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.
Keep your file of photographs of dresses you like from bridal magazines,
advertisements and boutique promotions handy when you shop.
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 be pastels, a floorbrushing (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.
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, sheath 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.
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.
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.
Ask when bridal stores are next having a sample sale. Be on the lookout
for warehouse sales on discontinued styles, samples and overstocks.
Make the deposit with a credit card. Get an itemized receipt spelling
out every detail (manufacturer's and design name, number, price, color
and size) and stating that the deal is canceled if your wedding dress
isn't ready by a specified date.
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.
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
