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GORGEOUS GOWNS
This season, wedding gown designers
are taking their influence straight from the fashion runways and infusing these
trends into what you’ll want to wear on your special day. Now more than ever,
it will be easy to find a wedding gown that truly fits your own personal style.
From layering and beading to lace and splashes of color, there are fashion
influences shown throughout every collection. So don’t be afraid not to wear
white, or to wear white from head to toe. Afterall, your wedding day is all
about you -- no matter which dress you choose!
If you’re
like most brides, you've been envisioning what you’d wear to your wedding long
before you even attended your first formal. After all, your wedding dress is a
big part of a major commitment, and you want to remember it fondly for the rest
of your life.
As the
ultimate fashion statement, this one article of clothing is probably going to
be the most talked about, and expensive, dress you’ll ever wear. So, what do
you need to know? When should you start? Where should you go - - and what can
you expect once you get there? Read on for the answers to your most pressing
questions, and prepare yourself before you plunge into the wide world of bridal
gowns.
SHOP
EARLY
Nine to
12 months before your wedding is an ideal time for shopping since it's best to
have about six months to spare for fittings. Wedding dresses are custom-made,
and once your dress arrives, it's going to have to be altered -- usually
several times -- until it fits you perfectly. That said, many companies can
turn a dress around quickly. But if you have less than six months, start
shopping right away and try to be flexible about your dress choice.
BEFORE
YOU BEGIN
Before
you start fantasizing about the length of your train or the details on your
sleeves, you need to ask yourself a few questions in order to narrow the
search.
First, what style of wedding do you want?
Formal, informal, or somewhere in between? Whether you realize it or not, you
probably have a good idea of the general style of your wedding, even if you
haven't yet chosen your location or decided on the size of your guest list.
Another
important, and undeniably practical, consideration when shopping for a gown is
the season in which you plan to marry. The notions of seasonally correct attire
have long since past. However, there are fabric and style choices that lend
themselves nicely to each season.
Another
preliminary task will be to decide if you would prefer to purchase your gown in
a bridal store, or if you want to have it custom made for you by a dressmaker.
If you
choose to have it custom made, find a tailor or qualified seamstress who
specializes in wedding gown creation and alterations. In addition, if you opt
for a custom-made gown, consider having the same person make your bridesmaids
dresses as well. There are even a number of companies that design and make
wedding dresses for brides looking for originality.
If you
decide to purchase a gown rather than have a dress custom-made, stock up on
bridal magazines and check out the Web for bridal and designer sites to get
great ideas on what's popular in colors and styles. Collect photos of your
favorite dresses and attach tags denoting what you love about each - the
beadwork, neckline, fabric and shape - to use as inspiration. When you speak
with a wedding gown consultant, bring the pictures with you so you can easily
communicate what you're looking for.
OH, THE
PLACES YOU’LL GO
Once you
are ready to begin shopping for your dress, you will need to decide where to
purchase your wedding gown. For the most part, you will find local bridal shops
to be helpful and dependable. However,
it is a prudent idea to do a little research into a bridal shop before you
begin your dress selection.
A vast
majority of bridal shops are locally-owned and operated, and offer a full range
of services for the bride and the wedding party at a wide range of prices.
While an off-the-rack purchase may be available, this merchant typically will
order a brand new gown for most brides and their attendants.
You can
usually expect a higher level of personal attention and quality service with a
qualified, professional, trained wedding gown consultant to assist you in
shopping for your perfect dress. There is usually an owner on the premises and
also an in-store seamstress who will consult on custom alteration possibilities
and concerns. In addition, bridal shops will most likely have all the other
accessories you'll need, like shoes, veils, and jewelry.
Most
importantly, full-service shops are typically authorized dealers of the
designers they select to sell - unlike many online dealers. Therefore, you'll
have both the shop's guarantee and the designer's assurance of satisfaction to
stand behind your purchases. This strong relationship will help you avoid
problems with delivery date and quality control on custom orders.
DIFFERENT
STROKES
Try to
limit your shopping to three or four different salons, though - it's easy to
forget which gowns you tried on where. Make notes of gowns that you liked,
jotting down the style number and store where you tried them on.
Different
bridal stores carry differently priced gowns, so once you have determined
a
budget make sure to pick a salon that
carries gowns in your price range. You won't know unless you ask, so make sure
to call before you go and also find out if you'll need to make an appointment.
Some shops will allow walk-ins, while others require appointments so that a
salesperson and a private room are available for your comfort and leisure.
Generally, your appointments will last between one and two hours - so be sure
you space them evenly.
A GOOD
REPUTATION
As a
final step, check to see if the salon has a reputation for service as well as
expertise. Look to see if the bridal shop advertises in major bridal magazines,
the yellow pages, or local publications. Advertising displays a seriousness and
commitment to their business, and usually means they'll be here tomorrow to
deliver on the promises they made today.
A SECOND
OPINION
Once
you've selected a bridal shop, choose a shopping companion whose style and
opinion you trust - and who won't be pushy (most brides count on Mom and their
maid- or matron-of-honor). If possible, take the same people each time so
everyone is equally informed as to what you've seen and liked.
It's
important that you limit yourself to only one or two people. With an entourage
of friends and family around a bride, the onslaught of opinions on gown styles,
what is and isn't appropriate for a wedding, the stress of pleasing yourself,
your parents, and your friends, can be difficult to handle. Remember, in the
end, it's your choice.
TRUST THE
EXPERTS
When you
get to the bridal salon, a specific salesperson will be assigned to you. You
will most likely work with this person every time you return to the store. A
good salesperson will ask you what type of wedding you're having, how you
envision yourself looking on your wedding day, and what styles of dresses
you're drawn to. She will also recommend dresses based on your body type.
Take
advantage of a salesperson's expertise. She works with brides every day - if
anyone knows about dresses, she does. Bounce ideas off of her, and consider her
advice, or, stop asking if you feel pressured. If anyone tries to talk you out
of or into something, or makes you feel uncomfortable about your decisions,
remember that a good salesperson will never push you to buy something you're
unsure about.
MONEY
MATTERS
As far as
payment, most shops require a 50% percent deposit with the balance due either
at your first fitting or when you pick up the dress. Be wary of any shop that asks for more than
50% percent before the dress comes in.
Once your
gown ensemble is ordered, be patient with the bridal salon. Keep in mind that
there may be minor mistakes from time to time. But remember, a reputable salon
will work with you to correct these mistakes. Making your day perfect is as important
to the bridal salon as it is to you!
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