BE HI ND T H E A PPOINT ME NT: SH O P P I NG FOR YOUR D R E A M D RESS Wedding gown salons like Georgio’s Bridal and Main Street Bridal sell madeto-order, designer wedding dresses and are the most traditional places to shop. They’ll carry collections from a wide variety of designers with a large variety of styles and options to choose from. You can expect full service (a salesperson well versed in the world of wedding gowns helping you), and your dress is going to be custom-ordered and altered to fit you. You can also buy bridal accessories such as veils and headpieces, shoes, earrings, necklaces and more! At a salon, a specific salesperson (sometimes called a “bridal consultant”) will be assigned to help you. You will work with this person every time you come into the store and after you buy the dress (for alterations, etc.). A bridal consultant will ask you questions about the type of wedding you’re having such as style, formality and how you envision yourself looking. They will discuss what kind of dresses will flatter your body type, height, and weight. Then she’ll bring you dresses to try on.
QUESTIONS TO ASK 1. How long will the dress take to come in and can it be rushed if needed? 2. Can I see fabric samples so I’ll know the exact color I’m ordering? 3. Manufacturer/designer name, and style number 4. Exact color ordered (white, ivory, champagne) 5. What is the full price including any additional fees? 6. What is the size ordered and/or detailed measurements? 7. What is the actual date the dress will be in? Main Street Bridal | Belton, Texas
8. What is the deposit amount required?
DRESS FITTINGS
9. Special order requests and costs (tape sleeves, chance bodice, etc.)
Every wedding dress needs alterations. Alterations can be as simple as taking in the waist a bit and hemming the dress, shortening the sleeves, taking in the bodice, or even adding beading or lace. Most bridal salons do alterations in-house, but if they don’t , chances are the bridal consultant you’ve been working with can recommend a good seamstress. Bring your wedding-day undergarments and shoes to all your fittings. A simple bra switch or change in heel height can cause your dress to fit very differently.
10. Other costs (pressing/steaming, delivery, cleaning) 11. Alterations estimate, specifying what type of alterations it covers. 12. What is the future payment schedule? 13. When is the balance due? 14. What is the Cancellation and refund policies?
You’ll probably have at least two or three fittings, though more may be necessary. You’ll want to do your first fitting six weeks before the wedding day and your second one a month before. The final fitting typically takes place one or two weeks before the wedding day when you pick up your gown and try it on one final time to adjust for any last-minute weight fluctuations. During the fittings, speak up if you see something you don’t like. Now is your chance. If there’s a problem, continue to schedule fittings until you’re completely satisfied. When the day of your final fitting arrives, ask your mom and maid of honor to come along so they can learn how to bustle your dress and help you get dressed.
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