| How To Shop For Your Wedding Dress |
Finding the perfect wedding dress should be a great shopping experience. As you are shopping for your wedding dress, dress appropriately to try on dresses. That includes wearing strapless undergarments so you can see how the dress should look when you try it on. And since someone will probably be helping you try on the dresses, wear panties. Many bridal salons have try on strapless bras and crinolines, but many brides prefer to wear their own undergarments. Make sure you are freshly showered so you feel fresh. If you are planning on wearing your hair up, pull it up in the approximate style so you have an idea of how the neckline works with your dress and hairdo. It doesn't have to be the exact hair style, you are just trying out your look. Bring along a pair of shoes the approximate heel height you are planning to wear on your wedding day so you can tell how the dress will look with shoes. Many gals pack a tote bag with undergarments, shoes and jewelry to get the "complete look". Undergarments are the foundation of your wedding dress. They need to be comfortable and functional. The right bra will make the dress fit the way the designer of the gown wants it to fit, it will uplift you. This is a must read: The Foundations Under Your Wedding Dress. Make an appointment and work with a personal wedding consultant. She'll ask you about your wedding plans and location. Your wedding consultant will help you choose the proper style for the formality of the wedding and help you choose a flattering style on you. * Don't be afraid to mention your price range and budget. It helps to eliminate disappointment on your part if you find a dress you love that is out of your budget. * Don't be pressured to buy. If you are not sure, make a return appointment when your mind isn't suffering from "white blur". * Don't be afraid to be honest with your wedding consultant. If you don't like the dress, tell her. If something bothers you about the dress, it will bother you on the wedding day. Correct it in advance. * If the dress is uncomfortable in the bridal salon, it will be uncomfortable on your wedding day. This is NOT your dress. Keep looking. * Don't be afraid to try on different styles. A dress that you would never consider may be the ONE. Dresses look different hanging than they do on the body. * Don't confuse yourself by trying on dozens of dresses. Narrow your focus. You'll be exhausted and confused. * Decide in advance the look you want and tell your consultant. I always tell my brides to close their eyes and picture how they see themselves walking down the aisle or beach. If you can't picture yourself in that dress, keep looking. * Be decisive. Don't flip flop on style. The longer you wait to decide, the less choices you have. If you have to special order a gown, allow yourself at least 6 months in advance before the wedding to allow the company to make the dress and time for alterations. Postponing a decision because you need time to think is one thing, postponing because you can't make a decision is crippling and stressful for you. * Don't plan to order until you lose weight. If you are in the process of losing weight, discuss size with your consultant. IF you wait until the last minute to order, you may not be able to get your dream dress. Order a size that is reasonable for weight loss. Don't EXPECT to go down three sizes. Each size is approximately 10 pounds. If your body doesn't cooperate, your dress will be too small and won't fit. If the dress is a bit larger, its easier to take it in than to let it out. * If you need to wear a strapless bra or other style of bra, make sure you choose a dress style that is bra friendly. If the back of the gown is cut to your waistline, you won't be able to hide the bra. Bra cups will only work up to a size C cup, after that, you need a bra. An alternative is to wear clear plastic bra straps which are available with some strapless bras. The clear straps can also be replaced with sparkly crystal or rhinestone straps. * Be realistic. You aren't going to look like the model in the magazines, but you CAN look fantastic. The models have been airbrushed and photoshopped to look like that in the photos. * All dresses will need some form of alterations to fit properly. Don't expect it to fit perfectly. There is a difference between a custom ordered dress and a custom dress made to your measurements. Don't forget to add alterations to your dress budget and allow time for them to be completed. * Choose your style based on the place and formality of your wedding. * Don't shop with a large possee of friends. Shop with someone you trust and whose opinion you trust. Ship with your mom, best friend or sister. Too many opinions can be confusing and some opinions may not be in your best interst. Trust me, I've seen friendships broken over jealous friends making cutting mean spirited remarks. Buy what YOU want to wear, not what they want you to wear. You can invite your friends to see your dress AFTER you've made the final decision. * If you are tired, stop shopping. * If you are hungry, stop shopping and take a break to eat. * If you are cranky, shop another day. A bad attitude won't translate into a great shopping experience. * And above all, shopping for your wedding dress should be fun! Its your turn to be the center of attention. Enjoy it! If you decide to shop on eBay for your dress, click here for more tips. |
| For more dress shopping tips and the best time of year to get a bargain on your dress, click here. Why do wedding dresses run small? Plus size brides: The shopping dilema Plus size dress shopping tips, how to look fabulous, because beauty isn't a size, its an attitude! |
| Wedding Dress Shipping Tips From Brides: Wear underwear!!! I wore a thong and my rear was hanging out while I was trying on dresses. Oops! I'm shy and this was so embarrassing. I wish I had worn clothes that were easier to get on and off when I went dress shopping. I should have not brought so many people shopping with me. My girlfriends tried to turn it into all about them or what they liked or what they wanted to wear to their wedding. The next time I shopped just with my sister and it was less stressful and way more productive. Found my dress, called my Mom, bought my dress. I scheduled too many appointments in one day. I didn't listen, I was on a mission. I was so tired by the third appointment, I probably missed some great dresses. I had to cancel the fourth and reschedule. I kept thinking how tiring can it be trying on dresses? The answer: Really tiring. Those dresses are heavy! Some places won't let you take pictures. If you want to take pics, ask them first. My bridesmaid started taking pictures and was told to put the camera away. I brought my own strapless bra because I didn't feel comfortable wearing a bra that had been tried on by others. It just felt wrong and I'm glad I did because it made a big difference in how the tops fitted me. I also brought heels and its true what they told me, you do walk different in heels than in everyday shoes. I floated in my dream dress. :) I wish I had worn a little bit of makeup when I tried on wedding dresses. I thought I wanted a white dress, but I looked so washed out in white. If I had on makeup, it might have made a difference in my choice of color. What's my best dress shopping tip? Use the bathroom BEFORE you start trying on dresses. Sounds dumb, but take my word on it. |