Purchasing a Wedding Gown
Robbi Ernest: Great Wedding Tips from the Experts
 

When you shop for something to wear for your wedding, it’s not a dress, but a wedding gown.  This is a special time, and you want to approach your shopping an orderly and calm fashion so that your final decision will be the gown that you are thrilled with.  The gown should be a reflection of the formality of the event, and it should be comfortable as well as an image of beauty.  Here are our suggestions: Begin your shopping at least six months to a year before your wedding date; tear out pictures from magazines that show the over all look you want; tear out other pictures and circle parts of the wedding gown that you like (i.e.the shape of the sleeves, the bodice, etc…). Write on the page number, date and the name of the magazine.  Determine your gown budget that should include the headpiece, shoes and all accessories, as well as the alteration costs.  Begin making a list of questions that you will need to have answers to at a later date.

 Go to the gown salons/boutiques or gown designers in this online Wedding Guide and just “browse”.  Pat attention to fabric, colors and styles. After you have done enough window shopping make an appointment.  This is the time to bring out your folder of pictures and a list of questions.  Wedding gowns are sized differently (i.e. larger) than rack gowns ordered for the biggest part of your wedding.  Once you have decided on a gown, begin collecting the necessary undergarments and take these with you for all your fittings.  Ask the sales person at the salon for advice on undergarments.

 A  50% non-refundable deposit will require at time of ordering.  The balance will be due when gown arrives.  Try to get a “gusetimate” on what your alterations will costs.  You’re “Receipt of Confirmation of Order” should have the gown’s number, color, description and the name of any lace, any costs for special ordering, date of arrival, shipping costs, tax and the refundable policy.  Ask if there are any additional costs besides alteration.  Salon owners will allow you to take pictures of the gown once the order is placed.  Take close-ups and full shots.

Upon arrival compare the number on you receipt with the number on the wedding gown; if you have any doubts, compare the pictures that you took.  Beginning alterations can take up to several hours, so make certain that you are fresh and rested.  Ask them seamstress to save any fabric that is cut off, no matter how small.  At the last fitting, take one or two of your attendants along with your mother so that all of them can learn to bustle the wedding gown.  Also, take a sheet and spread it on the floor.  Practice kneeling, bowing, hugging, bending, dancing and any other positions that you might find yourself in on your wedding day.  Make sure the final alterations allow for comfort and this kind of activity.

 Remember to ask the salon/boutique person how to care for your wedding gown for immediate situations (Make-up, wine, food and spillage).

Custom Wedding Gowns
Robbi Ernest: Great Wedding Tips from the Experts

If you are of the mind that you want a “one of a kind gown, be realistic and get recommendations about specialty gown designs and dress makers.  Some dress makers do not do the same kind of work as a gown designer; they usually work from pre-made patterns.  Check with your Wedding Consultants or people who have actually had a gown made by a person.