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Going on a shopping trip for The Dress is like treasure hunting – it’s fun, but it can also bring you a lot of stress if you go overboard. It’s important to know what style works best for you that still goes well with the theme you have in mind. Bridal store specialists and sales consultants will know the style that would fit your body type and suits your preferences, and designers like Isabelle Armstrong have exquisite collections you can choose your dress from.
If you’re all set to sail to find that perfect wedding dress, here are seven tips to get you going!
Do your research.Browse through magazines and websites so you can have an idea of what you’re drawn to, especially the feel, shape, and overall style. Save the photos on your phone or print them out so you can show these to the bridal salon on your appointment. Shop around, but visit no more than three stores in a day or you’ll have a difficult time remembering—and eventually deciding on—which dress you’ve tried on.
Bring a friend. One or two friends, or your mom and your maid of honor, are the best companions on a wedding dress shopping trip. Your trusty companions must be able to look at dresses objectively and have your best interests at heart. A couple of honest, level-headed people is better than a whole entourage making you try on a whole slew of dresses you don’t really like.
Find out the dress code. If you have a theme in mind, choose a gown that would complement it. Also, consider religious restrictions and guidelines if you are having the ceremony in a house of worship. Some brides pick out a traditional dress for the ceremony and change into something more fun for the reception, or choose a dress with detachable sleeves.
Keep your budget in mind. If a gown you like is way outside your price range, ignore it, or ask the consultant for a similar-looking gown that is within your budget. You will also need to factor in the cost of accessories and alterations, so stick to your budget. Don’t worry, there’s something there for you that would be perfect on all counts!
Be size-realistic. Many a bride-to-be has sworn to lose weight on the big day and go on crash diets a week before the wedding because the dresses she ordered were two or three sizes too small. The best thing is to do is to order a size that fits your current body – it’s easier to adjust a dress to make it slimmer without affecting the style, but near impossible to adjust it to a larger size.
Bring your little things. Be prepared and bring a strapless nude bra and modest underwear for your fittings and perhaps a pair of shoes the same height you want to wear on your wedding day.
Keep an open mind. You may have set your mind on one style, but many brides actually leave bridal stores with something that wasn’t on their style list. Consultants understand what you want, so trust them and try on the dress they recommend. Who knows, you might end up with a nice surprise!
One last secret to shopping for The Dress is to look away from the mirror and close your eyes for a minute. How do you feel? If you’re comfortable and the dress feels right, you have a winner—or at least a prime candidate to put on your short list.
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