Selecting Wedding Vendors: The Dress

You want to look your best on the very first day of the rest of your life. You also want to feel comfortable as you float through your wedding day. So finding the perfect wedding dress that is "you" is naturally of utmost importance.

Where to start? First, set your wedding date, time, and location. Your dress should both reflect your personality and complement the theme of the day. Next, browse through wedding magazines to familiarize yourself with current wedding trends and styles. And determine a budget to narrow down what can be an overwhelming selection. Bridal gowns range from less than $400 to thousands of dollars. You may find that the ideal wedding dress is out of your price range, but most bridal salons can show you similar styles and silhouettes that fit your budget.

Ask family and friends for recommendations on places to shop. Before embarking on your shopping spree, find out the price ranges of wedding l dresses carried by a bridal salon. Fully investigate the shop; even call the Better Business Bureau. Prices at bargain and discount houses are not always best; some discount bridal places sell you copies of designer gowns. If you like a particular designer line, shop only at bridal stores that have an account with the manufacturer.

As you browse through bridal magazines, don't tear out the pages! You can save time by calling a store to see if they carry a particular dress listed on a page of a specific issue of the publication.

Shop early! Keep in mind that you are also shopping for your veil and accessories, and you'll need time for alterations which should be scheduled 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. Special order bridal gowns can take from 4 to 6 months to get. Informal dresses are often less expensive and take approximately 2 to 3 months to order. If your wedding is less than 4 months away, bridal salons may be able to place a rush order (usually at an additional cost of 10% of the price of the dress).

Make an appointment with the salon's bridal consultant, allowing 1 to 1.5 hours for your visit. Sample wedding gowns are usually stocked in size 8 or 10, which usually run about a size smaller than retail sizing. Don't be discouraged; your bridal consultant can pin or hold the sample gowns up to you so that you can envision them in your size.

Recommended Wedding Gown Styles for Specific Body Types:

• Small bust: a jewel neckline or boat neckline; horizontal pattern or ornamentation on upper bodice creates the illusion of a fuller bust line. Pleating or a sash waist also adds dimension.
• Big bust: sweetheart or portrait necklines and princess lines minimize a large chest.
• Hourglass: a fuller skirt or a Basque waist will show off a slim waist and minimize hips.
• Thick waist: select a fabric that flows. An empire waist or a true waist; off the shoulders with an A-line skirt is usually the most flattering.
• Short waist: select an asymmetrical waistline, higher in the front than the back, which will lengthen torso, or a princess line to create a long silhouette.
• Pear-shape: avoid straight-across waistlines. Draw the eye up by selecting a style with lace, beads, or pattern on the bodice. Off-the-shoulder broadens shoulders and balances out hips.
• Full figure: select a V-neckline or sweetheart neckline and dropped waist; long tapered sleeves; veil with some height.
• Petite: simple, princess lines, sheath or A-lines with little ornamentation. Avoid drop or Basque waistlines. Add a veil with some volume.

Recommendations:

• For more personalized service without feeling rushed, avoid evening or Saturday appointments at the salon.
• Bring along someone you trust, but don't confuse the issue with more than two people.
• Read store policy and contracts before signing. Get everything in writing: color, size, price, and any changes that need to be made.

Money Matters:

• Consider purchasing a sample or discontinued wedding gown at a considerably reduced cost. Sample gowns can look like new once they are professionally dry-cleaned.
• Informal dresses are often less pricey and take approximately 2 to 3 months to order.
• Most bridal salons required 50% down at the time the order is placed with a no-refund or exchange policy.