You have probably dreamed of your wedding gown a hundred times, but when it comes to actually selecting it, do not procrastinate. Begin your search by looking at bridal magazines and attending the local fashion shows in your area. The ideas you get from the magazines and shows will give you some basis to go on when you begin your salon visits.
Always set an appointment when visiting a bridal salon. Bridal gowns are not the type of garments you can simply browse through on a rack. You need the personalized attention of a specialist who can gather a handful of gowns for you to try based on your tastes, figure and budget. This will save both you and the salon staff precious time.
Make your purchase from a salon known for its expertise, reliability and service in the industry. Remember this is no simple purchase. Choose a vendor you will be comfortable working with throughout the entire process—from ordering through the alterations process.
Order your gown six to 12 months in advance of your wedding. Remember that such garments are produced in lots. As manufacturers take orders from all over the country, they wait until they accumulate enough requests for a given gown to justify a “run” before cutting the fabric for the lot. This production process saves you money, but unfortunately necessitates a long lead time in ordering.
John Lyons Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel
Order your bridesmaid gowns four to eight months in advance. With today’s more relaxed protocol, their dresses don’t have to be matchy-matchy, but it would be helpful to be within the same dye lot. If your bridesmaids are wearing the same dresses, then they can all be measured and have the dresses ordered at one time.
Let the salon staff guide you in selecting the right size. Sizes vary greatly according to manufacturer. NEVER order the size you hope to be by your wedding day. It is a lot easier to take a gown in than to let it out.
Ask about the price of alterations for your gown, and the scheduling of your fittings. Alterations generally run from $50 to $250 and require two to three fittings over the course of one or two months to complete.
Keep all receipts. The delivery date of the dress, headpiece and any other accessory should also be included on the receipt.
A portion of the balance may be due before your gown is altered. The balance will be due upon delivery. Some shops require the balance paid in full before they begin alterations.
Two special items of bridal attire are often purchased quickly, and with less consideration for style and comfort than for price and for necessity—bridal millinery and bridal shoes. Both play an important part in your day, although in quite different ways.
Choose your headpiece and veil carefully. They should properly frame your face. Well-designed bridal millinery forms the background for your romantic wedding portraits, so you want it to look perfect, fit comfortably, enhance your face, fit your hairstyle, and compliment your gown.
Select shoes that complement your gown and those of your attendants. Take your shoes to all fittings—hemlines are measured up from the floor when you are wearing your shoes. Your shoes must be comfortable for standing, walking and dancing. Break them in at home. You may want to buy two pairs and have one sealed in a plastic bag, in the freezer at your venue. It’s an automatic coolant for your swollen feet and you’ll be able to dance the night away.
When making your final “pick up” from the salon, take inventory to be sure you bring home all items you have purchased, including your headpiece, shoes, gloves, jewellery and any other accessories.
