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You
want to find the perfect dress for your wedding day.
Here are a few things to look for when shopping.
Your
wedding day has been set and now you are eager to order invitations,
contact caterers, select a location for the ceremony, and look for the
dress of your dreams. Perhaps you have collected the latest magazines
and earmarked styles that you like. You have surfed on-line to get an
idea of the latest trends.
You are now ready
to round up all your friends and family members and start making the
rounds of printers, churches, chapels, cake decorators, and catering
companies. Right?
Wrong.
This special day
is about you and the dress you choose sets the stage. All other activities
revolve around this decision - shopping for your dress should be the
number one priority on your list.
How much time do
you have to shop for a dress? Months? Or just a few weeks? Don't panic
if you are working within a brief timeframe. Some stores will allow
you to purchase directly off the rack. You will pay for rush alterations,
if needed, and be set.
Even if you have
several months to plan your wedding, you still have a few immediate
considerations, such as time of year for the event, color choice, and
your budget.
The color, shade,
and style of dress you choose will influence everything else about your
wedding: bridesmaid dresses, boutonnières, mother-of-the-bride
dress, invitations, cake, and all accompaniments.
Even in today's
traditional weddings, dresses are showing up on the aisle in a wide
array of colors, from black to pink, to shades of ivory. You may also
find dresses in traditional shades that have color accents. Candlelight,
or diamond white, is a popular ivory shade, as opposed to the yellowish
ivories of years past.
Consider making
the first shopping rounds alone. You will gain a good idea of styles
and price ranges without having to try on every dress in the store.
Remember that with each additional person you bring, you are adding
another opinion. Once you have narrowed the choices to half a dozen
or less, then you can consider letting the troops come along. They will
help eliminate those last nuggets of self-doubt.
After the flurry
of holiday proposals, January and March become busy months for bridal
shops. If you are in this group of wedding planners, try to schedule
your shopping during the week, as Saturdays are the busiest days for
nervous brides-to-be. Daytime is best, but if you cannot go until after
work, call ahead to confirm a store's hours. Many close early during
the week.
With the glut of
wedding shops, competition is fierce, so it does pay to study the ads;
definitely make personal visits to each store. If you are looking for
a bargain, keep an eye on sales, but do not expect to pay next-to-nothing
for a designer dress. If you do find a true bargain, the dress may be
straight off the rack and sold "as is."
Each shop will
be different, of course, but here are some basics on what to expect.
-Wedding consultants
should be available to walk you through the selection process. They
are experts and are there to answer your questions.
-Some stores may
ask you to register with them. Do it - they will learn more about you
and your wedding requirements and always be able to contact you.
-Most stores will
provide shoes and a veil to try on with the gowns, as well as proper
undergarments. When you go for alterations, be sure to wear all of these,
including the same undergarments, to assure a proper fit. Stores will
not guarantee the final fitting if you do not wear these items at each
visit.
-Ask about in-house
alterations, but expect a fee. If you feel more comfortable with your
own alterations shop, that should be all right, too.
-Most stores, with
the exception of some discount chains, do not carry all dresses in every
size. You will try on a sample dress - that may or may not fit - and
your consultant will order the correct size.
-Your final decision
is just that - final, so choose wisely. Most stores have the same policy:
all sales final on all merchandise.
Shopping for a wedding
dress will take some time. Relax, enjoy the attention, and relish each
moment that leads up to your special day!
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