2010-08-25 12:00:00 by SMARTBRIDE
Wedding Advice: How to Find The Perfect Wedding Dress
Congratulations you're engaged! Your mind is spinning with everything you have to do for your upcoming nuptials and I bet the first thing on your mind (aside from setting a date and booking a location) is finding your wedding gown.
Vera Wang 112410 Dominique wedding dress
with empire waist & modified a line silhouette, available for $1700.
"THE" dress is one of the most important wedding items you'll purchase. You want it to be timeless, you want it to show off your assets and you want it to suit "you". So, how do you begin?
- Set a Budget!
If you're not sure what wedding gowns cost, do a bit of research. Buying a new gown from a salon is going to cost more than finding a dress online, at a sample sale or at an auction.
As a side note, the more ornate the dress, the more costly it can be. For example, if the dress is hand beaded it will be on the higher end of the cost spectrum. - Buy Wedding Magazines!
Run (don't walk) to the store to pick up those wedding magazines. Start researching and begin a file of dresses you like and don't like. Be careful not to set your heart on a specific dress. Just because it looks good on paper doesn't mean it will be the dress for you. Keep an open mind because you never know what you'll find when you start shopping! - Start Shopping!
Once you have an idea of what you're looking for start calling wedding dress boutiques to set your appointments. I recommend making appointments with 3 - 4 salons that have a selection of the dresses you like. The more dresses you look at, the more your mind has to filter through, which can make the process frustrating and not fun! You can always try other salons later (or search for the dress you love online), so keep the first round down to a minimum.
Salons can be booked weeks, if not months in advance, so make your appointment as soon as possible. When doing so don't be surprised if the salon requests a credit card to hold the appointment. Most will only charge if you don't show up or if you cancel 24 hours prior. - Choosing Your Viewing Audience.
It’s wonderful to have a few audience members while trying on dresses, but I do not agree with having more than 2 - 3 people with you at a time. Salons are already bustling with several clients and their "audiences". Keep in mind that salons are small spaces filled with large dresses. The more people you have with you, the less room there is for the staff to help you efficiently.
Also, keep in mind (salon owners are going to hate me for this) that salon staff are there to sell the dress, so they will tell you that almost everything looks good on you. Chances are your mom, grandmother, friend and aunt will all do the same. Be sure to have someone there (like your planner) who has an objective opinion. All those ooh's and aah's may begin to cloud your judgment. - Playing Dress Up!
This is the exciting part! One of the dresses you try on may actually be your wedding gown! Firstly, never try the dress on the hanger! What do I mean by this? You can’t tell what a dress looks like on the hanger, so give it a try even if you think the dress might not be the one.
At the very least, trying dresses on that you don't like will only reaffirm your feelings. Or, it may shock you to find that you look good in a dress that you thought you hated!
Maggie Sottero Sandrina wedding dresswith mermaid silhouette and chapel length train, available for $495.
The second point I feel strongly about is that you shouldn't jump to purchase the first dress you try on. It may be "the one", but try on some others. Once you've exhausted your options then go back and try that dress on again. If trying it on again affects you the same way, you may have found your wedding gown!
You should feel confident wearing the dress you've chosen and it should look as if it was meant for you and no one else! - Final Touches & Fittings
Remember to look at veils and accessories while wearing your dress. It’s important to visualize what you'll look like on your wedding day.
When it comes to fittings, remember that each salon and seamstress operates differently and fitting times can vary. Generally, fittings are scheduled at least two months prior to the wedding. When doing the first fitting bring your undergarments and your shoes, so that you can be properly measured.
Speak with your seamstress because she may be able to sew the bra or corset right into your dress. If altered properly your dress should fit like a glove and you will not have to adjust your dress at all during your wedding or reception, not even after doing the boogie woogie with your husband!
You may wonder how I know so much about wedding dresses given that I don't wear them. Well, I have been on plenty of shopping sprees and dress fittings, and I've attended more weddings than I care to count. I love what I do and the best part of my job is seeing the bride's face when she finds the dress.
I hope you've found my advice helpful! Until next time, cheers and happy shopping!
Shawn
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About Shawn Rabideau Events & Design:
Shawn Rabideau Events & Design is a one-of-a-kind firm that believes the client comes first. Always elegant, innovative and classic, Shawn makes the event yours. From location to colors and flowers, everything that Shawn does reflects your personality. Combining full-service event production and lifestyle planning with Shawn’s affinity and passion for floral, Shawn Rabideau Events & Design creates immaculate events, from intimate dinners to large-scale corporate events that speak volumes about you.
More from Shawn Rabideau
- How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Rehearsal Dinner
- Budget-Friendly Wedding Cake & Dessert Options for Your Reception
- Budget-Friendly Floral Decor for Your Wedding
