Planning A Wedding

Wedding Shopping Tips

Since this is certainly not an average shopping trip, here are a few suggestions which will help make it a fun experience.

• Shop well in advance of the wedding day. Alterations are usually necessary, and if the store has to special-order your gown (which often is the case), normal delivery is eight to sixteen weeks, but can take even longer.
• Do not invite friends to accompany you since each will have her own preferences. It would certainly be appropriate for your mother or a close friend to help with the selection.
• Select two or three, try them on, then make a decision. Be sure to consider how you will wear your hair, make-up, and most of all, how "he" likes to see you. Choose a gown that makes the most of your figure. Princess or A-line styles are slimming and create the illusion of height. A full skirt hides heavy legs and hips. Dropped waist styles flatter most figure types. A decorative bodice highlights the upper body, while a simpler style minimizes a heavy bust. There are many fabrics and shades to choose from. Find the textures and hues that flatter your complexion.
• Choose a veil that is appropriate to the style of your wedding. Remember, your back gets lots of attention during the ceremony - your dress, veil and train should look elegant from that angle.
• Be prepared to make at least a fifty percent deposit on your gown. Another reason for careful selection is that most fine stores consider bridal apparel as "intimate;" therefore, refunds and exchanges are generally not allowed. This is for your protection as well as the store's.
• When choosing your gown, keep in mind that your choice sets the tone for the degree of formality for the entire wedding, particularly the selection of bridesmaids gowns, the groom's and usher's attire, as well as that of the mothers. For formal weddings, the bride wears a long gown with train and veil of her choice. The train is usually either shorter or eliminated for the small or informal wedding.
• Tradition is "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a lucky sixpence for your shoe." Wearing your mother's or grandmother's petticoat, several blue garters (saving one to pass on to your children), or carrying a handkerchief, made with love by a friend or relative, heirloom jewelry, or a special piece that someday may become an heirloom can also create special memories.