This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
02/14/2017 11:00 PMWhen it comes to weddings, what is more symbolic of the day for a bride than the perfect wedding gown? Although getting to the moment of saying yes to the dress may seem daunting, there are several steps brides-to-be can take to simplify the process and make it more enjoyable.
Get Prepared
Once the ring is on your finger, it's time to dive into the details. The Knot (theknot.com) recommends beginning the process of acquiring your wedding dress six to eight months in advance. This schedule allows you not only to find the perfect dress but to have time to fulfill the order, have fittings, and finish alterations.
Before making an appointment at a bridal shop, it's important to think about what you're looking for. With so many options, from the silhouette (ball gown, sheath, mermaid, A-line, short) to details (beading, lace, color, sleeve length), it's good to have an idea of what you like before heading into the shop. If you're unsure, spend some time browsing bridal websites or Pinterest.
Another important thing to consider before beginning your shopping is your budget. A recent survey of brides on The Knot found that the average cost of a wedding gown in 2014 was $1,281.
Beth Chapman, owner of the White Dress by the Shore, in Clinton, says that dresses in her shop range from $2,000 to $13,000, but that there are other things to consider in addition to the price tag.
"
When budgeting for your wedding attire, accessories, alterations, and cleaning and preservation for the wedding gown should all be taken into account," says Chapman. "If you are just starting out and are not sure what to budget for these things, call a bridal store whose aesthetic you admire and have them assist you with average pricing for each category."
Chapman also recommends finding your wedding venue first so you can picture yourself in the gown in that setting. The Knot suggests that if you're getting married in a church or other house of worship, you should make sure that your wedding gown meets any dress codes that may be in place. The type of ceremony should also be considered, as your dress will need to allow for any kneeling or sitting required.
Finding the Right Gown
Once you've got a budget and style in mind, it's time to call your local bridal shop to make an appointment to check out the dresses. Chapman recommends scheduling an appointment, which is usually around 1½ hours, at least a week in advance and having separate appointments for bridal, bridesmaid, and mother-of-the-bride dresses.
"Shopping for your gown can be emotionally exhausting," says Chapman. "It is important to focus on one category at a time so that you can devote undivided attention to each."
Many brides bring family, close friends, or bridesmaids to the fitting, though Chapman recommends limiting the number of people involved, because, she says, "too many opinions can be detrimental to making a decision."
While it is important to have an idea of what you're looking for before your appointment, the stylists at bridal shops may also have suggestions and different gowns to experiment with. If you have already chosen any accessories, it is important to bring them along to be sure they work with the gown. If not, the stylists can also help choose the right pieces to complement the chosen dress.
"We strive to make our bride's shopping experience as special as her wedding day," says Chapman, "and each bride is provided a dedicated stylist for her appointment and is in a private room so that she is provided undivided attention. The associate takes the bride through our collection of gowns and assists her in hand-selecting the styles that she chooses to try on. When the bride finds her perfect gown, we celebrate with a champagne toast."
Once You've Said Yes to the Dress
Finding the perfect dress is only the beginning of the journey toward your walk down the aisle. It's important to know whether your bridal shop includes fittings and alterations. It is also important to learn how long alterations will take to be sure your dress is ready for your big day.
In addition to finding accessories, like your veil, shoes, and jewelry, you also have to consider your undergarments. Before final alterations are made, make sure that your bra fits the dress and that any shapewear you plan on wearing fits underneath the gown.
Finally, decide how you will store your gown after your wedding day. There are many companies that offer wedding-dress preservation services. Chapman recommends finding a company that provides an antisugar treatment while cleaning and uses acid-free materials in their preservation box.
Even though the process of finding your perfect gown may seem daunting, there is one thing Chapman recommends the most.
"The most important tip is to have fun," she says. "How often in life will you be able to try on beautiful gowns and be treated like a princess? Enjoy every minute of it."