Finding “The One”: Dress Shopping Made “Simple”

by Mia Bolaris-Forget (Staff Writer)

If you ask ladies who’ve walked down the aisle before you they’ll tell you that gown shopping is a lot like your search for the “perfect” mate; and that once you find it, you’ll simply know. And, if you’re wondering how you’ll know, well, again the answer is the old standard, you just “will”.

Still, when you set out on your quest for a dress you want it to be as fun as it was finding your man, and just as easy to fall in love with.

Turn the frenzy into a positive fashion experience with just a few simply, sensible steps.

Call ahead: Yes, it TRUE. For the most part most brides set out on their search when THEY have the most time…and for most that means on the weekend. Well, you guessed it, just because that’s when YOU have the most time, doesn’t mean that’s when the store and consultant will have the most time. In fact, weekends are probably busiest for bridal salons, so you may not always get the attention and time you want, expect or need. Instead, it’s best to call ahead and make the earliest appointment available, preferably on a workday, when the staff and consultants will have more time and probably more patience too. Another option is calling ahead or hiring a bridal fashion consultant to have some dresses already picked out for you, it will make everybody’s experience much smoother and much easier, especially if you’re working with someone you trust.

· Make a separate appointment for you and your wedding party: As much fun as it may sound to have your pose with you for your preliminary trial(s), the opposite is actually true, with “too many chefs spoiling the broth”, so to speak. Instead take mom, maybe grandma, and one or two of your closest cronies. Set aside another time for mom’s dress and still another appointment for the gals. When picking out YOUR dress YOU should be the main focus and the center of attention. Plus, too many woman all in one place likely means an equal amount of opinions, and that could also spell confusion.

Earth Girls are easy to fit: While sexy lingerie may be sexy, it’s not practical for trying on a wedding dress. Here’s a secret Victoria never told you…when going wedding gown shopping stick to simple neutral tones and styles, preferably a flesh-coloured strapless bra and panties so that nothing interferes with or distracts from the look of the dress. Body shapers however are always a plus, especially if you plan on wearing one on your wedding day.

· Dress for success: Treat this special day as a special occasion and start by pampering yourself. Don’t allow yourself to simply roll out of bed and head out to the nearest bridal shop. Instead turn this “tradition” into a memorable event….even arrange for a nice lunch with mom and your accompanying entourage. Remember, you won’t feel pretty, even in the best of dresses, if you don’t feel like you look pretty. So, take some time to pretty yourself up from head to toe and step out into the wonderful world of wedding dresses with the confidence you need and that will no doubt give you’re the beaming bride glow.

· Made to order: Resign yourself to the fact that it’s typically not likely to find a dress right off the rack. In fact, most dresses “will” need some alterations. Even models dresses are cinched and tucked to fit their curves and body type. Wedding gowns are generally ordered to fit your largest part, and generally run from one to two sizes larger than your regular clothes. Otherwise, look for specialty shops that custom tailor dresses to your shape and specifications. Sure it may cost a bit more up front, but you’ll likely save on alteration costs.

· Go au naturale: Well, not exactly, but when it comes to fabrics. While the “trend” of lining gown in silk is still standard, brides CAN request cotton lining (which was all the rage in vintage gowns), and experience some serious savings.

· Take all the right steps: While you may want to slip into something comfortable for your schlep and search, you definitely want to bring the shoes you’re going to wear on your wedding day or a pair with a similar style and heel so you can get the full effect.

· Start saving ahead of time: Remember, just because you may have found your perfect gown in the magazines or online, doesn’t mean it will fit the way you expect. And, even if it does, like we said, it’s likely to need alterations that you’ll have to pay for. So setting aside some extra is an ideal way to get started before you actually get started.

· Leave no doubt before leaving a deposit: Remember once you hand over money and sign on the dotted line, you are officially obligated for the gown and the full payment.

· Stay true to yourself: Sure you may be tempted to crash diet before you begin trying on gowns, but it’s best if you don’t. After all if you’re not going to keep the weight off, not an easy task, you definitely don’t want to be “stuck’ with a gown that’s too small. Instead, stick to a routine healthy eating and exercise plan and work on shedding some surplus pounds a little at a time. And, if the dress is a bit too big, you can always have it taken in.