“Will you marry me?” This question changed the course of my life. I said yes, of course, and immediately began thinking about my wedding dress. My fiancé was a little taken aback… “The wedding’s still eight months away,” he said. Yes it was. But that’s the first thing you need to keep in mind girls – you need to start your search at least six to eight months ahead. It takes time to find that one perfect wedding dress for your special occasion. And special orders can take four to six months, plus time for alterations! So there isn’t a moment to be wasted from the minute you say, “Yes.”
Now if you’re an average girl like me, you’ve dreamt about walking down that aisle since you were a little girl. And now that the big day is approaching, the first and biggest hurdle to be crossed is finding a wedding dress that makes your knees melt and your mother and best friends to start crying in ecstasy! Oh yes all you would-be-brides… that’s ‘the one’!
Now whether you’re choosing a dress off the rack or having one made to order, I’ve outlined a few tips (they sure would have been helpful when I started looking) that will make your dream dress a reality.
1. Research is Key – Very very important! You need to look through all the bridal magazines you can lay your hands on and even the ones shown on dozens of wedding websites. You can even attend bridal shows to familiarize yourself with latest designer trends. Taking pictures of the styles/designs you like is an excellent idea. You can always go back to them later when finally deciding on a dress.
2. Flatter Your Figure – We all want to look our most gorgeous for the big day, but let’s face it – we know that most of us don’t look much like the celebrity icons of glossy magazines. So find a dress that not only suits you but also flatters your figure. So, definitely take a trusted, honest sister or friend who has your best interests at heart for feedback. Try one of each basic shape – princess, ball gown, and sheath and empire waist – to see which flatters you most. And please be sure that you can walk, turn, sit and bend comfortably, as well as lift your arms and hug loved ones without splitting a seam. Comfort and confidence are vital on this day of days, especially if you know you are having a destination wedding and have already sent out destination wedding invitations.
3. Budget Yourself – You need to set a budget. Off-the-rack dresses can be found for $250 and up – there have to several stores in your neighborhood that stock moderately priced gowns – which is why research is necessary. In case you want a custom made dress, there are simple ones that you can get for as little as $750. But if you want a Vera Wang, then get ready to shell out about $10,000! If not, always ask when bridal stores are next having a sample sale. Be on the lookout for warehouse sales on discontinued styles, samples and overstocks. If you look carefully, these places are a goldmine.
4. Time is Essence – You need to start shopping as soon as you set your date. And this is even before you send out the religious wedding invitations or the sweethearts wedding invitations. Most designer wedding dresses need to be special ordered. It could take anywhere between three to six months for special order or designer wedding dresses to arrive. So my advice would be that order at least six months prior to your reception. This will give you time for fittings, alterations, and other coordination.
5. Style of Ceremony – Choose a style appropriate for your special ceremony. For a formal evening wedding, a floor-length dress in ivory, white, cream or champagne, often worn with gloves and a train, is an elegant choice. Semiformal dresses can also be pastels, a floor brushing ‘ballerina’ length, with a short veil and no train. At a less formal or second wedding, you can go with a long or short dress, or even a two-piece suit. A short veil may be very stylish paired with a classic pillbox hat.
Armed with these helpful tips, you can now put on your most comfortable pair of shoes and get cracking!!
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