Buying Your Wedding Gown

For many women, shopping for their wedding apparel is the highlight of the wedding planning. What an exciting moment when the perfect gown slips over your shoulders, and you glance in the mirror and say, “This is the one; this is my gown!” Bridal shop consultants thrive on this moment; it’s a reward for the many difficulties of their jobs.

Before you begin to shop, you may want to get ideas about the styles you like by paging through some bridal fashion magazines. Be sure to attend one or two bridal fashion shows, to see selections of dresses that are available in your local bridal salons. Then, focus on making a few decisions. First, consider what price range will fit your budget. Second, decide whether you will have a formal, semi-formal, or informal wedding. Select some bridal shops, phone to check their hours and ask if you will require an appointment to try on gowns.

Then, ask a friend or family member to go with you. This should be someone who will be honest about which styles flatter your figure and complexion. Let the salesperson know some of the features of gowns you think you would like to try. However, keep an open mind allowing the sales consultant to suggest some styles that will work for you.

In doubt about which type of gown may be appropriate for you? Here are a few guidelines:

Any woman can wear a long white gown no matter what her age or if she has been married before. However, you will find that some styles are more suited for younger brides; some look better on more mature figures.

The formality of the wedding takes precedence in choosing the style: Gowns with a train, whether a sweep, chapel length, or cathedral length are reserved for formal or semi-formal weddings.

Only first time brides should wear a train and a veil; they are traditionally representative of the innocence of youth but with changing rules.

A bride considering an informal ceremony will likely choose a floor length gown without a train, a tea length gown, a knee length suit or cocktail dress. 

Encore and mature first-time brides should consider a bridal hat, a hair arrangement of flowers or fabric bows.

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