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HOW TO BUY A WEDDING GOWN
SHOP FOR A SHOP
A. Ask
friends, who have recently been married, for referrals.
A well-established bridal shop, with a good reputation, is your best bet.
B. Take note of the atmosphere as well as the
selection of overall dresses
bridal shop
Do they represent many major manufacturers, or only a few?
Is the inventory current and fresh looking? You'll be trusting the salon with a
major purchase, so you should definitely feel comfortable with the place and the
people.
C. You will
want to be sure that you're patronizing a full-service shop,
with someone on their staff who will do alterations on site.
Many brides return for two or three fittings and, in most shops,
every alteration will cost money (sometimes hundreds of dollars).
Be sure to ask for an up-front price chart so you'll have a good idea
of the total cost of the dress before making a commitment.
D.
Discounters and dealers with little or no inventory, are often struggling to
survive
Never order a gown from a shop that does not do business directly with the
manufacturer.
Ask them, point blank, "Are you an authorized dealer for this manufacturer?"
If you question their response, call the manufacturer yourself.
Their telephone numbers are in the bridal magazines.
They will tell you whether that shop is an authorized dealer.
CHOOSE A LOOK
A. Even
before you buy you wedding ring you find your gown
first
visiting a shop, leaf through bridal publications and mark the pages with any
gowns or details that appeal to you. This will help your consultant understand
your tastes
and save both of you time.
Visit Web Sites of bridal gown manufacturers. Use your printer to print photos
that you find there. Never buy a gown on the internet from someone you don't
know.
B. Even if
you think you may know what dress you want, keep an open mind, are you a
tradition bride or a modern bride
Try on different designs. With so many choices available, you may find
it is easy to become "snow-blinded." Have the bridal consultant promptly discard
your rejects.
C. Never try
to "make a gown over." Custom design, while possible, can be expensive.
It rarely works as well people envision.
D. If you
want a second opinion, bring a trusted friend, someone who shares your same
tastes as well as someone who has your interests at heart.
Never bring a committee-of-ten, a jealous sister, or anyone who does not
understand why someone would want to get married.
E. Have your
consultant record your favorite choices.
A full-service salon will maintain a file for you, retaining the style
information you will
need later to order your gown from them.
UNDERSTAND THE "FINE PRINT."
Many bridal shops are individually owned
and do not have the same policies.
Ask about the fine print before you order. Important questions, rarely asked,
include:
1. Will you "involve me" in the size to be ordered? Store samples are not always
accurate.
2. When will the balance of my gown be due? Never pay more than 50% up front.
3. What payment methods are acceptable for the balance? Some shops require cash.
4. What if my gown comes in early? When will the balance be due? Will you store
it for me?
5. How soon before my wedding should I schedule an appointment with the
seamstress?
6. After my final fitting, is there a charge to press my gown?
Can I pick it up on Friday before my wedding?
Restate their answers. If you
misunderstand something, they can correct themselves, and you will avoid a
frustration later on.
Place your order when you are comfortable.
A WORD ABOUT P.M.S...PRE-MARITAL
STRESS.
Sometimes it is nice to have someone to
talk to about your worries.
massage
candles
, bridal pampering
is very important to help the bride relieve stress
A good bridal shop and a skilled consultant can help put your mind at ease and
add a manicure or pedicure on top of that.
While they cannot promise that you are marrying the right person, a true wedding
professional, at a full-service shop, can reassure you that they will do
everything possible to make sure your wedding day is as perfect for you as you
had always dreamed it would be.
Wedding dress designers
After Six,
Alexia Bridesmaids, Alfred Angelo, Alfred Sung Bridesmaids, Allure Bridals,
Alyce Designs, Aurora d’Paradiso, B2, Belsoie, Benjamin Walk, Bill Levkoff,
Bridal Manufacturing Designs (BMD), Cameron Blake, Carlson Craft, Casablanca,
Cathy’s Concepts, Colorful Creations, Coloriffics, Dessy Creations, Edward
Berger, Exclusive Bridals, Faviana, Flirt Prom, Forever Yours Mothers, Giselle,
J. L. Johnson Veils, Jade, Jasmine, Jim’s Formalwear, Joli Prom, Jovani, Jordan,
Justin Alexander, Kathryn LaCroix, Jovani Prom, Labelle Fashions, LaFemme,
LeGala, Maggie Sottero, Merry Modes, Mon Cheri, Montage, Mori Lee, Night Moves,
Raylia, Regency Thermographers, Riva, Sacino’s Formalwear, Salon Shoes, Sandals
by Dessy, Sherri Hill, Sincerity Bridals, Sophia Tolli, The Private Collection,
Tiffany Designs, Tip Top Kids, Touch Ups, US Angels, Watters & Watters, Wedding
Gown Preservation Company, Wow Prom
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