Bridal Gowns: Making A Choice

Shopping for your wedding gown is a very exciting and fun thing to do, but it can also become very confusing. Choosing just one gown out of the thousands of options available can make even the most organized bride's head spin.

The first time you walk into a bridal shop, chances are you'll be overwhelmed by all the choices you've got. The best thing you can do to prepare yourself is to spend some time looking through the national bridal magazines to see which styles attract you. Granted, the gowns look different on professional models, but the pictures will give you a good idea of what's in style and what options are available.

While you're paging through the magazines, pay attention to details: necklines, sleeves, appliques on the train. Take the dress apart in your mind and consider each piece separately.

Don't rip out the pages. Instead, mark them and take the whole book with you when you go shopping. This is important because bridal shops often call the manufacturers for more information about gowns, and to do this they need to know page numbers.

When you do finally venture out, take the time to plan ahead. Most bridal salons prefer to show gowns by appointment, so call ahead. Appointments will last between one and two hours, so be sure you space them out.

Whatever you do, don't try to squeeze it in on your lunch hour. Shopping for your bridal gown isn't like looking for a casual outfit, where you can go into the store and look through the racks. It's very much a one-on-one process. You need to sit down with your consultant and discuss what you're looking for before you try on a single gown. An appointment assures that you will get this kind of relaxed atmosphere, and it guarantees that the consultant will be able to take the time to do everything possible to get you the gown you want. You'll have much more success if you aren't pressed for time.

Your first couple of outings should be purely for exploration. You'll try on a lot of gowns before you decide on one, but the more you try, the better an idea you'll get of exactly what you want. Believe it or not, though, it is possible to try on too many gowns. Once you've settled on a neckline and general style, stick with it. Try not to fall into the trap of trying on every dress you see; you'll only confuse yourself. If that straight skirt didn't look good yesterday, it's not going to look any better today.

Have an idea of what you'd like, but keep an open mind. It may not look like much on the hanger, but it could be the dress of your dreams. When you try on a gown, focus on the way it looks and feels. Is it comfortable? Does it emphasize your good points and hide your flaws?

Shopping alone can often be difficult. Take with you one or two people whose opinions you truly value (most brides count on Mom and their maid- or matron-of-honor). If possible, take the same people each time so you all are equally well informed as to what you've seen and liked. It's important that you limit yourself to only one or two people, though, or you'll end up confused by too many conflicting opinions. Bring the others once you've made your decision.

Most of all, remember that this is YOUR wedding gown. Make certain you're not trying to please or impress anybody else with your choice. Nobody will be impressed by a gown that looks terrible on you, or one that is clearly uncomfortable. In the end, the only opinion that counts is your own. If you feel beautiful in the wedding gown of your choice, you will be.

If the gowns you've seen have all started to blur in your mind, it's time to stop looking. Go back and re-try your favorites, then narrow it down from there. If you're having trouble deciding, here's a handy trick: Over a period of a week or two, don't look at any gowns. As you concentrate on other aspects of the wedding, picture yourself walking down the aisle and note which dress you're wearing. Chances are that's the one you'll buy.

A word of caution, though. Bridal gowns usually take anywhere from three to six months just to come in, and you'll need about a month on top of that for alterations. Obviously there are exceptions to this rule, but leave yourself as much time as possible before the wedding to be sure you can get the dress you want.

How do you choose a bridal shop? Keep in mind that you'll be working with these people for the better part of a year, if not longer. You need to trust them and be able to get answers to your questions. Some things you should find out about include whether you'll be able to see the gown without an appointment; how it will be stored; if anyone will be able to see the gown when you are not present; and if you will be able to take the gown out of the store and then return it for safekeeping until the wedding.

Check with the Better Business Bureau for unresolved complaints. As far as payment goes, most shops require a fifty percent deposit, with the balance due either at your first fitting or when you pick up the dress. Be wary of any shop that asks for more than fifty percent before the dress comes in.

Talk to your consultant about what the price of the gown includes. Many shops include all or part of your alterations, and some include the veil as well. This is very important to know when you shop for the best price. The dress with the lowest initial price can end up being the most expensive when all the hidden costs are added.

Alterations can be a big added expense, and you can count on needing them. You're taking a lot of time and spending a lot of money to get the perfect bridal gown, so once you find it, don't skimp on the alterations. The way the gown is altered will have a big influence on how good it looks on you. The most beautiful dress in the world will look awful if it doesn't fit properly, so be sure that your gown is altered by an experienced bridal seamstress.

Doing alterations on bridal attire is very different than altering everyday clothing, because there is much more detail and the proper fit is essential. For example, if a blouse is a little loose through the body, you probably won't be too concerned -- you may even prefer it that way. If your bridal gown is loose, however, it'll show, and it'll be pretty uncomfortable.

If alterations are not included in the price of your gown, find out the charge for each procedure. A hem may cost $30, but if your skirt is lined it can be considered two hems and you'll pay twice as much as you expected. Bustling the train is another major expense. Also find out if pressing is included. With something as important as your wedding gown, you probably don't have either the facilities or the skill to press it properly yourself.

Be aware that a lot of manufacturers copy each other, so know what you're getting. You may find a copy of the gown you want at a much lower price, but be aware that it may not be of the same quality. Even though you only wear the dress once, you don't want it to fall apart by the end of the day. Talk with your consultant about different manufacturers to be sure you're getting the quality you expect.

Whether or not it's your first marriage, your wedding day is something you've dreamed about. Selecting only one gown out of the thousands of choices can be a difficult and confusing process. Instead of letting your decision be a source of worry, take your time and enjoy it. This is one of the most important days of your life, so it should be exactly what you've wanted.