Things you must consider before you purchase your gown...Added 2012-01-24
The search for your wedding gown can be the most exciting and fun experiences of the the wedding planning process. Your gown will set the tone for your entire wedding. This is the one time when you will be able to experience being pampered and transformed into a gorgeous bride. Before you buy your gown, here are 10 things you need to know and do:
- What do you want to look like on your wedding day? Close your eyes and envision yourself as a bride. What do you see? Write down the top 3 words that best describe how you want to look and feel on your wedding day.
- Try on the 4 different silhouettes of gowns to find out what looks best on your figure. All wedding gowns fall under four basic silhouettes. The ball gown has a fitted bodice and waistline that leads to a very full skirt. The empire gown has a high waistline which falls to a full or slim skirt. The A-line or princess gown has vertical seams flowing from the shoulders down to an A-line skirt. The sheath gown closely follows the line of the body. A Bridal Specialist can point out the features and how you look in each and you should let her know what you like and dislike about each style. 60% of all brides purchase a gown that they would have never considered trying on, so have an open mind.
- Select the colour and fabric of your gown. The same dress style can look and feel quite different in a different colour or fabric. Even though white has traditionally been the colour of most gowns, many brides are opting for an off white, ivory or champagne colour, as a way to enhance their complexion. Choose a colour and fabric that best reflects the mood you are trying to create at your wedding. When choosing the fabric, keep in mind that it will be the basis for the overall look and feel of your gown. Let your Specialist know which fabrics you like the best and the least.
- Determine what features you want on your gown. These features include the type of neckline, waistline, beadwork, the length of train or lace and other embellishments. Once you have determined which silhouettes, colour and fabric you like best, determine if the gown will have sleeves, straps or if you prefer strapless. You will want to try on a variety of gowns to help you find what you like best, as you determine your "perfect gown". What are the most important features of the gown to you? What "musts" will your gown have to have?
- Accept help from knowledgeable and professional Bridal Specialists. An excellent Bridal Specialist will ask lots of questions to get more clarity about your wedding day. They will want to be helpful to you and may have some recommendations for you. An expert Specialist has seen gowns on many women in various shapes and sizes and will be able to direct you to a dress that will look great on your body. Let her expertise guide you when considering some shapes or styles you might never have imagined wearing. Your Specialist should make you feel comfortable and free to express your own opinion. From the moment you enter the boutique, be mindful of the way you are being treated and of the way the Bridal Specialist makes you feel. Do they treat you with respect? This is your special day and you deserve help that makes you feel comfortable and happy. Remember, this is probably the most expensive garment you will ever purchase and you want someone looking out for your best interests!
- Bring along someone whose opinion you trust and respect to help you in your search. This could be your mother, sister, bridesmaid, a close friend or another relative. Who knows you best? An extra set of eyes can be extremely helpful, but limit the number of people who come with you. Too many opinions will likely confuse you and lead to a frustrating experience. Such feedback can be invaluable. But remember, it is your wedding, so you should make the final decision after carefully considering all of your choices.
- Make your decision. Making your final decision does not have to be stressful. It should be fun. You have your mother or friend and your Specialist to help you. Be sure to give yourself a chance to look at several options before you buy. Trust your own instincts. You have likely been visualizing this day since you were a little girl. Ask yourself these three questions of the final dresses that you are seriously considering: 1) Which dress do I feel the prettiest in? 2) Which dress accentuates my best feature? 3) Which dress most fits my personality or style? Try on each gown and go through this process until you have eliminated all of the dresses to the final one. Once you've found a gown that is everything you've imagined, smile and relax - you've done it!
- When is your wedding? Brides Magazine recommends ordering your gown at least 8 to 12 months prior to your wedding date. Most stores require a 50% deposit to order your gown. It's never too early to start shopping for your gown, but is can be too late. Make sure you shop early enough so you do not feel stressed or pressured into buying a gown just because you've run out of time. According to Today's Bride and Wedding Bells Magazines, the average price of a wedding gown is $1100 to $1500. Once you've found your "perfect gown", stop looking.
- Have your dress altered to match your exact figure. Once you have your gown, use a professional seamstress, who is an expert at altering wedding gowns. They will make the final alterations that will help your dress fit perfectly. This process is usually done 6 to 8 weeks prior to the wedding date. For your convenience, many bridal stores will have their own seamstress on site to help you. This process usually involves an initial fitting and one or two more alteration appointments. Following these fitting appointments, your dress will be pressed. You may want to wait until a day or two before your wedding before you pick it up.
- Look for the final touches that will help you complete your gown and make your wedding day special. Once you've found your wedding gown, look for matching accessories, such as, a tiara, veil, shoes and jewellery that will make your transformation into a bride complete. You may want to ask your Bridal Specialist for suggestions for these final touches.
With these 10 tips in mind, your quest for your wedding gown should now be an exciting, fun and wonderful experience. Have fun!