Picking your wedding dress is probably fairly high on your priority list. Once the date and venue have been selected and you have a basic idea of the theme of your wedding the next question for any bride is “What type of gown shall I wear?” it is important that your prepare your self for what’s in store before you go shopping.
Shopping for a wedding dress is different from your usual shopping spree. There are some tips to follow if you want to feel confident and in control, not hassled and frazzled.
- Buy a few wedding magazines (if you haven’t already done so) to get a general view of the styles gowns available.
- Most key designers and stores advertise in the first few pages of a magazine but check out the back pages too as there could be some stores closer to home an more affordable.
- Try and decide on the style of gown you want before shopping. Read up on what styles will enhance your best features while hiding your flaws. This will narrow down your selection and save you time.
- Shop with only one or two people as too many opinions will make you even more confused. Your mother, best friend or sister have your best interests at heart and will be able to give you an honest opinion.
- Wear your best underwear on the day you decided to try on dresses. Don’t just wear and old bra or underwear as you will be embarrassed if you need the shop assistant’s help to do up a corset. Wear a bra that fits well in neutral colours or white to get a feel of how the dress will look.
- Call the stores in advance to see if you need to make an appointment. Most stores like to offer personal services and have a consultant to take you through the range of dresses available. Do not be intimidated if the boutique requires you to make an appointment as this means they will attend to you personally and help you make the right choice.
- If you have a bigger budget or if your husband-to-be is willing to splash on your wedding dress, get your gown custom-made by a well-known wedding couturier.
- Be adventurous and try on as many gowns as you can since they won’t charge you for trying. On the rack, some gowns may not be what you’re looking for or something you wouldn’t be seen dead in, but it could look absolutely gorgeous once you put it on.
- Know your options: made-to-measure, off-the-rack or rent?
- Always keep in mind your wedding theme, venue and style.
- Check your timeline. Order your gown at least 6-8 months (up to 12 months) in advance and schedule a fitting two weeks to a month before your wedding.
Top tips
+ Bring your wedding scrapbook along with you when you go for your appointment. This saves time as the assistant can direct you to the right section.
+ Be prepared to try on a number of different styles that you wouldn’t normally choose. Most gowns do not have hanger appeal and need to be seen on the body to appreciate the cut and styling.
+ Do not expect to find a dress on the first day of shopping. Look at your adventure as a process of elimination. Each time you try something on, remember why you don’t like it: neckline, design, fabric, etc. and avoid trying on dresses with the same problems later. This will help speed up your final decision.
Picking your wedding dress is probably fairly high on your priority list. Once the date and venue have been selected and you have a basic idea of the theme of your wedding the next question for any bride is “What type of gown shall I wear?” it is important that your prepare your self for what’s in store before you go shopping.
Shopping for a wedding dress is different from your usual shopping spree. There are some tips to follow if you want to feel confident and in control, not hassled and frazzled.
Buy a few wedding magazines (if you haven’t already done so) to get a general view of the styles gowns available.
Most key designers and stores advertise in the first few pages of a magazine but check out the back pages too as there could be some stores closer to home an more affordable.
Try and decide on the style of gown you want before shopping. Read up on what styles will enhance your best features while hiding your flaws. This will narrow down your selection and save you time.
Shop with only one or two people as too many opinions will make you even more confused. Your mother, best friend or sister have your best interests at heart and will be able to give you an honest opinion.
Wear your best underwear on the day you decided to try on dresses. Don’t just wear and old bra or underwear as you will be embarrassed if you need the shop assistant’s help to do up a corset. Wear a bra that fits well in neutral colours or white to get a feel of how the dress will look.
Call the stores in advance to see if you need to make an appointment. Most stores like to offer personal services and have a consultant to take you through the range of dresses available. Do not be intimidated if the boutique requires you to make an appointment as this means they will attend to you personally and help you make the right choice.
If you have a bigger budget or if your husband-to-be is willing to splash on your wedding dress, get your gown custom-made by a well-known wedding couturier.
Be adventurous and try on as many gowns as you can since they won’t charge you for trying. On the rack, some gowns may not be what you’re looking for or something you wouldn’t be seen dead in, but it could look absolutely gorgeous once you put it on.
Know your options: made-to-measure, off-the-rack or rent?
Always keep in mind your wedding theme, venue and style.
Check your timeline. Order your gown at least 6-8 months (up to 12 months) in advance and schedule a fitting two weeks to a month before your wedding.
Top tips
+ Bring your wedding scrapbook along with you when you go for your appointment. This saves time as the assistant can direct you to the right section.
+ Be prepared to try on a number of different styles that you wouldn’t normally choose. Most gowns do not have hanger appeal and need to be seen on the body to appreciate the cut and styling.
+ Do not expect to find a dress on the first day of shopping. Look at your adventure as a process of elimination. Each time you try something on, remember why you don’t like it: neckline, design, fabric, etc. and avoid trying on dresses with the same problems later. This will help speed up your final decision.
(Image Credit Valerie Fan Wedding Gallery, 2, 3)
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