Bridal Boutiques

Bridal Boutiques

You should start looking well in advance at least eight to six months or more before the wedding. Start your search of bridal boutiques by doing phone interviews first, paying close attention to the way they treat you over the phone (if the staff are friendly and eager to help you over the phone, more than likely they will treat you this way in person)

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Questions you could ask:

• What is the price range of the wedding gowns you have in your store?

• What designer dresses do you carry?

• What are the sizes you have?

• Do you do fittings and alterations at your store, or are they done at a different location?

• Do you sell wedding accessories, veils, shoes, headpieces etc?

• Are there any package deals with accessories and bridesmaids dresses?

• Are there any guarantees on the wedding dress? If so, what are they?

• Do you have any sales on?

When you have narrowed your list of bridal boutiques, plan on spending at least one to four hours in each shop. If you are lucky you may be able to pick up a bargain in a sample sale (these are wedding gowns that have been tried on by customers and may have minor marks, such as makeup stains).

Before going to the bridal boutiques set a budget on your wedding gown. When visiting the bridal boutiques talk frankly and openly to the assistant so that the gowns shown will be within your budget, otherwise you will be shown the most expensive lines first, and it could be terribly hard for you to resist a dream dress that is temptingly beyond your means.

Never make a purchase on the first visit at the bridal boutiques, it is best to choose three or four styles and then go back another time try them on again before making the final selection.

When at the bridal boutiques

• See how different shades of white enhances your skin tone, you should choose a shade which is most flattering to you.

• Take with you your undergarments and shoes that you plan to wear on your day.

• Let the bridal consultant know if you intend to lose some weight before your wedding. So that you can discuss the different style options.

• Check the inside construction of the wedding gown to determine the workmanship. The seams should be straight; the decorative details should be sewn on securely, with the overall workmanship being acceptable.

• If buying a dress with a train try on several gowns with varying lengths this way you will get the feel of the weight at the back of the dress. Ask if the train can be removed or hooked up so that you can move easily at the reception.

• When you have selected the wedding gown make an appointment for a fitting time. And then make a final fitting two weeks before the wedding for any last minute changes.

• Take notes, to keep track of the dresses that you’ve tried on. For each gown write down exactly what you liked and disliked.

• You want to look amazing, and also comfortable, so try the dress on and do all the movements that you would do on the day sit, dance, stand, hugging, and if it does not feel as good as it looks, keep looking for another gown.

• If the bridal boutiques allow you to take photos, take along a camera. You will be able to look at them at home, and be able to ask family and friends which dress suits you most.

• Ask about alteration costs. Get estimates of how many fitting will be necessary, and how much each will cost.

  Hot Tips

• Don’t be too hasty in buying your gown,shop around, you may change your mind, or see another gown that you like later. Try styles on that you would not normally wear. A dress that hangs on the rack may not look nice, but may look incredible when tried on.

• When trying on a gown ask yourself the following:

• Is the gown suitable for the season and style of you wedding?

• Can I raise my arms up, walk, dance, hug, sit, and breathe easily?

• How does the dress look from the back?

• Will I need to wear special lingerie underneath?

• And take along the shoes that you will be wearing with the gown.

• If you are having a gown made it is also advisable to go the bridal salons and try on different styles to see which suit you best. Take a note of these styles and take these details with you when you visit the dressmaker.

• When going for the fittings wear the appropriate undergarments and shoes every time, this will give the correct measurements for the alterations.

• If you are embarrassed to be in your underwear for the measuring wear a slip.