WEDDING NOTES™ - Tying It All Together

Dreams, time, energy and fittings have gone into selecting THE GOWN for your wedding day.  Nothing can compete with it.  What remains is to enhance its beauty by selecting the perfect accessories and gown enhancers.

You've gotten the call - your gown has arrived.  It is time to make sure that all of the items that will be worn that day are perfect as well.

• *Undergarments - These are critical to insure that your gown fits beautifully.  Be sure to purchase the right bra, the right slip, and if your gown is a mermaid style, a trusty pair of Spanx.  Bring all items to the salon when you have your first fitting.  If something isn't right, you'll have time to replace it.

• *Shoes - It doesn't matter what style you've chosen, just make sure you've worn them at home on carpeting to insure comfort and that they are with you at that first fitting of your gown.  You must wear them when the hem of your gown is being pinned.  Heel height determines hem length.  Once hemmed you can't change your mind.

• *Veil or Headpiece - If you didn't make its selection when you chose your gown, now is the time.  Decide on length, style and gown compatibility.  Make sure it is comfortable by working with its placement.  Does it work with your plans for your wedding day hair style?

• *Wrap - Rarely needed in warm weather, but essential in northern climates, the wrap you choose absolutely must compliment your gown.  Don't settle for a style that competes with the dress or looks like an afterthought.  If you can't find exactly what you want, ask the seamstress who is doing your fitting to help create the perfect accessory.

• *Bustle - If your gown has a sweeping train that you will want bustled for the reception/dance, be sure to bring along a friend to your fitting.  She should take notes during the fitting about how to bustle your gown.  Some directions will be simple - two ribbons tied together, but some may be more complicated.  Waiting to have your bustle "installed" while the band plays on without you isn't good.  Have a few practice runs before the final pressing.

• *Jewelry -Bring the pieces you are considering to that first fitting to make sure they still work.  IF the gown is heavily beaded, you may wish to consider little or no jewelry.  If the gown is plain and elegant - the minimalist look, you can consider impact jewelry.  Just make sure the jewelry chosen compliments the gown, not competes with it.