WEDDING NOTES™ - Gown Shopping Tips

Shopping for your wedding gown can be either a wonder filled experience or it can be a dreaded encounter.  Your mind set before you begin will make all the difference.  Here are some tips from experts that will help make your shopping for THE DRESS easier and satisfying.

1.  Know your wedding budget and how much you allocated for the gown and don't be tempted to overspend.  Establish a realistic budget and communicate that to the consultant who is helping you.  There are plenty of beautiful gowns well within the reach of most bride's finances.

2.  It's really true that many brides fall in love with the first dress they try on.  It isn't luck.  It's the result of being clear about what you have in mind and communicating that to the consultant who is helping you.  She knows her stock and is expert in evaluating a bride's silhouette so she can select a gown or gowns that are likely to look fabulous on you.

3.  Be aware that alterations are not a bad word.  The gowns you try on and love will be close to perfect on you, but some nips or tucks may be necessary for perfect fit.  Bodies can change between the date you order your gown and the date you come for your first fitting.  A skilled seamstress will make those minor adjustments so that its fit is comfortable and right.

4.  Be selective in inviting friends to shop with you.  In spite of what those TV shows indicate, the average bride does not bring a room full of relatives and friends with her to select her gown.  In fact, an unedited group will give you a headache and add stress to the event.  Very few bridal salons are set up to handle a large group and will gently suggest that when you call for an appointment that you tightly control the number of "guests" who will share your wedding gown shopping experience.  The store's professionals know what they are talking about, so listen.

5.  When you find THE DRESS, stop looking!  Too many brides think that if they don't look at every dress within a 10 mile radius, they haven't done their job.  Sometimes mothers will insist that the bride shop every store in a trading area "just to be sure".  Most consultants will tell you that route will only result in confusion and more stress.  You've found the dress.  It is everything you like.  It's in your budget.  You like the consultant and the store.  What else is there?

6.  The best plan is to work with an experienced consultant in a well-known independent bridal retail salon.  She will have the experience and reputation to help you find the perfect dress and to insure its timely delivery for your wedding.  Beware of online shopping for your important wedding gown.  The horror stories that brides who bought from a photo from an unknown retailer will scare you.  Always shop from someone whose reputation for excellence is well known.