Tips, BEFORE you buy your wedding dress
Before you venture out on the task of finding THE PERFECT DRESS for your PERFECT DAY, here are 6 tips to consider….
1. LOOK FOR INSPIRATION
Take the time to first consider what kind of dress you would like to wear. Think about your venue, what you would like to look like the day of, and of course find out what your soon-to-be may have in mind.
This final suggestion cannot be overlooked. You may be surprised to hear of what ‘vision’ your fiancé may have for the day – poof, train, cleavage, fit….
That being said, don’t get too attached or committed at this point. Keep an open mind.
The journey has just begun.
2. RESEARCH VARIOUS BRIDAL BOUTIQUES
Google is great for this nowadays. With a few clicks most brides will be able to get a list, location, and review of major bridal boutiques. Being from Toronto, there is no shortage of stores to choose from.
Though there are many traditional options, don’t forget to take a look down the untraveled path. Many ‘normal’ dress shops have wedding day worthy creations – especially in terms of bridal party options. This could also be a way to save some $$$, since most things without wedding/bride attached to it come at a cheaper price.
There are also a number of second hand online vendors that specialize in the resale of bridal gowns. Here you may find designer gowns for up to 50% off – also a great way to save money after the wedding, by selling your dress.
Don’t forget to look into various trunk shows, end of the season deals (great for a bride with a lot of time before the wedding), and those good old sample dresses.
3. MAKE A PLAN OF ATTACK
Plan to visit a couple of stores, and save the best for last. This way you can design a slow progression from the stores that may have caught your eye, right up to the bridal boutique you may have always dreamed of visiting.
Some places are ‘better’ at offering the full ‘say yes to the dress’ experience, while others are smaller boutique like settings with unique garments. Take the time to visit a couple so that you are truly able to evaluate their inventory, levels of customer service, alteration packages, etc.. Every story will be different in terms of what they can offer in relation to experience, opinion, and aesthetic focus.
4. SET A BUDGET
Set it, and don’t forget it. It is very easy to get caught up in the jewels, lace, feathers and poof, but the best way to make sure the BIG DAY is great, is by keeping on budget.
Set a realistic budget for your dress, don’t forget to consider alterations, and communicate this number with your salesperson and bridal entourage (if you decide to bring one, which you don’t have to!). This makes sure that the budget is respected, and so that the gown 3x your budget doesn’t find its way into your change room.
This is not to say that you are not able to enjoy a voluntary dress up session with gorgeous gowns that do not align with your budget – this can be so much fun – but keep your expectations in check and remember at the end of the day, it’s just a dress.
Wedding attire typically consumes 10% of the total wedding budget.
5. GIVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME
Nothing is worse than adding yet another ‘thing’ to be worried about as the big day approaches, and the timing of your wedding dress purchase is no different.
Give yourself time to look around, time to think, maybe even change your mind, time for the order to get here, and time for alterations…..TIME.
You’re looking at a good 6 to 8 months, with some boutiques requesting upwards of 10 months. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen miracles happen for last minute plans, but this will typically require some compromise.
6. PICK YOUR BRIGADE
Decide who you would like to come to the appointments with you, and jot down their schedule(s). Consider creating and sharing a GOOGLE CALENDAR with all of the concerned parties, so that everyone is able to keep track of all the upcoming appointments.
Don’t be afraid to go alone for the journey. Some brides find it too overwhelming to have so many voices and opinions in the formulating stages. Feel free to go alone, with your MOH, or whomever is paying.
Going solo does not mean giving up the experience. Once you have narrowed down your selections you could always schedule a ‘final’ appointment where you model your final choice(s).
