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Tips and Advice on Wedding Dress Designers

How to choose the right wedding dress!

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Author:    Cassandra Marshall (The Wedding Shop)
Publish Date:    12 Jul 2006

Description

CHOOSING A BRIDAL GOWN

Bridal gowns come in a wide variety of styles, materials, colors, lengths and prices. You should order your gown at least four to six months before your wedding if your gown has to be ordered and then fitted.

Options: Different wedding dress styles can help create a shorter, taller, heavier, or thinner look. Here are some tips:

• A short, heavy figure: To look taller and slimmer, avoid knit fabrics. Use the princess or A-line style. Chiffon is the best fabric choice because it produces a floating effect and camouflages weight.

• A short, thin figure: A shirtwaist or natural waist style with bouffant skirt will produce a taller, more rounded figure. Chiffon, velvet, lace and Schiffli net are probably the best fabric choices.

• A tall, heavy figure: Princess or A-line are the best styles for slimming the figure; satin, chiffon and lace fabrics are recommended.

• A tall, thin figure: Tiers or flounces will help reduce the impression of height. A shirtwaist or natural waist style with a full skirt are ideal choices. Satin and lace are the best fabrics.

The guidelines below will help you select the most appropriate gown for your wedding:
Informal wedding:

Street-length gown or suit
Corsage or small bouquet, No veil or train

Semi-formal wedding:Floor-length gown, Chapel train, Finger-tip veil
Small bouquet
Formal daytime wedding:

Floor-length gown, Chapel or sweep train
Fingertip veil or hat, Gloves
Medium-sized bouquet

Formal evening wedding:

Same as formal daytime except longer veil

Very formal wedding:Floor-length gown, Cathedral train
Full-length veil, Elaborate headpiece
Long sleeves or long arm-covering gloves
Cascading bouquet

Things To Consider:

In selecting your bridal gown, keep in mind the time of year and formality of your wedding. It is a good idea to look at bridal magazines to compare the various styles and colors. If you see a gown you like, call boutiques in your area to see if they carry that line. Always try on the gown before ordering it. When ordering a gown, make sure you order the correct size. If you are between sizes, order the larger one. You can always have your gown tailored down to fit, but it is not always possible to have it enlarged or to lose enough weight to fit into it! Don't forget to ask when your gown will arrive, and be sure to get this in writing. The gown should arrive at least six weeks before the wedding so you can have it tailored and select the appropriate accessories to complement it. Beware: Some bridal boutiques have the practice of ordering gowns a size larger than needed. This requires more alterations which may mean extra charges. Ask for all alteration pricing in advance. Tailoring is a great source of income for boutiques. Also, gowns often fail to arrive on time, creating unnecessary stress for you. Have the store manager state, in writing, when the gown will arrive. And be sure to check the reputation of the boutique before buying.

ALTERATIONS

Alterations may be necessary in order to make your gown fit perfectly and conform smoothly to your body. Things To Consider: Alterations usually require several fittings. Allow four to six weeks for alterations to be completed. However, do not alter your gown months before the wedding. Your weight may fluctuate during the final weeks of planning and the gown might not fit properly. Alterations are usually not included in the cost of the gown. You may also want to consider making some modifications to your gown such as shortening or lengthening the train, customizing the sleeves, beading and so forth. Ask your bridal boutique what they charge for the modifications you are considering.


QUESTIONS TO ASK BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

• What is the name of the bridal boutique?
• What is the address of the bridal boutique?
• What is the name & phone number of my contact person?
• What are your hours of operation? Are appointments needed?
• Do you offer any discounts or give-aways?
• What major bridal gown lines do you carry?
• Do you carry outfits for the mother of the bride?
• Do you carry bridesmaids gowns and/or tuxedos?
• Do you carry outfits for the flower girl and ring bearer?
• What is the cost of the desired bridal gown?
• What is the cost of the desired headpiece?
• Do you offer in-house alterations? If so, what are your fees?
• Do you carry bridal shoes? What is their price range?
• Do you dye shoes to match outfits?
• Do you rent bridal slips? If so, what is the rental fee?
• What is the estimated delivery date of my gown?
• What is your payment policy/cancellation policy?

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