BRIDE|STORE|INFO
Buying a Wedding Dress In-Srore
SHOPING GUIDE
A FEW THOUGHTS FOR YOUR SHOPPING TRIP!
Having working face-to-face helping brides for over 15 years, I've just about seen it all. Tears of joy, tears of frustration and of course the tantrums. Calling on my experience, I hope this page will help to guide you on your visit to the bridal store .
WHEN TO SHOP
If you have a long engagement and are planning to marry more than a year ahead, it's not a good idea to start shopping too early. We suggest that more than 12 months in advance is too early. As soon as you start trying on wedding gowns, there's a chance you will fall in love with one of them, but you're not ready to buy so it can lead to frustration. Let's face it ladies, our size can change a good deal in a year so our advice is don't start visiting stores until you’re ready to buy.” But even if you're not planning to buy wedding dress online, it's OK to check out what's available and get ideas.
A FEW THOUGHTS
Before you start, make sure to have the basic wedding plans in place. There are many factors that can influence the style of your dress. What kind of venue? A beach wedding will require a different dress than a traditional wedding and you also need to think about your color theme, the decor and of course, the time of year. A heavy dress would not exactly be suitable in high summer.
While shopping too early is not recommended, it's not as bad as leaving it too late. Most bridal stores suggest you order 6 – 8 months in advance. We know making a wedding dress is time consuming but 6 months? Even then, it's standard size and most likely will still need alterations. If you leave it too late, you could be faced with paying extra for a rush order. Not a good idea.
THE CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN
We've all seen it on "Say Yes to the Dress". You decide to bring your mom, your sister, your bridesmaids and a few others for support. BAD IDEA. It looks like the circus hits town. You see it on "Say Yes to the Dress" and I've seen this first hand. Let's face it, when in a group, people tend to either have strong opinions or be easily swayed and want not to offend. Too many “opinions” make it much more difficult for you to make the right decision. Forget the entourage and just bring one or two good friends who will be honest with you. It's better to have a brutally honest opinion than to have someone who will tell you what they think you want to hear. Remember “three's a crowd.” We suggest your mom and a sister or your best friend. At a time like this, an honest opinion is what you need.
TOO MANY DRESSES
Going into a bridal boutique is a bit like letting kids loose in a candy store. There are so may dresses and the temptation is to try on lots of them but that would be a mistake. You wouldn't believe how many dresses some brides try. Most try four to six dresses but some just keep on trying and trying. The more they try, the more confusion sets in and the excitement and spark that was in the eyes of her “advisory” party begins to fade away. With too many to choose from, making the right decision becomes even more difficult.
I've had brides come into our store and tell me “I've been to so many places, tried on hundreds of dresses and still can't find the right one.” I worry when I hear that. In reality, she probably tried her “ideal dress” without realizing it. Because got confused and doubts crept in, she lost sight of what she had in mind originally. I've had brides say “This is the one! No doubts!” and then she tries another. “Wow I really like this one. It's perfect.” You get the picture.
My advise is simple. Research but keep an open mind. Know your budget. Don't waste time with dresses outside your price range. Bring no more than two people. Try 3 - 4 gowns at most. Don't be pressured into buying now. If you need to, go home and sleep on it. Then, when you decide which is the one for you, stick with your decision and don't be swayed by what someone else thinks. Follow your heart!
When you get your wedding dress, wear it with confidence and always remember, it's your dress, it's your day, so please yourself.
WHAT A BARGAIN
Staff in many bridal stores earn commission so it's in their interest to sell. While there are many amazing staff genuinely trying to help you, there are some whose main interest is boosting their sales figures and reaching targets.
They can push certain dresses and if it looks like you're about to “walk”, they suddenly produce a special offer that would be perfect for you. Maybe it's from last seasons collection and is has a 50% or 60% discount. How can you resist? I have to be honest and confess that I've been guilty of snapping up that awesome sale bargain only for it to end up at the back of my wardrobe still with the sale tags attached. Sound familiar?
Most “specials” or “today only” offers are stock that nobody else wants so be careful. You may be offered a "sample" at a deep discount. Bear in mind that sample gowns may have been tried on hundreds of times, may have hidden stains or damage. Some are easily fixed but if not, leave it or risk having to spend hundreds of dollars fixing your bargain. It is possible to find bargains but you need patience and luck. A lot of luck.
KNOW YOUR SIZE
Some brides almost demand a particular size. For example, many times each week, a bride will tell me she is a size 6 and that's what she wants. It doesn't work that way. Bridal gown sizes run a size or two smaller than normal dresses, so don't to get hung up on the number. Also sizes vary so it is a good idea to know your actual measurements.
Do you plan to lose weight before your wedding day? You're not alone. But don't make the mistake of ordering a smaller size to suit your wedding day “target” weight. Play safe and order a size that fits your current body measurements. Most dresses can be taken in by up to 3 or 4 sizes without affecting the look, but most can only be let out 1 size at most.
STYLE AND BUDGET
It's common for a bride to buy a different dress from what she originally had in mind. While it's good to have an idea of what you like, go with an open mind. If the sales assistant suggests that you try a dress you would not normally have considered, don't be afraid to try it as you just might be in for a surprise. Having your mind set on a certain style is fine but what looks “ordinary” on the hanger might look stunning on you so open your mind and give it a try. Catwalk models can make a dress look like a million dollars but most brides don't have similar figures or looks. What looks amazing on a supermodel will not necessarily look great on you. You're a bride, not a model.
Keep within your budget. And don't forget to take into account the fact that most dresses need some alterations and this can cost a lot of money. Hair accessories, veil, undergarments and shoes need to be included in your overall budget. If you see a stunning dress outside your budget, resist the temptation to try it on “just for fun.” It can end in tears if you discover it's the perfect dress but you can't afford it. One of the first questions I ask a bride is "what's your budget?" The reason I ask this is because it's important that a bride sticks to what she can afford and not invite disappointment by playing "dress up" with expensive designer dream dresses.
WHERE TO SHOP - STORE REVIEWS
Finally, learn as much as possible about the store you plan to visit. Speak with friends about their first hand experiences and check out sites like YELP to read independent reviews as the experiences of others can sometimes be a real eye opener.
It's an exciting experience. Enjoy!
Free Champagne Ladies?
If stores gave out free goods they wouldn't stay in business long. Bridal stores are no different. They want you to part with the dough so they will use everything they can to increase the chances of a sale so, your little drink has a hidden price tag!
The "free" Champagne is designed to "relax" you and make it easier for you to make a "buying" decision. Ask yourself, do you really make "good decisions" when plied with alcohol?
Ultimately we end up paying for the "free" Champagne. Don't be fooled!
