You've said yes, date is set and venue chosen, next on the list is what to wear.......
For some its the most exciting part, for others it can be stressful and intimidating.
Choosing the right place to buy your outfit will help if you are the latter bride.
Do your research. Pinterest is a brilliant way to look at all the styles and options available before you step foot into a shop. You can find out which designer has the styles you like the most and then which store stocks those designs.
Once you find a shop you want to visit, check out their reviews. There is a fine line between not enough and too many. That may sound odd but no reviews may be an indication of it being a new business, so worth a visit, or sadly not a very good place to visit. (Check out their opening date.) On the other end of the scale though, too many can be a desperate sign of fake or pressured reviews. Don't just check the Facebook reviews. Go to Google, their website but best of all is word of mouth opinions. Ask your friends and family who have recently been married where they went and what happened there. Its more than the initial appointment too. Did the garments arrive on time, the right size and was the communication and service the best it can be? You want to know that the most important and probably most expensive dress you will buy is in same hands from beginning to end. Something that started so well can very easily end in tears if you don't have the full story.
You will need to book an appointment to ensure you get personal service without interruptions. Normally about one to two hours. Much more than that can get a bit overwhelming. Restrict yourself to only a maximum of two a day. Too many really can become ivory overkill!!
Prepare for the appointment by wearing underwear similar in fit to what you want to wear on the day. Not necessarily 'sucky in pants' but smoothing nude colour seamless high waisted knickers and a good fitting bra. It makes a big difference to how a dress hangs and looks. Comfort is a massive factor too. Wedding dresses can be heavy and cumbersome so as much ease underneath will help in a whole day of wearing it.
It should be a fun and exciting day but don't be tempted to bring as many people as you can. A few of the right people is important. Those that know you best, are honest but will be kind in their opinions. Too much input can really confuse you.
Try the styles you have seen online and in your research but be adventurous and try a few 'curveballs'. You may surprise yourself.......
Sadly bridal shops can only stock one of each style. This is a real problem when it comes to sizing as we all vary so much. When you contact the shop it is worth asking what size their samples come in. Some still insist on only holding small sizes, others however try to hold a variety of sizes and most will go for a middle ground. Please don't worry about the size as the best consultants will advise what size is best to order.
Most brands offer a 'Made to Measure' service when you order your dress. This is quite confusing as many think it means the dress is made to YOUR measurements. What it actually means is it is made in a standard size which is closest to your body measures. Usually to your largest attribute so that the rest of the dress can be taken in to fit perfectly. Generally dress can not be made bigger. There is sometimes a bit of leeway in seam allowances but this is still only going to allow a small increase. If the dress is beaded or lacey you may end up with a bare section which will need disguising. Some fabrics will show holes where the previous stitching was. SO its best to go a smidge bigger and have it altered smaller.
Still on sizing, wedding dresses do tend to come up smaller than everyday clothing. Nobody knows why but remember its just a number and doesn't reflect on you. Don't even look at the label. And remember NOBODY is a standard size. We are ALL unique and BEAUTIFUL.
You have chosen 'The One' and now its time to commit.......to the dress this time. You've already nabbed the other half. You may feel pressured to commit on the day, my personal advice is no matter how much you think its the right one, go away and give yourself at least over night to think it over. There may be incentives available if you do. Is it enough to sway you though? In the excitement you may forget the reality of your day. Is it appropriate for the venue, theme, but most importantly YOU. Most reputable shops will offer the legal but also considerate 14 day cool off period. Why not avoid any awkward conversations by stepping away, thinking it over, maybe going back to try again before signing on the dotted line. Not all stores will refund your deposit. It could be very expensive decision you may regret.
Regarding the 'contract'. Please read it fully before signing. You may be tired and emotional etc on the day which is another reason to step away before signing. They may have added accessories you haven't 100% decided on. There can also be some worrying clauses you will be agreeing to. A recent experience from a few brides said they signed to agree to 'not gain or lose weight'. With all the pressure we as women give ourselves every day, how wrong for someone to demand this. Every bride wants to look as good as they can on their big day but that shouldn't mean the stress of watching the weight. If you are concerned on how the dress will fit due to normal womanly issues such as period bloat, stress IBS, other medical issues or just a bit of a safety net, maybe opt for a corset back design. You can really pull in for a tight fit or loosen off through the day to relax and accommodate the delicious food you've arranged. Heat will be a factor too. Its going to get warm in there especially summer wedding dates. A nice little release can be wonderful......
Alterations are obviously my passion to get right and it infuriates me when brides are given the wrong advice regarding what can and can't be done to their gowns. Rule of thumb is it can be taken in but rarely taken out. Very small tweaks are sometimes possible to make it more comfortable like raising the shoulders or raising at the waist (this can help with overall length too). Lowering the armhole ( they can be made very small) and often sewn with a clear thread which has no give and can really irritate. It is very very rare that a dress can fit perfectly on receipt. To achieve this you need to have many fittings before the final design is made. This process involves what is called a 'toile'. A dress made in a plain cheaper fabric with no finishing touches but where the fit is perfected. It is essential you book your alterations in with a reputable seamstress/dressmaker approx 6 to 8 weeks before the big day. All good shops will either have someone in house or list of recommended people for you to get in touch with. We cannot always help with shops we are not affiliated to if we have a good working relationship with those we do work for. Check this out at the beginning. We get so busy we sadly have to turn last minute brides away which we all hate to do.
Accessories can be that perfect finishing touch to elevate you to being the ultimate bride. Veils, belts, tiaras, hair jewellery or overlays and boleros can add a bit or personality and uniqueness to your dress too. Its a great idea to try with your dress at the initial consultation but again, don't decide on the day. You have along time generally between initial ordering and your wedding day. You may find a new idea, a different final look. You may change your hair or make up. Gather the ideas and then confirm on your next fitting. Waiting again will prevent expensive wasted purchases.
My post may seem like a lot to think about and worry about but I hope it will just give you some advice on a shopping trip that you will hopefully only do once in your lifetime and make it the easiest and most fun, exciting and beautiful experience you will have.
Think it all over first, do your research, take your time and know how things work before you cross that all important doorstep.
Keep Calm, Your are Getting Married xxxxx
For Isle of Wight brides, the bridalwear companies we recommend you visit for professional and truly experienced service are the following. Each one has a huge amount of knowledge, good relationships with other island suppliers and inhouse seamstresses or dressmakers.
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