| Shopping for Your Wedding Gown By Melanie Bibbo |
Many of my Brides ask me for “Words of Wisdom” before heading out to begin their search for “The Perfect Gown.” I had an article published a few years ago that
included these tips and I find that it does help to consider a few things before stepping out on your shopping excursion!
Helpful Hints on Shopping for Your Wedding Gown
1. Perhaps the most important tip-Have something to eat before you shop, trying on those heavy gowns all day can be akin to a day at the gym!
2. Appointments are helpful. Although you may be tempted to drop into a shop and start looking on the first Saturday after your proposal, be aware that setting up
appointments will afford you more assistance at the salon. Also, bear in mind that weekends are very busy at most formalwear shops, especially during the busy
bridal and prom seasons.
3. Scan that pile of magazines on your coffee table and bring along sample photos of dresses that you like. Don’t be afraid to show your bridal consultant photos
of neckline, hem, train, sleeve and fabric details. She will use this as a guide to the styles and elements you are most partial too. A picture is worth a thousand
words!
4. Try several different styles and design elements to see what flatters your figure most. Don’t get caught up in current trends alone. Also, try several different fabric
hues. Shades are available from the purest white, to ivory, to rose to mocha. Many gowns are available in a choice of colors or fabrics, as well as 2-tone or with
color accents.
5. Wear undergarments that you will not be embarrassed to be seen in, or carry along your own strapless or longline bra and a slip. Many reputable shops provide
or require in-the-dressing room assistance so that sample gowns do not withstand too much wear and tear. If you are uncomfortable with this kind of help, just
realize that bridal consultants have experience in fabric, dress lines and current styles and are trained to ensure you a good fit and flattering style.
6. Don’t bring along an entourage- 1 or 2 girlfriends and Mom is enough! Choose to take your bridal party along for bridesmaid dresses on another day. Changing
rooms are small and too many opinions can be confusing and even frustrating!
7. Sizing- Here is the tricky part. Don’t be surprised if you are fitted for a larger size in a wedding gown than your usual off-the-rack size. Wedding gown sizes are
based on bust, waist and hip proportion measurements. Your measurements are compared to the specific designer’s sizing diagram. Each designer uses their
own chart for sizing purposes. Many wedding gown retailers will allow you to “sign off” on ordering a smaller size than is suggested by the manufacturer if you are
dieting or expect to lose weight at your own risk, but be aware that most gowns can be taken in up to 2 dress sizes with little difficulty but can only be let out
minimally, if at all. There are also often additional charges for extra length (usually 5’9” or taller,) plus sizes and of course, custom requests likes linings, fabric or
embellishment changes.
8. Alterations- MYTH-Gown retailers purposely order a size too large to ensure alteration charges. This could not be more incorrect! As noted above, gown retailers
match your measurements to the vendor’s sizing chart to find the best size for you. Therefore, if your waist and hip measurements fit a size 8, but your bust is a
size 12, you’ll need to order the gown to accommodate your bust and alter the gown down to your smaller measurements. This will ensure the most flattering fit.
The majority of gowns require alterations of some kind.
9. Take your time, but do not wait too long. Many vendors can require 9 months for delivery. Conversely, if you are getting married in 2+ years, wait until the 1 year
mark to gown shop. Your figure as well as current gown trends can easily change and this will help you to get the best style and size ordered.
10. Follow care directions from your bridal shop when you bring it home. Most salons or seamstresses will press your gown before pickup and suggest that you
remove the garment bag as soon as possible so it will not wrinkle. It is best to place a clean sheet on the floor and hang your gown, veil and petticoat in a spare
room away from people and pets to make sure it stays clean. You may also ask if the dress may be spot steamed or pressed if needed. Some fabrics do not
tolerate steam and can show watermarks, so be sure to ask first.
11. Finally- BEWARE of ordering your gown from an online retailer. These shops may offer a cheaper price, but will not offer you the insight into sizing, correct
measurements and customer service.
Dance the night away in a gown that suits your style, personality and the formality of your Wonderful Wedding Day!!!
Melanie Bibbo Voros is the owner of Blissful Beginnings (R) Wedding and Event Design in Portsmouth, NH Melanie started Blissful Beginnings (R)in 1996 with a
passion for CREATIVITY and FESTIVITY and strives to assist clients throughout New England to create unique special events with SOUL. For more info visit www.
blissfulbeginnings.com or the Blissful Blog http://blissfulbeginningsbymelaniebibbo.blogspot.com
included these tips and I find that it does help to consider a few things before stepping out on your shopping excursion!
Helpful Hints on Shopping for Your Wedding Gown
1. Perhaps the most important tip-Have something to eat before you shop, trying on those heavy gowns all day can be akin to a day at the gym!
2. Appointments are helpful. Although you may be tempted to drop into a shop and start looking on the first Saturday after your proposal, be aware that setting up
appointments will afford you more assistance at the salon. Also, bear in mind that weekends are very busy at most formalwear shops, especially during the busy
bridal and prom seasons.
3. Scan that pile of magazines on your coffee table and bring along sample photos of dresses that you like. Don’t be afraid to show your bridal consultant photos
of neckline, hem, train, sleeve and fabric details. She will use this as a guide to the styles and elements you are most partial too. A picture is worth a thousand
words!
4. Try several different styles and design elements to see what flatters your figure most. Don’t get caught up in current trends alone. Also, try several different fabric
hues. Shades are available from the purest white, to ivory, to rose to mocha. Many gowns are available in a choice of colors or fabrics, as well as 2-tone or with
color accents.
5. Wear undergarments that you will not be embarrassed to be seen in, or carry along your own strapless or longline bra and a slip. Many reputable shops provide
or require in-the-dressing room assistance so that sample gowns do not withstand too much wear and tear. If you are uncomfortable with this kind of help, just
realize that bridal consultants have experience in fabric, dress lines and current styles and are trained to ensure you a good fit and flattering style.
6. Don’t bring along an entourage- 1 or 2 girlfriends and Mom is enough! Choose to take your bridal party along for bridesmaid dresses on another day. Changing
rooms are small and too many opinions can be confusing and even frustrating!
7. Sizing- Here is the tricky part. Don’t be surprised if you are fitted for a larger size in a wedding gown than your usual off-the-rack size. Wedding gown sizes are
based on bust, waist and hip proportion measurements. Your measurements are compared to the specific designer’s sizing diagram. Each designer uses their
own chart for sizing purposes. Many wedding gown retailers will allow you to “sign off” on ordering a smaller size than is suggested by the manufacturer if you are
dieting or expect to lose weight at your own risk, but be aware that most gowns can be taken in up to 2 dress sizes with little difficulty but can only be let out
minimally, if at all. There are also often additional charges for extra length (usually 5’9” or taller,) plus sizes and of course, custom requests likes linings, fabric or
embellishment changes.
8. Alterations- MYTH-Gown retailers purposely order a size too large to ensure alteration charges. This could not be more incorrect! As noted above, gown retailers
match your measurements to the vendor’s sizing chart to find the best size for you. Therefore, if your waist and hip measurements fit a size 8, but your bust is a
size 12, you’ll need to order the gown to accommodate your bust and alter the gown down to your smaller measurements. This will ensure the most flattering fit.
The majority of gowns require alterations of some kind.
9. Take your time, but do not wait too long. Many vendors can require 9 months for delivery. Conversely, if you are getting married in 2+ years, wait until the 1 year
mark to gown shop. Your figure as well as current gown trends can easily change and this will help you to get the best style and size ordered.
10. Follow care directions from your bridal shop when you bring it home. Most salons or seamstresses will press your gown before pickup and suggest that you
remove the garment bag as soon as possible so it will not wrinkle. It is best to place a clean sheet on the floor and hang your gown, veil and petticoat in a spare
room away from people and pets to make sure it stays clean. You may also ask if the dress may be spot steamed or pressed if needed. Some fabrics do not
tolerate steam and can show watermarks, so be sure to ask first.
11. Finally- BEWARE of ordering your gown from an online retailer. These shops may offer a cheaper price, but will not offer you the insight into sizing, correct
measurements and customer service.
Dance the night away in a gown that suits your style, personality and the formality of your Wonderful Wedding Day!!!
Melanie Bibbo Voros is the owner of Blissful Beginnings (R) Wedding and Event Design in Portsmouth, NH Melanie started Blissful Beginnings (R)in 1996 with a
passion for CREATIVITY and FESTIVITY and strives to assist clients throughout New England to create unique special events with SOUL. For more info visit www.
blissfulbeginnings.com or the Blissful Blog http://blissfulbeginningsbymelaniebibbo.blogspot.com
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recipes, home, garden, beauty, health, fashion, dating, parenting, seniors, finance, business, hair care, skin care, advice, real estate, insurance,
weddings etc. Each issue has a feature section as well. Many of our articles are written by local business people who provide information
relevant to their business expertise. The Applaud Women website is also a resource center for local women including the most comprehensive
listings of Restaurants, Weddings, Female doctors and Hotels. It also includes a number of informational pages with links, articles and RSS feeds
to both local and national websites of interest to women in NH & n. MA.
applaud local women. The core of the magazine is our inspirational women's articles, most of which feature local women but occasionally we are
able to interview national women who we feel provide a unique inspiration for our readers. Our other articles cover topics of interest such as food
recipes, home, garden, beauty, health, fashion, dating, parenting, seniors, finance, business, hair care, skin care, advice, real estate, insurance,
weddings etc. Each issue has a feature section as well. Many of our articles are written by local business people who provide information
relevant to their business expertise. The Applaud Women website is also a resource center for local women including the most comprehensive
listings of Restaurants, Weddings, Female doctors and Hotels. It also includes a number of informational pages with links, articles and RSS feeds
to both local and national websites of interest to women in NH & n. MA.
