Choosing The Perfect Wedding Dress

Your wedding dress is one of the most exciting and meaningful purchases of your life. But just looking through one bridal magazine will show you that there are as many dress choices as there are brides.

First, to buy a wedding dress, narrow down your choices to a short list of favorites. Pull pictures from magazines, making sure you note the designer and local shops listed in the ad (if any). If you have too many ideas, this will add to your stress and possibly hamper your decision-making. Also, if you decide to purchase your dress at a local formal wear or wedding dress store, you will help the salesperson by already having some ideas. This will save time and frustration. It is best to shop for your wedding dress as soon as you set your date.

Dress orders can take months to fill. Add time for alterations, because you have no guarantee a dress straight from the rack will fit you.

When buying your dress at a local store, whether it is an independent shop or a chain store, don’t go alone. There is strength in numbers. Bring at least two people with you–your best friend/maid of honor, and your mother. Your best friend will be honest with you, and your mother will love to be part of the shopping experience. But don’t bring too many people. Everyone will have an opinion, and in the end, your decision is the one that matters most. Also, make sure you’re not overtired, and if possible, schedule an appointment so the salesperson can devote their time to you and be expecting you. Many stores will require an appointment as well.

Wear comfortable clothing, and bring a pair of shoes with a heel similar to what you want to wear for your wedding. The salesperson will be measuring you and the numbers need to be as accurate as possible to minimize alterations and headaches later. Don’t argue with the salesperson if they don’t order a dress in your “typical” size. Size charts for formal wear are different than typical street clothes.

You should have a budget when you buy a wedding dress. Decide ahead of time the very most you want to spend on a dress. Also, you might find a wedding dress bargain on line. If you decide to buy a wedding dress on line, you should investigate the wedding dress company. What is their Better Business Bureau rating? How soon can they ship your dress? What is their refund policy? Read the customer testimonials. When ordering a wedding dress on line, use the dress company’s size charts to ensure you order the correct size. Also, do not measure yourself or have a friend measure you. It is worth a fee to have a local seamstress measure you to get accurate measurements.

If you follow these guidelines, you will be on your way to finding and buying the wedding dress of your dreams.