Surviving Wedding Dress Shopping

Congratulations, if you are one of thousands of brides-to-be selecting your wedding gown.

Keep your stress level down, and fully enjoy a successful buying trip with these pointers:

Start your search about nine months to a year before the wedding.

It typically takes six months to receive a customized dress once ordered, so starting your search process nine months to a year out is a good rule of thumb.

Forget the romance and establish a budget before walking into the salon.

The current average cost for wedding gowns starts at $900 - $1300 without embellishments such as crystals or belts or dresses made from pricier fabrics.

 

Brides must also factor in the price of alterations, and the veil, which can add up to an additional $700 or more to the final price tag.

Love a look? Make a phone call.

There is a particular designer dress that you know is your dress just from seeing it online or in a magazine. Although the bridal shop carries the designer, make a pre-appointment call to guarantee the dress of your desire is available.

Unless you are chasing the bad guys, leave your posse at home.

You love your family and your friends, but honestly having all of them weighing on the most important dress of your life is...overweight at best.

Bring only a handful, better yet a couple of people, who respect it is ultimately your wedding and your decision on what to wear to it.

Look past the romance and set up the budget

There is no embarrassment in telling the bridal consultant the budget before you slip into exquisite layers of silk, tulle, and lace.

Never forget, regardless how friendly she is, her ultimate goal is to make a sale at the end of every appointment.

Avoid crushing disappointments.

If your "OMG" dress is in a higher stratosphere than your budget allows - leave it on the hanger!

The momentary “wow” factor of the image of you in it will always cannot compete with the crushing disappointment at not being able to afford it. Nothing else you try on can compete with that image, and will defeat a positive outcome.

Cull down your selections .

Leave the overflowing notebooks of wedding gowns at home. Bring one. Having ideas is a good thing; however, you, as the practical bride, will cull down the selections to your individualized style, body type, and wedding plans.

Wearing satin is a beautiful look at an indoor wedding, especially a winter one. However, the fabric is too heavy for your casual beach or outdoor ceremony in the high humidity of summer where lace or chiffon are better options.

Never discount comfort

Before making a final decision – move around in your favorite selection.

During your wedding you must be able to give countless hugs, dance, and kiss and yes, use the restroom while wearing the dress. You want your wedding photos to reflect your total joy – not discomfort from wearing too tight a corset, itchy tulle or trying to cover a torn sleeve.

Practice these tips and leave your stress for something else – like planning the seating chart.