Your wedding gown
Start looking early, browse for ideas, get expert help
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Lisa Brown, Bella Rose Photography
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One of the first decisions a bride should start considering is the choice of a wedding gown. Getting an early start is important to making sure you find exactly the style you want, within your budget.
Bridal magazines and the local bridal shows are excellent resources for gathering ideas before you start shopping.
Some bridal shops require appointments; others encourage drop-in visits. Call ahead to be sure you can get personal attention from an expert who will be able to match gowns to your tastes and your budget.
Points to remember
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Order your gown six months to a year in advance. Gowns are custom made, and require long lead times.
- Let the bridal shop’s staff help you select a size. Sizes vary widely between manufacturers. Order based on your size now, not what you hope to be on the wedding date. It’s much easier to take a gown in than to let it out.
- Ask about alteration costs and fitting schedules. Expect two to three fittings over a month or two.
- Wedding gown alteration is a highly specialized skill. Rates can range from $50 to more than $250.
- Expect to leave a 50 percent deposit when you order. In return, you should get alteration estimates and other promises in writing.
- Most shops don’t allow photos of the gown until it is paid for.
- Bridesmaid dresses should all be ordered at the same time, to ensure that they are cut from the same fabric lot and colors match exactly. Order six months to a year in advance.
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