Clothing
Before You Shop for Your Wedding Dress
Shopping for the perfect wedding gown is what most little girls dream of. A memorable experience, you can make it more enjoyable with some of the following suggestions before you even set foot in a bridal shop.
Consider your figure. Before you attempt a crash diet to fit a dress that is not flattering to your body shape, decide on some styles so that you can inform dress attendants when you go shopping. It may be helpful to peruse some historical dress and costume books at the library. What eras are especially to your taste? Victorian, Edwardian, regency, southern belle, fairytale, cosmopolitan, etc…Knowing a particular style will help you narrow down your selections from all the tulle and taffeta awaiting you.
Something else you can decide before you hit the shops—the dress fabric. If beaded satin is too cliché, consider silk or even ivory linen. You may want to choose a dress to be in accordance with the style or the rest of your wedding. For example, it’s slightly ridiculous to wear a high-necked lace and satin beaded gown to the beach. Likewise, a strapless number with a slit to the waist may suit Vegas, but not necessarily that old-fashioned church wedding.
It is also useful to talk to your married friends. Do they have suggested shops or horror stories about ineffectual shops? Make a list of bridal stores and also try to think of a price range for your gown.
There are thousands of gowns out there and part of the fun is trying them on. But having a direction and a fashion concept will save you on time and help you to narrow your choices down quickly.
By J. A. Young
Reprinted with permission by WeddingPearl.com