You're newly engaged? Congratulations! You are just beginning the journey of planning one of the most exciting days of your life.
So where to start? We know that everyone gets a excited about Bridal Gown shopping first! But before heading off to every store within 500 miles, here are some guidelines to help you make the best decisions.
1) Research the store(s) you're visiting: You'll find that every store is different. From the designers they carry to the customer service they provide, every store you visit will offer you a very different experience. Make sure you are shopping at a bridal shoppe or boutique with a good reputation, who can offer you all the services that you need.
This step will also help you feel comfortable with the selection, designers and price point to expect before you arrive. Not every store will fit your needs, so make sure you don't waste your time going places that don't have what you want.
More than just the selection, you want to feel comfortable with the shoppe you choose and know that they are experienced in handling every situation and have everything under control for your big day so you don't have to worry.
We recommend asking other new Brides about their experiences, and getting recommendations from people you know who have shopped there. You should also visit sites like
The Knot and
Wedding Wire for a look at industry awards and other customer reviews for the stores you are planning to visit.
2) Make an appointment: Before heading out, make sure you have an appointment at the shoppe you are visiting. Many places say that they take "walk-ins" but that in no way guarantees that there will be a knowledgeable stylist to assist you. Letting the store know you're coming, will get you the best possible service.
Weekends and evenings are typically the busiest for most shoppes, so consider shopping at non-peak times for the best experience and most uninterrupted time with your stylist.
Ask the shoppe which times they recommend for the best service, and see if they have
private appointments available.
3) Have your wedding date set before you shop: It's important to know the timeline that you are working with. Many designers gowns have to be special ordered directly from the manufacturers, which are often over-seas, and can take up to 6 months to arrive. If your wedding is coming up more quickly you'll need to explore other options, such as buying off the rack, or paying an additional "rush" fee for quicker service. Talk to your stylist about your wedding date before choosing a gown you can't get in time.
4) Know your wedding theme or style: Setting a theme for your wedding sounds hard. Many Brides will say "I don't have a theme" but everyone does, really. What words can best describe your vision? Yours may just be "Simple", "Romantic" or "Classic" or it could be "Vintage", "Fairy Tale" or "Hollywood Glam".
Describing the overall feel and look that you want to exude at your wedding. Your stylist should be able to help you choose gowns that will work with your vision. The dress you would choose for an outdoor barn wedding will likely look very different from a gown you would choose for a beach, winter, or a large traditional cathedral.
5) Embrace your body type: Finding a gown you look the best in should be the ultimate goal. If you have broad shoulders, an off the shoulder gown may not be the best style for you. Different gown details work for different body types. A trained professional stylist will be able to help you find a gown to highlight your curves, or hide them if your prefer!
Go to your appointment with a few styles in mind, but be open to trying multiple styles that your stylist chooses for you. Often styles that you "don't think will look good" are exactly the styles that suits you best. Try not to get your heart set on something before you try anything on. No one wants to be disappointed when they find out their dream dress only looks good on someone else.
6) Set your budget: Wedding attire typically amounts to about 8-10% of your overall wedding budget. It's imperative that you include not only your gown, but also your headpiece, veil, jewelry, undergarments, shoes and alterations into that figure.
If you absolutely can't be flexible with your budget---Don't try on the gowns that are too expensive! You never want to fall in love with a gown you can't have! Ask your stylist about savings incentives, packages, sales, trunk shows or other ways to save money at their shoppe.
7) Take only the decision makers with you: When you shop for your gown, you should be ready to buy! Special order gowns take up to 6 months to arrive, and it's always a good idea to leave extra time for alterations and final preparations.
Be prepared to put down a deposit when you find that special gown. That means making plans to shop with your Mom, Grandma, bff or anyone else if their opinions are important to you in making your final decision. However, we recommend not bringing too many people. Getting a dozen different opinions is often over-whelming and dis-heartening for Brides. It will be harder to choose if you think you're disappointing someone who's opinion matters. It's always better to show additional friends, bridesmaids and other family your gown after the final decision has been made. *hint* They will always love it if they know you already chose it!
Congratulations on taking the first step to wedding planning and successful gown shopping! When in doubt, always seek the advice of the wedding experts at your local shoppe.
Michelle's Bridal & Tuxedo has been dressing beautiful Brides for over 30 years. They've seen it all, heard it all and done it all, yet every experience continues to be unique, and every purchase customized to meet your needs.
To make Michelle's a stop on your dress shopping tour, request an appointment on-line
here, or call us at 217-384-7914.
SOURCES:
http://www.tulleandchantilly.com/blog/top-8-hot-wedding-dresses-styles-for-winter-wonderland-weddings-2014/
http://www.raynamcginnisphotography.com/Blessed-Sacrament-Church-Denver-Museum-Nature-Science
1) Research the store(s) you're visiting: You'll find that every store is different. From the designers they carry to the customer service they provide, every store you visit will offer you a very different experience. Make sure you are shopping at a bridal shoppe or boutique with a good reputation, who can offer you all the services that you need.
This step will also help you feel comfortable with the selection, designers and price point to expect before you arrive. Not every store will fit your needs, so make sure you don't waste your time going places that don't have what you want.
More than just the selection, you want to feel comfortable with the shoppe you choose and know that they are experienced in handling every situation and have everything under control for your big day so you don't have to worry.
We recommend asking other new Brides about their experiences, and getting recommendations from people you know who have shopped there. You should also visit sites like The Knot and Wedding Wire for a look at industry awards and other customer reviews for the stores you are planning to visit.
2) Make an appointment: Before heading out, make sure you have an appointment at the shoppe you are visiting. Many places say that they take "walk-ins" but that in no way guarantees that there will be a knowledgeable stylist to assist you. Letting the store know you're coming, will get you the best possible service.
Weekends and evenings are typically the busiest for most shoppes, so consider shopping at non-peak times for the best experience and most uninterrupted time with your stylist.
Ask the shoppe which times they recommend for the best service, and see if they have private appointments available.
3) Have your wedding date set before you shop: It's important to know the timeline that you are working with. Many designers gowns have to be special ordered directly from the manufacturers, which are often over-seas, and can take up to 6 months to arrive. If your wedding is coming up more quickly you'll need to explore other options, such as buying off the rack, or paying an additional "rush" fee for quicker service. Talk to your stylist about your wedding date before choosing a gown you can't get in time.
4) Know your wedding theme or style: Setting a theme for your wedding sounds hard. Many Brides will say "I don't have a theme" but everyone does, really. What words can best describe your vision? Yours may just be "Simple", "Romantic" or "Classic" or it could be "Vintage", "Fairy Tale" or "Hollywood Glam".
Describing the overall feel and look that you want to exude at your wedding. Your stylist should be able to help you choose gowns that will work with your vision. The dress you would choose for an outdoor barn wedding will likely look very different from a gown you would choose for a beach, winter, or a large traditional cathedral.
5) Embrace your body type: Finding a gown you look the best in should be the ultimate goal. If you have broad shoulders, an off the shoulder gown may not be the best style for you. Different gown details work for different body types. A trained professional stylist will be able to help you find a gown to highlight your curves, or hide them if your prefer!
Go to your appointment with a few styles in mind, but be open to trying multiple styles that your stylist chooses for you. Often styles that you "don't think will look good" are exactly the styles that suits you best. Try not to get your heart set on something before you try anything on. No one wants to be disappointed when they find out their dream dress only looks good on someone else.
6) Set your budget: Wedding attire typically amounts to about 8-10% of your overall wedding budget. It's imperative that you include not only your gown, but also your headpiece, veil, jewelry, undergarments, shoes and alterations into that figure.
If you absolutely can't be flexible with your budget---Don't try on the gowns that are too expensive! You never want to fall in love with a gown you can't have! Ask your stylist about savings incentives, packages, sales, trunk shows or other ways to save money at their shoppe.
7) Take only the decision makers with you: When you shop for your gown, you should be ready to buy! Special order gowns take up to 6 months to arrive, and it's always a good idea to leave extra time for alterations and final preparations.
Be prepared to put down a deposit when you find that special gown. That means making plans to shop with your Mom, Grandma, bff or anyone else if their opinions are important to you in making your final decision. However, we recommend not bringing too many people. Getting a dozen different opinions is often over-whelming and dis-heartening for Brides. It will be harder to choose if you think you're disappointing someone who's opinion matters. It's always better to show additional friends, bridesmaids and other family your gown after the final decision has been made. *hint* They will always love it if they know you already chose it!
Congratulations on taking the first step to wedding planning and successful gown shopping! When in doubt, always seek the advice of the wedding experts at your local shoppe. Michelle's Bridal & Tuxedo has been dressing beautiful Brides for over 30 years. They've seen it all, heard it all and done it all, yet every experience continues to be unique, and every purchase customized to meet your needs.
To make Michelle's a stop on your dress shopping tour, request an appointment on-line here, or call us at 217-384-7914.