7 Steps to Finding the Perfect Wedding Dress
Monday, March 29, 2010
Purchasing a wedding gown is the shopping experience to end all shopping experiences! Seriously - it is the most you will ever pay for an outfit.
Buying your wedding gown can be the most fun and also the most stressful part of this whole process. We consulted with Allison Newby, manager of b. Hughes Bridal and asked for some tips on Finding Your Perfect Dress. Here is a quick, step-by-step guide to help you with your decisions and to help give you a better idea of what's in store.
1) Your wedding day vision: Are you thinking outdoors at a garden party setting? Or indoors and more posh? Knowing your venue (even if you haven't booked one just yet) will help you determine what style of gown you might want. Is your ceremony in a big, grand cathedral? Then maybe a gown with a fuller skirt and longer train is something to consider. If you are planning on getting married outside this summer, Allison has this cautionary piece of advice for you: "If you're having an outdoor wedding beware of netted bridal gowns. In warm seasons, bugs will actually get under the netting and caught in the dress fabric. If you do have a netted dress for an outdoor wedding, make sure to bug spray the location the day before."
Picture source: McLellan Style
2) Plan ahead: b.Hughes Bridal advises giving yourself at four to six months from the date of purchase till the drses comes in as well as alteration. "Most dresses on average are going to take 4-5, but there are a few things that could delay it a little so assume it will take 6 months, you will be better off for it." If you find that you have plenty of time, maybe even more than a year, don't let that stop you from shopping. Allison also advises that if you feel you've found THE dress to go ahead and get it. "If you found it, you found it. It makes it concrete and can help in the rest of the planning process."
Picture source: Jonathon Campbell Photography
3) Find out what is available to you and be realistic in picking the boutiques you want to visit. Most boutique websites will list the designers or lines they carry, which gives you a better idea of their price range offered, and helps you narrow down which ones to make appointments with. This saves you time and unnecessary travel between each boutique, and also makes it easier to pick from designers you see in magazines. "Try to make an appointment If you wish to have the consultants' optimum attention. Or, you could go in the morning on Saturdays or go during the week. It is quieter and you will feel less rushed. Saturday afternoons are the busiest times in bridal boutiques."
4) Trunk Shows and sample sales: Trunk shows are a great opportunity to see more gowns than a store would normally have (which is also an advantage if you are trying to find a more “rare” or unique gown). Insider tip from Allison: You also do get a trunk show discount (generally 10%). Make sure you schedule your appointment at a trunk show because trunk shows are generally not a time to just walk in and expect to be able to try on a gown. If you need a gown sooner than later, or if you have a tighter budget, going to a sample sale can offer up a world of choices. Don't let the fact that the dresses are floor models - sample sales are a great way to get designer dresses at discount store prices. If you're on a tight budget, but dream of being a Vera bride, then a sample sale is the way to go. Also, if you've waited a little too long to pick out that perfect dress and the wedding is approaching quickly, a sample sale is perfect for getting a beautiful gown immediately.
Photo source: b.Hughes Bridal Sample Sale
5) Don't bring your entourage. Allison explained that "Too many cooks can spoil the broth" and to bring one, maybe two people whose opinions you trust. "We're always tempted to bring mom, grandma, sis, the nieces, your besties... and we understand, it's hard to pick just two people, let alone one, but the big group outing should be saved for when you're trying to narrow down your choices." Definitely be selective of who you bring with you, and keep it someone who has a discerning eye, someone who will be honest, and someone who isn't projecting their preferences on to you.
6) Try them all on - "Take a chance on a silhouette you never thought of putting on. Even if you don't think it will look cute on you, just give it a try. Sometimes the most unexpected dress is the one you fall in love with, the one that makes mom tear up and reach for the tissues. Keep an open mind! As you try on and the consultant is seeing what elements you are liking, ask them to make a recommendation. While it is about body type, it is mostly about how you feel in a gown." - Great advice Allison!
Picture source: b. Hughes Bridal
7) Once you've made your decision, you can start picking out your bridesmaids dresses. "Your dress will set the tone...you want your dress and theirs to be complementary, but not matchy matchy"
Most of all, have fun - the worst thing you can do is make this difficult. I mean, it's shopping! Relax, enjoy yourself and follow your heart. Your wedding is supposed to be enjoyable, and the planning process should be just the same. Keep our tips in mind, visit the b. Hughes Bridal blog for more ideas and advice, and we wish you all the best in your quest to find your perfect wedding gown!
About the Author:
Tabitha
Blogging is something I’ve enjoyed doing for years. My interests lie mostly in lifestyle related topics like fashion, style, design, food and weddings. When I heard Ashley was looking to bring on new members to the ABG team, I jumped at the opportunity - I can’t think of a better way to stay involved in weddings than to write about them and to stay in touch with the trends and new ideas. Lucky for me, Ashley likes my blog and trusts my experience to bring me on and so far, it’s been a blast.
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Posted on March 29, 2010 |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Bridal Shows & Events
