Selecting a wedding gown is often one of the first steps that a bride takes as she embarks on the journey of her engagement. Finding the perfect gown is an exciting, but often
daunting task. Following are tips that will help to make the experience memorable,
enjoyable and lead to the gown of your dreams.

  1. Secure your wedding date and venue
    Before beginning to shop for your gown, you should have your wedding date and venue
    secured. Your decision will be much easier to make if you can envision yourself wearing
    your gown in the setting of your wedding.

  2. Set a budget
    In creating your wedding budget, be sure to include a realistic budget for your wedding
    attire. Your budget should include an allocation for not only the gown, but accessories
    (bra, veil, jewelry and shoes), alterations and gown cleaning and preservation after the
    wedding.
    It is very important to articulate your budget to the sales associate when shopping for
    your gown. You do not want to fall in love with something that does not fit your budget.

  3. Do your research
    Prior to beginning to shop, research boutiques that carry designers that meet your taste level
    and budget.
    Evaluate the stores in which you like to shop for your everyday clothes and be sure that
    you select the correct shopping environment for you. If you are a department store
    shopper, a larger bridal store with mass produced gowns may be the right fit for you.
    If you prefer to shop in small boutiques, then a smaller, more intimate bridal store would
    most likely be best for you. It is also helpful to read the bridal blogs to find out
    what other brides-to-be have to say about the stores that you plan to visit.

  4. Plan ahead
    Call to schedule an appointment a minimum of one week in advance. By scheduling an
    appointment, it allows the boutique to provide you with their undivided attention.
    Keep in mind that it takes approximately 2-3 months to produce a wedding gown if you are not purchasing one directly of the rack.

  5. Limit opinions
    This is a momentous and joyous time in your life, so naturally you want to share it with
    your family and friends. Be careful however of bringing a large group with you to shop
    for your gown. Too many opinions can be detrimental to making a decision.
    If you have bridesmaids or family members who insist on being part of the process, a
    suggestion might be to shop with 1-2 very close family members or friends who
    understand and respect your personal style. Once you have finalized your decision, then
    you can bring back other people to show them the gown that you have decided on.
    The key is to remember to take opinions into consideration, but ultimately you know
    yourself best. Your opinion is truly the only one that matters. It is your day and you are
    the one wearing the gown.

  6. Communicate
    Bring photographs of styles that interest you and articulate your vision and budget to the
    sales associate with whom you are working.
    Don’t be afraid to speak up if you don’t like something. Who knows— perhaps there is
    something that can be done to the gown to make it perfect for you!
    Before making the final decision on your gown, be sure that you understand the policies
    of the boutique at which you are purchasing it. Ask about their policies for gown deposit and
    alterations.

  7. Reflect your personal style
    Don’t use your wedding day as the day to make a fashion statement! Your gown should
    flatter your best physical assets, reflect the formality and overall aesthetic of your venue,
    and most importantly, reflects your own personal style.

  8. Have an open mind
    Trust the sales associate with whom you are working. If they are good at what they do,
    they will listen to your vision and make suggestions of gowns for you to try on. Even if
    you do not like the way that a gown looks on the hanger, TRY IT ON!!! It could be the
    gown of your dreams!

  9. Don’t be alarmed by the size
    Bridal sizing is different from ready-to-wear sizing. In some cases, a bridal gown is 2
    sizes larger than what you would wear in your every day clothes. Once you have selected
    your gown, the bridal boutique will take your measurements. Those measurements will be
    compared to the designer’s size chart and the appropriate size will be selected for you.
    Keep in mind that a gown can be altered up to two sizes. Even if you are planning on
    losing weight, it is best to go with the size that you are measuring at the time of purchase
    and alter the gown once it arrives. Never order a size based on the size that you plan to
    be!

  10. A beautiful gown starts with the perfect foundation
    Undergarments are called foundations for a reason! The proper undergarments truly
    make all of the difference in the fit of the gown. After your gown is purchased, take time
    to select the perfect undergarments. It is best to shop in a location that specializes in
    foundations so that you are sized correctly.
    While selecting your undergarments it is important to take into consideration several
    factors~
    Select a bra or bustier that has a lower back than that of the gown so that the bra cannot
    be seen.
    Ensure that if your bra has lace, texture or boning, that they are not visible through the
    gown.
    If your gown is a column silhouette or made of a light weight fabric ensure that your
    undergarments provide you with enough support and that there are no noticeable seams
    or panty lines.

  11. Understand the alterations process
    Alterations are truly a process. It will take time to sculpt the gown to fit your body
    perfectly. When purchasing your gown you should factor in the time frame for
    alterations.
    There is generally a minimum of 3 alterations involved in perfecting the fit of the gown.
    When purchasing your gown, you should inquire about the boutique’s policies on alterations
    and their fee structure.
    It is imperative that you have your shoes and undergarments selected when the alteration
    process begins. It is impossible to ensure a proper fit without those elements.
    If you are planning on losing weight, you should not begin the alteration process until
    your weight is stable.

  12. Creating the look
    Selecting the perfect accessories to complement your gown is almost as important as
    selecting the gown itself. The accessories can make or break your wedding day look!
    You should take time in this process and schedule a separate appointment to choose your
    accessories.
    When selecting you wedding day garnish, ask yourself if you want the accessories
    themselves to be the statement or if you want them to simply complement the gown.
    Either way, ensure that they reflect your personal style and the overall aesthetic of the
    wedding.

  13. Protect your investment
    Although your gown is something you will wear only once, it is a precious garment that
    holds many memories and it is should be properly cleaned and protected after the
    wedding. Research companies that specialize in gown cleaning and preservation— don’t
    simply rely on your local dry cleaner. Be sure to use a company that provides an antisugar
    treatment while cleaning and uses acid free materials in their preservation box.
    These processes will allow for maximum longevity of the fabric and ensure that it will
    not discolor or deteriorate over time.

  14. Enjoy the experience
    The most important tip is to HAVE FUN!! How often in life will you be able to try on
    beautiful gowns and be treated like a princess? Enjoy every minute of it!
    The key is to make sure that you are working with a boutique that maximizes your bridal
    shopping experience and allows you to feel comfortable in your buying decision.
    HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!
    For more information, visit www.thewhitedress.co.za