So, you're ready to hit the stores in search of your dream dress. Before you grab your purse and go, we have some tips for you. With the cost of wedding gowns averaging about $800, you want to make sure you're armed with all the necessary information before you even consider handing over your credit card. Here are the top 10 things you need to know and do for a successful and satisfying gown-shopping experience:
1. Consider your wedding style: As with everything related to your wedding, we must start with the style. Are you having a formal night wedding? Daytime outdoor affair? Your dress should reflect -- or at least mesh with -- your wedding style. A simple cotton sheath isn't going to work at a Saturday night ball, and an elaborate ball gown is going to look out of place at your backyard bash. That said, you're the bride, which means you can stretch the rules just a bit when it comes to your ensemble.
2. Get a picture in mind: We always recommend brides have visuals on hand when they visit any wedding vendor, from florists to bakers to caterers, to help communicate their desires. This is especially important when it comes to gowns, because at many bridal salons, you can't actually look through the racks of dresses yourself (there are just too many). You must rely on a salesperson to pick out and present you with an appropriate selection, based on the information you give her. The more you tell -- and can show -- her, the better of you'll be. So be sure to arrive carrying a folder full of magazine clippings, sketches, and so on.
3. Be open-minded: Not to contradict what we just wrote, but it's important to try on at least one dress that isn't like anything you ever thought you'd wear on your wedding day. It's amazing how many brides walk in thinking they want to wear something simple and straight and walk out looking like Cinderella or vice versa. In short, the dream dress you decide on may surprise you, and you won't have the chance to discover it if you swear off trying on styles you think aren't you.
Next page: your figure, the right white and more...
4. Know your figure: Don't know which style dress is most likely to flatter your form? Check out our Gowns for Every Body article and find out. Obviously, you want to find a gown that not only makes you happy but complements your body type and accentuates your best features. You can save time and energy if you have some idea of what style works best when you hit the stores -- and as you peruse those magazines. But don't be alarmed, offended or disappointed when your salesperson makes you try on a size 12 when you're really a size 6 (or vice versa) or orders you a dress that's a size or two larger than you usually wear. For starters, bridal gowns run small, so the dress that's ordered for you may be a size or two larger than you wear in ready-to-wear clothes. Also, the dresses in the store are not meant to fit you exactly -- they're just so you can get an idea of how you look. That said, the salesperson should do everything possible (pin, etc.) to create a look that's as close to the real thing as possible.
5. Know which white is right for you: There are many shades of white, and wedding dresses come in just about every shade. Knowing which one flatters you the most will help you choose a dress that enhances your coloring (instead of making you look like you have an upset stomach). In general, the most flattering white shades are diamond white and silk white. They're not stark white or pure white, but they're not ivory either. Keep this in mind, too: If you don't like the way you look in any shade of white, you don't have to wear it. Bridal gowns come in a variety of pale hues that may flatter you more, such as blush, rum pink, champagne and other pastels. Another trick: white gowns with colored piping; this may flatter you more than a strictly all-white gown. Lastly, know that the samples you try on in the store are probably slightly dirty and, thus, not the exact color your new dress will be -- in fact, sample dresses may be slightly more flattering, so be sure to ask for a clean swatch of fabric to hold up to your face.
6. Think venue: Getting married in a house of worship? Find out if there's a dress code. For example, you may not be able to expose your shoulders. A jacket or shawl or removable overpiece should solve the problem.
7. Beware the impulse buy: Shopping for a wedding gown is not like shopping at the Gap -- if you change your mind, you can't simply return it for full credit. In fact, most places won't take a bridal gown at all. And if they do, you'll be lucky to get back 50 percent of the total cost of the dress. Ouch. So if you're not one hundred percent certain about your choice, go home and sleep on it. Maybe try on a few more dresses. Commit to ordering only when you're sure.
Next page: boutiques vs. salons, other options and having fun!
8. Know your manufacturer: When you find a dress you like, check for the name of the manufacturer on the tag. This will help ensure that you're getting a quality garment. If the tag is torn out -- an illegal but not uncommon practice -- ask the salesperson for the name of the manufacturer. If she refuses to tell you, consider shopping elsewhere.
9. Pick the right shops for you: Do you usually shop at small boutiques? Or do you like the energy of a big department store? Do you like it when a salesperson waits on you ''hand and foot'' or do you prefer to be left to your own devices? Consider this when you choose the places you will look for your gown. Here's a quick overview of shopping options:
- Bridal salons and boutiques: You'll be well attended to and may also pay a bit more.
- Department stores: In the bridal departments, you'll find a limited selection of gowns with (usually) hefty price tags, but keep an eye out for trunk shows (big sales) and don't forget to look in the evening wear department.
- Discount houses and bridal warehouses: You'll find lots of square footage filled with wedding gowns, many from the previous season. You buy right off the rack (and dig through all the hits and misses) and save a substantial sum; be sure to check dresses for damages and factor in the cost of alterations.
- Bridal emporiums: These are like big discount houses, but only some of the merchandise gets marked down and you don't get to look through the racks yourself. You can find dresses as well as invitations, accessories and favors.
- Mail-order companies: If you're tempted to buy your gown online, know this: You may save money (20 to 40 percent), but not all mail-order companies are reputable. So ask around and only go with a company with a great reputation. You must know the dress you want and style number to order. Be sure to factor in the cost of alterations.
Other options: a custom designer or seamstress; rental store; consignment or vintage clothing store. A time-saving hint: Call and ask about the store's dress selection before you make an appointment (and, yes, you do need an appointment; try to make it at a less crowded time) to find out if it carries the styles or designers you have in mind in an acceptable price range.
10. Have fun: Make a fun day of it. Bring along someone whose opinion you truly trust and whom you know will help to keep you calm and confident. Or, if you'd rather shop alone, make that first trek solo and then maybe bring someone back for a second opinion.
Before you make appointments at salons, use the Build Your Dream Dress tool to get ideas of what will look best on you!