GOWNS

becoming reality

Even from a very young age, most girls daydream about their wedding dress. We’re constantly bombarded with movies, TV, and photos of picture-perfect, iconic brides. And what makes these brides iconic? The dress! Although finding the right dress for your wedding day isn’t as easy as daydreaming, we’re here to help with these bridal gown basics.

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PREPARE TO SPEND A LITTLE MORE

Remember that just because it’s a great price doesn’t mean it’s a great dress for you. And don’t forget to bring along a pad of paper to track styles, dress names and numbers.

GOWN STYLES

Bridal attire ranges from extravagant princess gowns to tailored suits. There’s no rule saying a bride must wear a fancy gown. This is the age when brides dress for their own comfort level and personal style, but more polished. Even so, most brides stick with a dress. The strapless style is always a favorite, but the market has expanded in recent years to include gowns with all manner of straps, sleeves, and accessories. You’ll see many dresses that are modest in the front and dramatic in the back. Dresses are also belted, have convertible or removable cap sleeves, and come in an array of bold and muted colors in addition to just white. Some brides even wear more than one dress. They might choose a traditional gown for the ceremony and a short dress for the reception, so they can comfortably dance the night away.

FABRIC & AFFORDABILITY

Satin, tulle, and lace are the most common fabrics for wedding gowns, and the type of fabric you choose will greatly affect the price. If you’re dreaming of intricate, hand-stitched, Italian lace with delicate beading, the cost will rise, not to mention the price of alterations. But these days, it’s entirely possible to find designers that create gorgeous gowns with price points that suit the mainstream bride. The professionals at your local bridal salon will be able to help you determine which fabric and details fit within your budget.

STARTING THE SEARCH

Start by gathering ideas. Bridal magazines, designer websites, and Pinterest are a great source as you start the hunt for your wedding dress. Compile the styles you like that suit the mood of your wedding. Is your wedding venue a rustic lodge, classic ballroom, or ultra-modern loft? Ask yourself, “What kind of dress makes sense for the activities of the day?”

Also think about what kind of dress makes sense for you. Weddings are no longer strictly adhering to tradition, and brides are embracing this new mainstream by crafting weddings that are a true reflection of themselves, and that goes for bridal style, too. If you’re not into princess gowns, wear a white jumpsuit and sassy heels. If your wedding’s on a beach, don a knee-length sheath and comfy sandals. Keep your vision of your true self in mind as you search for ideas.

Then, make an appointment at your local bridal salon. Salons give you more bang for your buck and a better overall experience and value than an online retailer. At a salon, you can try on multiple styles free of charge, and you’re guaranteed to work with a consultant who has seen countless brides before you and can help discern the right style of dress for your body type. A local salon may also offer, or can at least refer you to, someone who can make alterations to the dress you choose.

When you go, invite a trusted team of family and friends to join you. You don’t need an army, just a few close people you can count on to tell you the truth. Ideally you should start visiting salons anywhere from nine months to a year before your wedding to allow enough time. If you’re in a rush, 6 months or less, tell your consultant immediately.

SHAPES & SIZES

Remember that no two brides are shaped alike, therefore, no dress will ever accent your silhouette exactly the same way it does another bride’s body. When the time comes to try on gowns, explore a myriad of styles and cuts to

figure out what works for you. Keep an open mind; you might be surprised! Note that bridal salons often carry only one sample size of each gown. Try on these gowns even if they’re not your size. Consultants are there to help you get in and out of sample sizes. If you’re nervous about the sizes available at your local bridal salon, give them a call. Talking to a representative will ease your mind, and you’ll find that whether you’re full-figured or very petite, there have never been more options to accommodate brides of all shapes and sizes.

TRYING ON DRESSES

Don’t be afraid to try on dresses that aren’t necessarily in your comfort zone. You never know what a gown will really look like until you try it on, and lots of brides end up choosing a style of gown they never even dreamed of. Remember that the gowns at salons are just samples, so the size won’t be tailored to you, and most dresses can be ordered in various shades of white. So just because you’re not crazy about that big blush dress on the hanger, try it anyway! What do you have to lose?

WORKING WITH A CONSULTANT

While at the salon, make sure to take advantage of your professional consultant’s knowledge and expertise. A good bridal consultant should steer you in the right direction so communicate your likes, dislikes, wants, and needs as much as possible. It’s the consultant’s job to handle every step of your salon experience including showing you every option within your price range. They can also coordinate alterations and other

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GOWNS

practical matters once you’ve found “the one.” If you’re not in sync with the consultant you’ve been dealt, don’t hesitate to ask to work with a different representative. Every bridal salon’s goal is to give you an enjoyable experience.

ALTERATIONS & FITTINGS

There are usually as many as four fittings that follow saying “yes” to the dress. Here are some tips for making this process run as smoothly as possible. First, give yourself and the seamstress sufficient time. If you’re in a rush, this is when working with a bridal salon can really help. It’s usually their job to make sure alterations run smoothly and on time.

Second, choose a dress that’s very close to your actual size. Most gowns can’t be changed by more than two sizes, up or down. Buy a dress that fits the biggest part of you, not the smallest part. It’s easier to take a dress in to hug your figure than it is to let it out. If you’re not working with a salon and have to find your own seamstress, choose one that has a great reputation, not the lowest rate.

When the time comes for your first fitting, make sure you’re sporting the same undergarments and shoes that you’ll be wearing on your wedding day. Even the slightest tweak in bra padding or heel height can change the way a dress hangs and where the hem falls. As you’re working with the seamstress, trust that they know what they’re doing. You may ask them to make one alteration, and they might suggest an alternate way to achieve that look, or advise against it altogether. Know when to take a deep breath and have some faith in the professionals. B