Wedding Dresses
If you're like many brides, you've been envisioning what you'd wear to your wedding since you were a little girl.
Then again, maybe you've never thought about it at all. Either way, a lot of pressure can accompany dress shopping.
After all, the gown you put on for your walk down the aisle will be the true centerpiece of the day.
WHEN TO BEGIN
Two words: shop early. Nine to 12 months before your wedding is ideal since you'll need about six months to spare for fittings. Why? Unless you buy a ready-to-wear dress or a sample gown, 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 more quickly if need be. But if you have less than six months, start shopping right away and try to be flexible about your dress choice. Here?s a tip: Avoid weekends and evenings if you can swing it. Bridal salons get insanely busy -- especially if you?re marrying in a popular wedding month. If you can take time off during the week to shop, you?ll get more of the salesperson?s time and attention.
WHERE TO GO
The most popular place to shop is the bridal salon, known for its personal service, tranquil setting, and wide selection of gowns from a variety of designers. You?ll find boutiquey salons in upscale urban shopping districts, suburban downtown areas, strip malls, full-scale malls, and even inside some of the larger department stores. Check online under ?Bridal Shops? or ?Wedding Services? to see what?s available in your area. Word-of-mouth recommendations are also very helpful. Find out which shops have given excellent service to past brides you may know, then call to make appointments. Try to limit your shopping to three or four salons, and bring along a small notebook to jot down the details on the gowns you like.
WHAT TO EXPECT
When you get to the bridal salon, a specific salesperson will be assigned to you. You will 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 kinds of dresses you?re drawn to. She will also probably check you out and decide for herself what style will look good on you based on your body type, then she?ll bring you dresses to try on. If you?re uncomfortable with this, try to find a shop where you?ll be free to look through everything for yourself.
From the moment you enter the salon, be mindful of the way you?re being treated and of the way the salespeople are making you feel. Are they treating you respectfully? Or are they acting haughty? If it's the latter you may want to take your business elsewhere. This is where all the knowledge you?ve armed yourself with will come in handy. If you can talk expertly about dress silhouettes and styles, the salesperson will know she?s dealing with an informed consumer. 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. 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.
FINAL WORDS OF ADVICE
Something else to remember: You didn?t get engaged on your first date, and, likewise, you shouldn?t buy the first dress you try on. Give yourself options and lots of time to think by shopping more -- and elsewhere -- before you buy. Even after you think you?ve found your gown, take a day to be absolutely sure it?s the one for you. Since bridal gowns are custom-made, most salons put a no-return policy in their contracts.
And lastly, always trust your instincts. Ask yourself, can I really see myself walking down the aisle swathed in this gown? Is this how I pictured myself looking as a bride? If not, take it off and move on. But if the gown passes muster, take a deep breath, smile at your reflection, and breathe a huge sigh of relief -- your search is over!
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