WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING

Questions to Ask

IN THE BRIDAL SHOP

HOW MANY FITTINGS WILL I HAVE?

q Usually you’ll have an initial fitting, then a further one after the changes have been done. The average amount of fittings is two to three. Because of the amount of fittings, it’s worth looking for dresses well in advance of the wedding day. WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME? q You want to feel confident when you try on dresses. Some bridal shops will have strapless bras, heels and jewellery for you to try on with your dress but some may not. Make sure to bring an open mind too! You may surprise yourself with the dress you finally decide on. CAN I BRING MY MUM AND FRIENDS? q It’s always worth asking this question. Of course you want your friends and family there with you on the day, but some bridal shops may not have the space for you to do this. If you have a busy lifestyle, it might also be worth asking if they do late evening fittings. It’s less busy at this time so you’ll be able to bring friends. WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE? q If the store is in the Retail Bridal Association, it means the business has been running for more than five years and its standards are checked annually. Check if the seamstress is qualified. Make sure you’re visiting a store with good credentials.

MONEY SAVING TIPS

n The number one rule when it comes to buying wedding dresses is DO NOT try on a wedding dress that’s over your budget. You either blow your budget or break your own heart! n As a rule of thumb, the more intricate the design, the more it will cost so opt for simpler styles. n Wear your mother’s wedding dress. It puts a personal touch on the day and you save around £1,000. You could equally buy from a pre-owned site. They’ve only worn it once! n Shop at the right time. Like the fashion industry, there are busy times and not so busy times, so get the late summer and winter sales and visit wedding shows for show deals. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

q When you buy a wedding dress, you try on the sizes they have in store. They then order that dress closest to your size and alter it to fit. Make sure you find out how much the alteration will cost; some bridal shops include alterations in the price but watch out for these additional costs. CAN I BRING ALONG A CAMERA? q A lot of bridal shops surprisingly don’t allow this, but it’s important you ask so you can look over the pictures later and compare them to other styles you liked in different stores. If they don’t allow you to bring a camera or take photos, take a note of the name of the designer and the dress name or number so you can look the style up later online and save them that way. n