Bridal Club Magazine
Finding the perfect wedding dress
1. Start your search for the perfect wedding dress at least six
to nine months ahead. Special orders can take four to six months,
plus time for alterations.
2. Keep your file of photographs of dresses you like from bridal
magazines, advertisements and boutique promotions handy when you
shop.
3. Choose 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 being pastels, a floor
brushing (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. Flatter your figure with a wedding 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, and heath 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. Shop 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. Set a budget. Off-the-rack wedding 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 wedding dresses in the lower third of that
range.
7. Ask when bridal stores are next having a sample sale. Be on
the lookout for warehouse sales on discontinued styles, samples and
overstocks.
8. Make the deposit with a credit card. Get an itemized receipt
spelling out every detail (manufacturer's and design name, number,
price, colour and size) and stating that the deal is cancelled if
your wedding dress isn't ready by a specified date.
9. Budget for alterations, which can run $300 or more. Ask if
pressing is included and if they'll store your wedding dress until
the big day. Also ask for recommendations for cleaning and storing
the dress.
By Angela Reid
About the author: Angela Reid is a writer, wedding planner and
consultant who has helped dozens of brides choose wedding dresses
and accessories for their special day. You can find dozens of
links, tips, tricks and secrets to finding the perfect wedding dress at
Angela's web site: http://www.1weddingdresses.com