Wedding Gowns

Most brides try to choose their gown as far ahead of time as possible; if you're ordering your gown it may take as much as 4-6 months to arrive, and then may need to be altered to fit you perfectly.  

Most experts recommend taking a person with you on your bridal gown shopping trips.  Try to take the same person on all your trips - if you're willing - that way they can mentally compare with you the gowns you see today with ones you saw last week or last month.  Don't take more than one person; you'll have a hard enough time finding a gown you love without factoring in the opinions of a lot of other people.

Even if you plan to order your gown, check out bridal shops in your area.  Many shops require an appointment (so they can focus specifically on you while you're there.)  Many will also treat you like a queen; after all, their goal is to establish a personal - and then hopefully a business - relationship with you.

If you buy from a local bridal shop, expect to pay a deposit of from 25% to 50% of the purchase price.   Find out what the price for alterations will be - if your gown needs major alterations, the cost of a skilled tailor could be more than the gown costs.  Get all the details of your purchase in writing:  The cost of the gown, the cost (hourly, if nothing else) of alterations, the expected delivery date, and the shop's policy on damaged or late deliveries.  Your gown purchase can be a major investment - treat it that way.

If you purchase a gown from a consignment shop, for example, or receive your gown second-hand, you'll in almost every case require alterations.  Finding a skilled tailor can be tough:  Many seamstresses and tailors don't have extensive experience altering wedding gowns.  Get recommendations from friends or even from a trusted bridal shop where you live.  Also see if the tailor can press and dry clean your gown; if not, you'll need to line up a pressing and cleaning a couple days before your wedding.

A quick note about accessories:  While it's convenient to purchase items like undergarments, nylons, and shoes at the bridal shop, some shops mark up those items to an excessive degree.  In general you're better off purchasing those items elsewhere.  If your gown is floor-length, few people will see your shoes - pick a pair that complements your gown and are comfortable to wear for a long period of time.  Spend your money on your gown, and spend wisely on your accessories.  Most people - and you - will only remember your gown.  Only one person is likely to know what undergarments you chose.