. Because this may be the only time you
wear these shoes, it is best not to spend a great deal of money
on them. You can get an elegant & inexpensive pair of wedding
shoes to match virtually any dress.
Some brides wear ballet slippers
or change into "bridal" tennis shoes for their reception.
This is a great idea, particularly if your dress covers the shoes.
Ask about them at bridal shops, or look for them on line or in catalogs.
- Gloves - used in more formal weddings
- Short gloves - wear with less formal gowns
or those with a three-quarter length sleeves
- Long gloves - wear with sleeveless or short
sleeve formal gowns
- Gown rental - check on-line and in your local
yellow pages for shops that rental bridal gowns or bridesmaids
dresses.
- Buy your gown at an on-line auction. Check websites
like www.yahoo.com and www.eBay.com to bid on wedding gowns. Read
reviews for the vendors, check the artwork carefully and see if
there is an option to return the dress if you are dissatisfied.
This is a great place to get a deal on a dress or to find a vintage
wedding dress.
- Also check in the Sunday paper or Trading Post
to find other gowns sold at deep discounts.
- Check local thrift or vintage clothes shops
to find unique or authentic period dresses, usually at good prices.
After your wedding day is over, you will
want to preserve and protect your wedding dress for years to come.
You may want to wear it 25 years later to renew your vows, or to
keep for a daughter or granddaughter. Most quality drycleaners will
preserve and pack your dress for between 100-250 dollars. Keeping
your wedding dress protected is well worth the cost.
|
