Dress Shopping

Choosing the perfect dress is an overwhelming task and really sets the tone for your whole wedding. Sometimes what you think will be the best for your body shape isn't what will look best on your body. Remember these simple tips, and hopefully wedding dress shopping will be a little less daunting:

• Start looking through wedding magazines nine to twelve months before the wedding date. Look for silhouette, embroidery, etc. to give yourself an idea of what you love and what you don't like.
• Book three appointments to begin. Go to a boutique, a showroom, and a department store for a different variety of dresses. Make sure to call ahead to see if reservations are required.
• Wear appropriate undergarments (aka, no lacy black bra and underwear) wear something similar to what you think you will need to wear under your wedding dress.
• Don't bring everyone you know to go dress shopping with you. Go with a select few (two or three, max) and only bring people who are supportive, honest and know your taste. If your sister always gives you a hard time about your style, don't bring her to your first appointment. The day is all about you and what you like!
• Be honest with yourself and your stylist about your budget from the beginning. If you have an absolute maximum of $3,000.00 make sure they know not show you ANYTHING above that price range.
• Remember, most dresses are custom made, so be creative. If you love the embroidery on one dress and the bottom of another, ask the stylist if they can contact the vendor and ask if there is a way to combine the two looks. You'll never know unless you try.
• Try on a couple gowns that the stylist suggests. This is what she does for a living, so she probably knows what will look good on a bride’s specific body type.

In summary, I think its most important to trust your instinct. If you go with your gut, you wont be disappointed and you'll never wonder 'what if'.