Do’s and Don’ts of Wedding Dress Shopping

Do’s & Don’ts of Wedding Dress Shopping

DO set a budget. The cost of a wedding dress averages $700-$800, but can range from $300-$5,000. Know how much you are willing to spend and be prepared to buy if you find your dream dress. Keep your budget in mind while trying on dresses so you don’t fall in love with something out of your price range. Most salons require a 50% nonrefundable deposit. DO have an idea of what you want. Make sure to bring in pictures of the dresses and styles that you like. This will give your consultant a starting point of what you are looking for. Note the magazine / website on the pictures and issue date if appropriate. If you have no idea what kind of dress you’d like to wear on your wedding day try on one ball gown, one fit-and-flare, and one A-line dress the first time you go shopping for a gown. It’ll quickly become clear which silhouette works best for your shape. DO bring people you trust (and who will tell you the truth). Carefully choose a few people that you can trust will make sure to keep you and your big day in mind, and also keep you down to earth. All of the dresses will look very beautiful and it’s sometimes hard not to get caught up in the moment. Too many people can lead to a lot of different opinions and sometimes yours can get lost. DON’T bring children. Take this time for yourself and to focus of this very important decision. DO wear your fancy bra. On wedding dress try-on day, you’re going to be spending a lot of time admiring it between gowns and it will make you feel much more positive about the whole process. Good fitting undergarments, especially if you know what you will be wearing on your wedding day, can play a big role in a good fitting dress. You can also rest assure the dress will fit perfectly with all of your wedding day garments. DON’T rush into great deals! Allinclusive prices (free headpiece, petticoat) because the level of service is often reduced by the amount of “extras” promised. DO use a credit card for dress deposit. If the dress is not delivered or there are problems, the bank that issued the card can be contacted to issue a refund.

DON’T forget dress and accessory sales

are usually final. No pressure, right? But it’s a realistic reminder that you should stay serious in your search for your wedding dress and accessories. DO start shopping early! Most stores recommend you order your dress no more than 16 weeks before your wedding to allow time for custom ordering and fittings. a

Bridal Tip: If you can’t quite picture yourself walking down aisle, ask your consultant for a veil. The veil really completes the whole look, and it can actually be very emotional when you try one on. Visit our website at... www.miwedding.com