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Shopping for your wedding dress When to start, style ideas, how to order Return to articles index | Choosing your gown | Cleaning and care of your gown | Restoring an heirloom gown | Headpiece, veil and shoes | Budget worksheet | Your wedding timetable
When to start looking Wedding dresses are custom ordered for the most part, and this process takes time to complete. Most stores recommend that you order your dress six months before your wedding. Certainly, no less than sixteen weeks to insure enough time for delivery and alterations. Bridesmaids' dresses are also specially ordered. Therefore, as soon as you've decided on your own dress, you and your attendants should go shopping. When you shop for your dress, never shop alone. Ask your mother or a good friend to come along for advice. Inform the bridal consultant of your plans: formality of wedding, style preferences, budget, wedding date, date the dress is needed. Matching style to figure These suggestions will help identify the best style for you. Find one that flatters your figure and does not accentuate problem areas. Short and thin. A high-rise waistline, high neckline, perhaps sleevless with long gloves, chapel-length train, floor-length veil (all super-feminine, give a taller appearance.) Short with a few pounds to spare. Blouson bodice over fitted slip, a long, narrow sleeve. Avoid billowy looks. Select a natural, boat neck, or high neckline. Gathered or slightly dirndl waist with soft ribbon accents add length; avoid flounced skirts. Try a delicate floral wreath. Tall and thin. Dropped waist looks terrific; it takes away that long, leggy look. Bare off the shoulder styles are sexy and feminine. If you like, wear ruffles or billowy sleeves. Veils and hats are striking additions. Heavyset. Choose simple lines and avoid too much lace and beading. Look for vertical lines such as the princess cut, soft bodice, natural or high necklines. Avoid very puffed sleeves but try the dolman. Again, choose a simple headpiece such as a floral wreath or chapel veil. Trains The three basic wedding dress trains are: The sweep length, which barely touches the floor; The chapel length, which trails on the floor about four feet out from the dress; And the cathedral length, which trails six feet out from the dress (or more if you're royalty!) Ordering your dress Since the dress you try on in the store is a sample size, you will be measured and the dress you choose will be ordered nearest to your size. When it is delivered, the shop will call you to arrange a date for your first fitting. At this time, be sure to take the shoes you'll wear on your wedding day. Some stores may include one fitting in the cost of the dress, but many do not. Find out beforehand, since some dresses require a few fittings. Special alterations and extra lengths involve additional charges, as do headpieces and veils. Most shops require a deposit when you place your order, so be sure you've made the right choice. Since the order is placed immediately, this means you must forfeit your deposit and pay for the entire cost of the dress if you change your mind later. Keep all receipts. Be sure everything promised is in writing, delivery date included, and read the sales agreement carefully. If you allow enough time to shop for your dress, and work closely with a consultant, you'll find the dress that's uniquely you. Return to articles index |
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