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| Tips
- Gown |
You have thought about this day for your entire
life, and it's finally about to happen. Finding
the perfect wedding gown can be both challenging
and pleasurable. Wedding gowns come in many
styles, fabrics and price ranges. Gowns vary
from simple, informal types to elaborate puffy
productions with intricate beading and long
trains. Below are a few thoughts to keep in
mind while searching for your perfect gown.
Shopping
Searching out the ideal wedding gown can be
a demanding task, because there is so much
to choose from. It's best to have some idea
what you are looking for before you begin
to shop. Wedding magazines are a good source
of ideas.
Preference
Wedding gowns are very personal and should
be chosen based on your individual style preference,
the type of wedding you plan to have, the
place you are being married and your budget.
Almost anything is acceptable - - - so remember,
this is YOUR day. Do it YOUR way.
Where To Look?
There are many sources available for bridal
gowns: bridal salons, discount warehouses
and outlets, resale or consignment shops,
and custom designers. Call these merchants
in your area and find out what they have to
offer. Many of the boutique bridal shops require
an appointment or have limited hours. Many,
but not all, bridal stores have knowledgeable
sales people, who can assist in selecting
the right gown for you. If your choice is
a new gown, allow at least four months for
fittings, manufacture and delivery. Allow
extra time to guard against the possibility
of something going wrong - - - for example,
delay in delivery of the gown, delivery of
the wrong gown, or delivery of a damaged gown,
which will require repair.
Reputable Source
It is not difficult to imagine the chaos that
can result if, on the appointed day for delivery
of your gown, you discover that the person
or firm with whom you are dealing is no longer
in business. The best protection is afforded
by dealing with a firm which has long been
established in the community, a store with
national affiliation, or a shop which has
qualified as an "authorized dealer" or representative
for a nationally recognized product line.
The reliability of the merchant with whom
you are dealing is particularly important
in the field of specially manufactured wedding
gowns, because a non refundable deposit is
almost always required at the time the gown
is ordered. A quality firm will also be able
to assist you if problems are encountered
in the manufacture or delivery process.
Ask Questions
Do not allow yourself to be intimidated by
the salesperson who is assisting you. Feel
free to ask questions about anything you are
unsure of. Be sure to satisfy yourself that
there are no additional or hidden costs, such
as for steaming or final alterations.
Put It In Writing
Insist that all of the essential terms of
your agreement with the salesperson be in
writing. Do not proceed on the basis of an
oral agreement or understanding. Unfortunately,
should you and the salesperson later disagree
on the terms of your agreement, the salesperson
will have a distinct advantage in the negotiation
process, since he or she holds your gown and,
in all likelihood, you will not have sufficient
time to make alternative arrangements, such
as purchasing a gown from another shop.
There are thousands of gown fashions to choose
from. Brides can choose a gownwith traditional
embellishments like the bell-shape skirt with
lace and a train, ora modern form-fitting
gown made of satin and decorated with sequins.
Whatever the bride may decide, she will eventually
have to visit some type of wedding gown dealer.
Selecting Your Gown
When you visit the salon of your choice, make
sure that you have a clear vision of your
wedding's theme. Do not hesitate to let the
salon know what you have planned for a budget.
Bring magazine clippings of gowns you like,
and see if they have those styles or something
similar. Keep in mind that with most bridal
salons, you get some consultation for free.
Take advantage of the advice you receive.
The consultant will be able to offer suggestions
on fit and style based on your age and body
type. A gown may look wonderful in a magazine
(and most do), but it may not look good on
you. Your consultant will help you find the
right gown at the right price. You should
visit a bridal salon even if you do not plan
on purchasing your gown through one. The advice
you receive will more than pay for your time.
The Costs
Don't purchase a gown that is out of your
price range. Bridal gowns can range in price
from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Take some time to think about your selection.
It may help to sleep on the idea and make
a commitment on a different day. Remember
that bridal gowns come with many unforeseen
expenses. Don't spend all of your allotted
money on the gown itself. Save a little for
alterations and accessories. Plan to spend
approximately 5.5% of your total wedding budget
on your gown and accessories.
Get Fitted For Your Gown
When you go to get fitted for your gown, make
sure that you bring your mother or maid of
honor with you. If neither of these people
can be there, take a friend whose opinion
you trust. If nothing else, this friend can
provide some moral support if you are in doubt.
You should plan on at least six months to
decide on and fit your gown. It will take
at least three months for your order to be
placed and your gown to be made by the manufacturer.Then
you can plan on three fittings. The first
when your gown arrives. The second to correct
any mistakes, and the third to verify that
everything is perfect. You should expect your
gown to be perfect. After all, you will only
wear this gown once. If you do not have six
months, relax. You can still get everything
done in time. It will just cost a little more
to rush your order.
Your final fitting should take place a few
weeks before your wedding. The last thing
you should worry about on your wedding day
is whether or not your gown fits. So make
sure your gown is ready early. Your salon
should hold your gown until the week before
your wedding. They are better equipped to
store your gown than you will be, and proper
storage is essential to prevent your gown
from wrinkling.
It would be a good idea to bring your maid
of honor to your fittings. She will be able
to learn her responsibilities for the wedding
day. Sometimes, small emergencies come up
right before the wedding is about to begin.
Your maid of honor should know your gown,
and she should also know how to perform small
alterations in a pinch. If your mother would
handle this situation better than your maid
of honor, you might want her at the fittings
as well.
On Your Wedding Day
Your wedding day is going to be very hectic.
Allow yourself at least two hours to get ready
before your wedding is scheduled to begin.
If you are planning to have photographs taken
before your ceremony, start getting ready
two hours before your session is scheduled
to begin. These last few hours are stressful
enough, don't add to the stress by running
late. Take your time when getting ready, and
enjoy the company of those around you. Bring
an emergency kit. This kit should have sewing
supplies, extra makeup, extra hose, and tissues.
You should also bring a pair of comfortable
shoes such as flats with you. During the wait
before the wedding, you will not want to be
running around in heels. Your feet may never
forgive you.
Other Helpful Gown Tips
This is your special day. Make sure your gown
makes you feel like a princess when you put
it on. When you look good, you feel good.
- Wedding gowns tend to run small. You
will probably need a gown that is a size
or two larger than your normal size.
- When you go for your fittings, consider
wearing a strapless bra. This will help
you get a better feeling of how each gown
would look during your wedding.
- Take at least one day to decide on the
gown that you would like to purchase.
This will help ensure that you make a
rational decision.
- Use a credit card to pay for your gown.
Most cards offer some kind of buyer protection
services. So if something goes wrong,
you may be able to recover some of your
losses.
- Expect to give an initial down deposit
of up to 50 percent of the cost of the
gown.
- Be sure to get a written contract with
specific information like gown size, color,
style, etc.
- Avoid cash-only brokers. They could
turn out to be scam artists.
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