Wedding Dress ShoppingWedding dress shopping should be an enjoyable experience. However, there are many wedding dresses to choose from, and it can be hard work getting to the final decision. Here are some suggestions for a plan of action to ensure that the dress you ultimately purchase is the right one for you.
Ten months prior is not too early to start wedding dress shopping. Most bridal gown suppliers or designers require at least six months notice to order or make your wedding dress.
Collect pictures and photos from magazines or print out pictures from the internet. Take them with you and show them to the consultant, this will give them a pattern of your likes and a starting point for trying on the gowns. Also be prepared to discuss the size, style and type of wedding you will be having.
Prior to starting your wedding dress shopping it is advisable to call ahead and schedule two or three appointments for each day you go shopping. As a suggestion, go shopping one day of each weekend for a month. This will ensure that you have seen a wide range of different styles and can make the best final decision. Most reputable salons require that you make an appointment as it takes time to try the dresses on and they like to provide you with personalised service in a less congested environment. Making appointments means there will only be one or two others in the store at the same time as you. It also allows the consultant time to listen, provide suggestions and help you in choosing the right gown.
Getting a second opinion is important. Bring along your mother or a friend whose taste you like and opinions you trust. Make sure that they can be objective. It is best to take only one person with you initially (too many opinions can get you nowhere) and bring along all your bridesmaids or other important friends when you are trying to make the final decision.
You will be removing your clothes a number of times so wear something easy to take on and off. Wear suitable lingerie and consider wearing less make-up than usual so you don't smudge it or get it on the dresses (you may be asked to put a scarf over your face when trying dresses on if you do wear make-up).
Salons and designers should be able to work within your limits or provide other suggestions. You won't get anywhere by pretending that you can afford more than you really can.
The consultants and designers at each salon are professionals; they are specialists on fabrics, weddings and current styles. Listen to their advice and keep an open mind to any suggestions they make.
...and go to more than one store. You want to make sure that the dress you wear is the one of your dreams. When wedding dress shopping try on some you think you wouldn't like. You may be pleasantly surprised and if it does look awful at least you'll have confirmed that you really don't like that style.
You want to make sure that the dress you choose is truly the perfect one for you. The first you try can still be the one you wear but after having looked at a wide range you will confidently know that it is the right dress for you.
Don't make rash decisions. Sleep on it and then try the dress on again. Sleep on it one more time and if it is still your favourite then go ahead and order it.
Make sure you know what the terms of deposit, refund and payment are. Also enquire about alteration fees and fitting schedules. Confirm when final delivery is to be made and the guarantees that they provide.
Have all the terms and conditions put in writing including all the details of the dress. If the veil is included in the price this should be indicated in the contract. Items such as detachable trains or any other special features should also be expressly stated, along with the cost of alterations should any be required. It's better to have too many details than not enough in the event of an unforeseen problem.
Most important of all, have fun and enjoy wedding dress shopping!
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