Tips To Finding Your Dream Dress
The one thing that every bride-to-be looks forward to is finding their perfect wedding dress. But some women are unsure just how to find that perfect dress and still do everything she needs to do. Here are a few tips that will tell you what you need to do when trying to find your dream dress.
1. Start your search six to nine months ahead. Special orders can take four to six months, plus time for alterations.
2. Step TwoKeep your file of photographs of dresses you like from bridal magazines, advertisements and boutique promotions handy when you shop.
3. Step ThreeChoose a style appropriate for the ceremony. For a formal evening wedding, a floor-length dress in ivory, white, cream or champagne, often worn with gloves and a train, is an elegant choice. Semiformal dresses can be also be pastels, a floorbrushing (ballerina) length, with a short veil and no train. At a less-formal or second wedding, the bride may choose a long or short dress, or even a two-piece suit. A short veil may be very stylish paired with a classic pillbox hat.
4. Step FourFlatter your figure with a dress that suits you. Take a trusted, honest sister or friend who has your best interests at heart for feedback. Try one of each basic shape, princess, ball gown, sheath and empire waist, to see which flatters you most. Check that you can walk, turn, sit and bend comfortably, as well as lift your arms and hug loved ones without splitting a seam. Comfort and confidence are vital on this day of days.
5. Step FiveShop at bridal boutiques or department stores for a wide array of styles. Try on a few designer gowns first so you recognize the quality, then choose a dress based on your budget.
6. Step SixSet a budget. Off-the-rack dresses can be found for $250 and up. Jessica McClintock has a large selection of moderately priced gowns. A simple custom-made dress can be had for as little as $750, and can go as high as $10,000 for a Vera Wang, with many dresses in the lower third of that range.
7. Step SevenAsk when bridal stores are next having a sample sale. Be on the lookout for warehouse sales on discontinued styles, samples and overstocks.
8. Step EightMake the deposit with a credit card. Get an itemized receipt spelling out every detail (manufacturer’s and design name, number, price, color and size) and stating that the deal is canceled if your dress isn’t ready by a specified date.
9. Step NineBudget for alterations, which can run $300 or more. Ask if pressing is included and if they’ll store your dress until the big day. Also ask for recommendations for cleaning and storing the dress.