Shopping for your wedding gown should be a fun experience but can quickly become overwhelming when dealing with all the different styles, textures, designers; budgets of gown, alterations, shipping fees; and opinions of the people that accompany you on this shopping trip. Here are some tips on how to shop for your wedding gown (fairly) stress-free.
~Monica Hui
Owner, Lead Planner and Designer
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Have a Price In Mind
If you know you’re not going to spend $15,000 on your dress, don’t waste time trying on a bunch of gowns out of your range. Know what your wedding gown budget is and determine whether this budget includes alterations, taxes, and accessories. All of this stuff may put a dent in your budget especially if you need the gown in a short period of time. Check out gowns close to your budget and then alter your expectations from there. You might learn the style you are looking for is not that expensive or you are willing to pay more for your dream gown.
Start Early
Brides are often shocked when they learn they need at least six to eight months to get your gown—and that’s if you’re really decisive. If you’re a picky shopper or don’t really know what you want, start looking eight to 10 months before your wedding. Give yourself plenty of time; if you put it off for too long, your selection of dresses could be limited or you might make a quick decision you may regret later. Once you’ve found your gown, give yourself some time for alterations too. It might take several fittings before your gown fits you perfectly.
Determine the Dress Code
You may need to consider religious restrictions when shopping for your gown. If your ceremony is in a house of worship, find out whether there are any attire guidelines you’re required to follow, such as covering your shoulders.
Figure Out What You Like
Take cues from your existing closet on what you like, what your style is, and what silhouette works with your body. From there, start looking at gowns that have a similar silhouette.
Let the Salon Make Recommendations
Although it is good to have an idea of what you like and what you think looks good on you, allow the salon to make recommendations to you. Even if you don't immediately love it, try it on, it can't hurt to keep an open mind.
Shop At the Right Time
This time relates to the salon and yourself. Shop earlier in the week when consultants are fresh and the salon is less busy. You want as much of your consultant's attention as possible. Also, shop when you are feeling good, healthy, and happy. You don't want to try on gowns when you are under the weather or after you just had a huge fight with your fiancee. Make this is positive and memorable experience for you.
Buy a Dress That Fits Now
Even if you’re planning on dropping 15 pounds before your wedding, your body type isn’t going to completely change. Besides, it’s a lot easier (not to mention less expensive) to take a gown in than to try and make a too-small dress work.
Bring Your Accessories
If you already have your bridal shoes and jewelry, bring them to your appointment. You want to make sure the gown you chose will work with these items. If you already know what undergarments you will be wearing, bring those too.
Trust Your Instincts
If you have to be reassured that the dress looks great on you, it’s probably not “the one.” If you can’t see yourself walking down the aisle in it, move on. When you find the right dress, you’ll know—you won’t want to put on anything else. Just trust your instincts.
Martina Liana
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