Worried about making that all-important decision to purchase your wedding gown? I came up with a few tricks of the trade to make your experience as pleasant and painless as possible, and presented it as part of the VOW bridal event in February. The information was so vital for brides at the event, that I wanted to make it accessible to as many brides-to-be as possible!
1. Create a plan before you begin shopping. Consider the shopping experience: full-service, department store, big box, consignment, or custom made. Arrive with a budget and idea of the personal elements that you want your gown to have.
2. It's never too early to get started. Whether you are buying from a full-service salon or a chain that sells off the rack, you want to make sure that you have plenty of time between the delivery of your gown and your wedding date for trial runs for alterations; hair and make-up trials; accessory purchases; and possibly a formal bridal portrait.
3. Always make an appointment. No matter what type of bridal shop you are considering, an appointment is essential and will provide a level of assistance and expertise that will eliminate a lot of stress.
4. Shop with an open mind. Most bridal gowns look much different on the body than on a hanger or in an advertisement. Brides usually end up wearing a gown they never would have imagined for themselves.
5. Fit is what matters, not the size of the gown. Bridal designers use a sizing standard that dates back to the 1940's. It's common for many brides to size into a gown that is two sizes up from their normal dress size.
6. The more guests you bring to help choose your gown, the less the experience is about YOU. We recommend 1 to 4 of your closest family members and friends.
7. Consider your shopping experience a trial run, so arm yourself with a few essentials when you go to your appointment. Bring shoes that resemble the height and style you will ultimately choose for your wedding day. The proper undergarments and foundations are invaluable. Wear your hair and make-up in a similar look to your day. Bring tear sheets and inspirational photos of gowns you are attracted to. Don't forget a camera to capture your final choice!
8. Once you've found "the one"- STOP SHOPPING! Wedding gowns are beautiful and buyer's remorse is common if you keep looking after you've committed to your gown. Remember the feeling you had when you knew it was the one and why you fell in love with your gown to begin with. This will keep you from continuing to look.
9. You get what you pay for. Weddings can be expensive and the gown can be a hefty chunk of overall budget. When you are looking for a gown, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Shopping online, purchasing a gown sight unseen, or in a size too big or too small just because the price seems right, can come back to bite you. In these instances, you will most likely pay more in alterations than you did for the gown and it still may not fit correctly.
10. Your wedding look also includes your bridal party, so consider their attire as you are shopping for yours. Many brides find themselves in shock and dismay because dressing the bridal party ends up being so much more challenging than they anticipated. If you start early, set parameters and seek the help of a trained sales consultant, it can be just as smooth as finding your gown.
Don't forget that Maya Couture is a full-service salon and a one-stop shop! Not only do we assist with your bridal attire, but also the attire for your bridesmaids and tuxedos. We're by appointment only so be sure to call prior to coming in! I hope that these tips will help make the best of the time that you have with us!
1. Create a plan before you begin shopping. Consider the shopping experience: full-service, department store, big box, consignment, or custom made. Arrive with a budget and idea of the personal elements that you want your gown to have.
2. It's never too early to get started. Whether you are buying from a full-service salon or a chain that sells off the rack, you want to make sure that you have plenty of time between the delivery of your gown and your wedding date for trial runs for alterations; hair and make-up trials; accessory purchases; and possibly a formal bridal portrait.
3. Always make an appointment. No matter what type of bridal shop you are considering, an appointment is essential and will provide a level of assistance and expertise that will eliminate a lot of stress.
4. Shop with an open mind. Most bridal gowns look much different on the body than on a hanger or in an advertisement. Brides usually end up wearing a gown they never would have imagined for themselves.
5. Fit is what matters, not the size of the gown. Bridal designers use a sizing standard that dates back to the 1940's. It's common for many brides to size into a gown that is two sizes up from their normal dress size.
6. The more guests you bring to help choose your gown, the less the experience is about YOU. We recommend 1 to 4 of your closest family members and friends.
7. Consider your shopping experience a trial run, so arm yourself with a few essentials when you go to your appointment. Bring shoes that resemble the height and style you will ultimately choose for your wedding day. The proper undergarments and foundations are invaluable. Wear your hair and make-up in a similar look to your day. Bring tear sheets and inspirational photos of gowns you are attracted to. Don't forget a camera to capture your final choice!
8. Once you've found "the one"- STOP SHOPPING! Wedding gowns are beautiful and buyer's remorse is common if you keep looking after you've committed to your gown. Remember the feeling you had when you knew it was the one and why you fell in love with your gown to begin with. This will keep you from continuing to look.
9. You get what you pay for. Weddings can be expensive and the gown can be a hefty chunk of overall budget. When you are looking for a gown, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Shopping online, purchasing a gown sight unseen, or in a size too big or too small just because the price seems right, can come back to bite you. In these instances, you will most likely pay more in alterations than you did for the gown and it still may not fit correctly.
10. Your wedding look also includes your bridal party, so consider their attire as you are shopping for yours. Many brides find themselves in shock and dismay because dressing the bridal party ends up being so much more challenging than they anticipated. If you start early, set parameters and seek the help of a trained sales consultant, it can be just as smooth as finding your gown.
Don't forget that Maya Couture is a full-service salon and a one-stop shop! Not only do we assist with your bridal attire, but also the attire for your bridesmaids and tuxedos. We're by appointment only so be sure to call prior to coming in! I hope that these tips will help make the best of the time that you have with us!
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