Every girl has worn them.
Some have worn them against their will, but most others have relished the fact that you just feel prettier when you are in a pretty dress. And twirling is awful fun too!
Weddings.
Every girl has thought about getting married.
Some won't (for many reason), but most will make that walk down the aisle.
And what dress could make them feel more prettier. More glamorous. More like a princess than a wedding dress?
Months it takes to find the perfect one. I remember buying up every wedding magazine I could find, tearing out and carefully noting where I would be able to find that dress. I went to many gown show rooms and tried on so many beautiful dresses...I had a style in mind for what I wanted and that's what I went after.
There are so many dresses, colors, fabrics, textures, styles to choose from. The prospects are endless for todays bride. Since brides come in all different shapes, sizes, skin tones, so should dresses. And they do! Dresses come with different skirt styles (A lines, full) and different bodices (scooped, scallopped, straight, high necklines, low plunges). There are dresses with lace, dresses that are rouched, dresses with tufts, dresses that are straight....the combinations are endless.
Before you start trying on gowns , you need to confirm a few logistics: What time of year will the wedding take place? Where will the reception be? This will keep you from buying a dress that won't feel right on the day of (high neck with lots of lace for a outside garden wedding, a princess cut skirt for a reception in a small restaurant). But don't wait too long to begin shopping. It takes four to six months to have a dress made and fitted, sometimes longer for one with intricate handwork. If you start shopping eight to twelve months in advance, you won't feel rushed -- or encounter rush charges.
Its important to set a budget. Yes, the "B" word is back. If you do this you won't be likely to have your heart set on something that you can't afford. And just remember, if you go over budget in this area, you may have to cut back in another area.
Most bridal boutiques recquire an appointment. So making and keeping this appointment at the boutiques you want to look at is crucial. It would be helpful to arrive at your appointment with some examples of the kinds of dresses you are interested in. This way, the associate will be able to locate dresses that fit your style more quickly.
Decide on a silhouette. Know which type of gown will flatter your figure the best. Look at photos of each type. You can browse wedding website message boards and member profiles for photos of real women wearing gowns, rather than relying on professional photos of models wearing them. Here is a list of the 4 basic gown silhouettes:
Ball gowns have very full skirts and generally will look beautiful on any body type, theyvgenerally either have crinolines built in or a slip you must wear to support the shape of the gown. Be advised that this extra fabric can be heavy and bulky and will require extra care to wear.
A-lines usually have a fitted bodice with a skirt that flares gently from the waist to form an "A" shape. They generally work for everyone as well, and are a terrific choice for someone who would like to hide lower body flaws, but does not want a ball gown. A-lines are not as full as ball gowns.
Sheaths flatter women with slim, balanced figures. They shouldn't be worn by brides who dislike their figures. This gown will not hide any flaws. If you think your thighs or butt are too big, you'll be miserable in this type of dress. Don't try to pull it off because you found a gown you love in this style. You don't want to risk being uncomfortable or self conscious on your wedding day, or regretting your choice every time you look at wedding photos.
Empire waist gowns have a skirt that falls from just below the breasts. Although usually listed with various waistline types and not always considered a type of silhouette, they are a wonderful choice for a casual, non-formal wedding, or weddings in a tropical climate. They're usually made of light, flowing fabric. They're also excellent for pregnant brides, because they provide extra room in the waist, making them a comfortable choice. They also won't draw as much attention to the belly as a dress with a lower waistline would.
Make sure you are comfortable in the dress you choose. Lift your arms up over your heard, do a little jig...make sure you can move (and breath) in the dress. (Info taken from http://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Wedding-Dress)
NOTE: Most stores require a deposit, with the remaining balance due when you pick up the dress!
Oh! Make sure you take someone with you.
Maybe a few someones (hint: a brides maid or two, mother, grandmother)...someone who knows your style and your taste and will give you an opinion based on that information. Your sales clerk will also be very helpful, they certainly should not want you walking down the aisle in a dress that is ill formed for your BUT your girlies are the ones who will know right away if you have "found the one."
Vendors: BridePower, Pink Preppy, Ian Stuart, Rock N Roll Bride, Vera Wang, Ivy and Aster, Vintageous, Monique Hullier, Theia Coutre, Judd Waddell, Amy Kuschel, Demetrius, Maggie Sottero,
Wedding Inspiration, Disney Bridal, Eden Bridal, Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta, Nicole Miller.
Next time: Grooms, Bridesmaids/Groomsmen, Flowers and gifts!
