The holidays have passed, and many couples have gotten engaged! Congrats! Now it's time for the dress hunt! This time of year is known as "Bridal Christmas" in the wedding dress sales world.
I've been thinking about sharing this for a while now. I want to give you tips to make the experience as smooth and joyful as possible. Since it hasn't been too long since I went through the process and I worked at a bridal salon, I figure I have some decent advice.
Make an Appointment:
First off you want to make an appointment, and choose a time that works best for you and will not have you rushed. Most appointments are about an hour to and hour and a half. Make sure you have eaten and are well hydrated.
Entourage:
Figure out who the most important people are that you want to experience this moment in your life. Usually a parent is present (especially since they tend to be the ones paying for the dress), then a close family member or friend. Be careful not to have too many people. Lots of people can equal too many opinions and end up confusing the bride, and often most salons are small and it can make accommodating a large group difficult.
Budget:
Discuss budget before hand! Make sure you know what you can afford, and remember almost ALL dresses will need alterations, which means added cost, even if it's just for a bustle. So figure that into the budget as well. (Some brides and their families think they can handle doing their own alterations, maybe you can, but think about the stress that is put on that person amid all the other planning and things happening to prepare for a wedding. If that is manageable, and you are a skilled seamstress, then go for it.)
*I have seen brides think they don't need a bustle and that they can carry the train all night,
or that they can dance with it un-bustled. What a hassle! (You'll trip on it, someone else will
step on it, it will get in the way, and it is just plain heavy.) And BTW that loop underneath is
NOT FOR YOU TO CARRY YOUR TRAIN, it is a hanger loop for when the dress is hung up.
Please oh please get a bustle! Rant over!
*Also budget for any extras such as a veil, headpiece, jewelry, garter, under garments,
wedding dress cleaning and preservation, etc.
Under Pinnings:
Wear a good bra (nude colored is best) that will work for the neckline style you envision, also wear a slip or nude underwear. The sales woman will be helping you in and out of dresses, best not to have your bare bits in her face as much as possible. Some salons have slips, bras and other undergarments for you to try on with your dress. Best to be over prepared and ready in your own stuff.
Dress Up!
Make sure you come with your hair and face done. You will be less likely to feel beautiful in a dress if you don't feel put together. A little blush and lipstick go a long way.
is gross, and makes the process an unpleasant one for your sales person, and fresh breath
is ALWAYS appreciated.
Think about shoes:
Bring shoes that are the heel height you plan on wearing the day of your wedding. They don't have to be the exact shoes, just the equivalent height.
Dress Up!
Make sure you come with your hair and face done. You will be less likely to feel beautiful in a dress if you don't feel put together. A little blush and lipstick go a long way.
is gross, and makes the process an unpleasant one for your sales person, and fresh breath
is ALWAYS appreciated.
Think about shoes:
Bring shoes that are the heel height you plan on wearing the day of your wedding. They don't have to be the exact shoes, just the equivalent height.
Keep in mind your wedding planning timeline. Many dresses take upwards of 4-5 months to be made and shipped to the salon. Then alterations can take up to a month or more to complete. If you have a shorter timeline you may want to consider buying off the rack.
Have Fun:
Don't over stress. You may or may not find your dress on the first shot. Enjoy the experience, it only happens once! Try different styles, bring inspiration photos, communicate what you like and don't like, share any requirements you may have (such as sleeve length, neckline modesty, shade of white etc.) All of this will help your consultant find the best dress for you. Sometimes the first dress is THE ONE, and that's ok, try on others if you like just to make sure. You may or may not cry, don't let it throw you if you don't, not all of us cry. (I didn't, but I KNEW it was my dress, and I loved and still love my dress.)
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