Often times the wedding gown is one of the first items purchased, however before you write that check…a few things need to be determined. You need to decide what kind of wedding you are planning on having; small or large, formal or informal, indoor or out. You will also need to determine your budget before you make any purchases. These decisions will make it easier when the time comes to purchase a dress and the right dress.
The purchase of a wedding gown should never conflict with your wedding decisions. For example if you are planning on having an intimate small wedding then a huge elaborate ball gown may not be appropriate or for an outdoor wedding you may want to reconsider a long train that will get dirty. The recommended percentage to spend on wedding attire (not only the wedding gown) is 10% of your total wedding budget. Therefore if you are having a $20,000 wedding then you would have $2000 to spend on wedding attire.
When shopping for your wedding gown take only one to two people with you and individuals that understand you and your style. Also make sure to come prepared with a strapless bra and appropriate shoes. Often times if you forget the bridal boutique will have items you can borrow while trying on their dresses. Also be careful not to wear sneakers and a baseball cap to try on dresses…trust me no dress will look good like it will on your wedding day.
You may find it helpful to bring a camera along while trying on gowns. Some boutiques will not allow their dresses to be photographed so make sure to ask permission before snapping away. If they do allow pictures it becomes a useful tool when you get home to remember and compare each of the final dresses.
Most bridal boutiques only carry one size in each dress so be sure to ask the assistant how long there orders take to arrive. The average is 4-6 weeks however it can take up to four months plus time for alterations. Make sure that the shop does alterations or they can recommend someone that has worked with their dresses in the past. The alterations should be done 2-4 weeks before the wedding and usually are an additional cost to the dress. When getting your dress altered make sure that you wear shoes and undergarments that you are planning on wearing the day of the wedding so the dress can be altered perfectly!
Wedding gown sizes run differently than regular clothing and they run a lot smaller. Therefore if you are normally a size 6 don’t be surprised if you wear an 8 or even a 10 in wedding gowns. It is important when choosing the right size to choose a size where it fits your largest body measurement and then the rest can be altered in. It is easier to make a dress smaller than to make it larger. Make sure to ask if the boutique will hold the dress until the wedding or if you have to store it.
If your budget is tight you may want to consider renting your wedding gown or purchasing a used gown. Some bridal boutiques will even rent both wedding gowns and bridesmaid’s dresses. Purchasing a used gown may be a better choice than renting especially if the rented dress has been worn numerous times. Often times brides that break their engagement or post pone their weddings will use a resale shop or classified ads for their un-used dresses.
When looking for bridesmaids dresses look in department stores and their catalogues. Often times they will have cheaper dresses and a variety of sizes. You can also look online for a wedding gown and attendants dresses however when purchasing online be careful of the quality of the dress and their return policy.
After purchases have been made there is several things to consider with you dress, including will you need to buy a strapless bra, slip and/or appropriate shoes. Make sure that you will comfortable in your dress from head to toe! Jewelry, veils and headpieces are also items to consider. Make sure these items complement the dress and not distract. Lastly consider your hairstyle, will you have an up do or leave it down and curled? When you are choosing a hairstyle make sure to consultant your hair stylist and choose a hair style months in advance.
If you are looking for Colorado Bridal Boutiques check out PremierWeddingPlanning.com for great vendors and more wedding attire etiquette. Good luck in the adventure of Bridal Gowns R Us and make sure to make your wedding gown true to YOU!
