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10 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW AND DO BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR
WEDDING GOWN
1. Get a clear picture of
what you want your wedding to look like in your mind. Close your
eyes and envision yourself as a bride. What do you see? Are you going to be
walking down an aisle, getting married outside or uttering your vows by the
soft glow of candlelight? Will you be wearing a full ball gown with your hair
up and a long flowing veil? Or are you dressed in a flowing, romantic gown that
accentuates your femininity? Write down six adjectives that best describe how
you want to look and feel on your wedding day. For example, you may write words
such as: traditional, romantic, princess-like, lavish, minimalist, sexy,
sophisticated, etc.
2. Try on the different
silhouettes of gowns to find out what looks best on your figure. All
wedding gowns fall under four basic silhouettes. These are: the ball gown (the
most traditional of the categories, has a full bodice and waistline that leads
to a very full skirt), the empire (has a high waistline which falls to a
slimmer skirt), the A-line or princess (features vertical seams flowing from
the shoulders down to an A-shaped flared skirt) and the sheath (closely follows
the line of the body). An experienced bridal consultant can point out the
features of how you look in each. You should let her know what you like about
each style as well. |
3. Select the color and fabric of your gown. The
same dress style can look and feel quite different in a different color or
fabric. Even though white has traditionally been the color of most gowns, more
and more gowns are being designed with color in the details. You may want to
consider an off white, ivory or blush/champagne color as a way to enhance your
complexion. Choose a color and fabric that best reflects the mood you are
trying to create at your wedding. When choosing the fabric, keep in mind that
it will be the basis for the overall look and feel of your gown and will
influence cost more than any other single thing. Textured material and overlays
such as chiffon, tulle, and organza can also be used to create a special look
for you.
4. Determine what features you want on
your gown. These features include the type of neckline, waistline,
train, beadwork or lace on the bodice and skirt, and other decorations or
embellishments. Once you have determined which silhouette, color and fabric you
like best, determine if the gown will have sleeves, straps or if you prefer
strapless. You will want to try on a variety of gowns to help you find what you
like best as you bring “the perfect gown” into closer focus.
5. Accept help from knowledgeable and
professional bridal consultants. A good bridal consultant will ask
lots of questions to get more clarity about your special day. They will want to
be helpful to you and may have some recommendations for you. An expert
consultant has seen gowns on many women in various shapes and sizes and will be
able to recommend a dress that will look great on your body. Let an expert's
opinion guide you to considering some shapes or styles you might never have
imagined wearing. However, your consultant should make you feel comfortable and
free to express your own opinion. From the moment you enter the salon, be
mindful of the way you’re being treated and of the way the salespeople
make you feel. Do they treat you with respect? This is your special day and you
deserve help that makes you feel comfortable and happy.
6. Be aware of traditions or religious guidelines that may
influence how your gown should look. Different pastors, clergy or
officiants of weddings in various religious and/or ethnic backgrounds require
that your head, legs or shoulders be covered. It is best to check with your
ceremony officiant to find out if he/she has any guidelines that may need to be
considered before you buy your gown. This will prevent embarrassment on the
part of you and your guests.
7. Bring along
someone whose opinion you trust and respect to help you in your
search. This person could be your mother, sister, bridesmaid, honor
attendant, a close friend or another relative. An extra set of eyes can be
helpful, but limit the number of people who come with you. Too many opinions
will likely confuse you and lead to a frustrating experience. Such feedback can
be invaluable. But, remember, it is your wedding, so you should make the final
decision after careful consideration of your choices. |
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8. Make your decision. Making your final decision
doesn’t have to be stressful. You have your mother or friend and your
consultant to help you. Be sure to give yourself a chance to look at several
options before you buy. Trust your own instincts. You have likely been
visualizing this day for some time. Ask yourself these three questions of the
final dresses that you are seriously considering: 1) Which dress do I feel the
prettiest in?; 2) Which dress accentuates my best feature?; and 3) Which dress
most fits my personality or style? Try on each gown and go through this process
until you have eliminated all of the dresses to the final one. Once you’ve
found a gown that is everything you’ve imagined, smile and relax –
you’ve done it!
9. Have your dress
altered to match your exact figure. Once you have your gown, find a
professional seamstress, who is an expert at altering wedding gowns, to help
you make the final alterations that will help your dress fit perfectly. Many
bridal stores will have |
their own
seamstress on site to help you. This process usually involves an initial
fitting and one to two more alteration appointments. Following these fitting
appointments, your dress will be pressed. You may want to wait until a few days
before your wedding before you pick it up. We do offer alterations with a
professional seamstress at our store - please see "Alterations" for more
details.
10. Look for the final touches that
will help you complete your gown and make your wedding day special.
Once you’ve found your gown, look for matching elements such as veils,
shoes, and gloves that will make your transformation into a new bride complete.
You may want to ask your bridal consultant for suggestions for these final
touches.
Choosing Your Color
The key to finding the right shade for you is knowing your skin
tone: if your skin is fair you'll look best in yellow-ivories and warmer
natural colors. You should probably steer clear of stark white, it may wash you
out.
If your skin is medium with pink undertones: opt for creamier
colors. If your skin is medium with yellow undertones: try diamond whites or
champagne.
If your skin is dark: lucky you - most shades of white will
compliment your skin.
If you have yellow or olive undertones
yellow-ivory wedding dresses may not be best for you. Try a stark white or rum
pink wedding gown. |
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