As soon as you get engaged (maybe even before) you will
probably start looking at wedding dresses, keep a file of the ones you
like. Rip out the pages of the magazine or catalog and put them in a
folder also make sure you make print outs of any you see online. Be sure
to write any relevant info on the paper if it isn’t already there like
what magazine, catalog or website the page is from. You can take your
folder with you when you go shopping so you can look for those specific
dresses or styles.
Start your search early, the sooner the better so you have
more options and don’t have to rush. Special order dresses can sometimes
take anywhere from 4 months to 8 months to come in plus you will still
have to worry about alterations.
Set a budget, dress prices can range anywhere from $99 at
department stores and bridal chains up to $3500 for designer dresses at
pricey bridal salons. The average wedding gown costs around $700.
Include in your budget the cost of a veil or other headpiece, shoes,
undergarments and alterations. Alterations are hardly ever included in
the price of the dress and can get quite pricey.
Shop around and try on a lot of dresses before settling on
one. When you are ready to buy make sure that is 100% the dress you
want. Most bridal shops require a 50% non-refundable deposit, so once
you’ve put your money down that’s the dress you are stuck with even if
you see the dress of your dreams somewhere else later (happened to me).
Take no more than 2 people shopping with you, more than that
and things get too confusing and crowded. Take a trusted friend or
someone whose opinion you value. Mom may not be the best choice because
moms often have an entirely different style and taste than their
daughters or they will just tell you everything looks beautiful.
Schedule appointments at bridal shops and salons so you get
faster and personalized service and try not to go on Saturdays when the
stores are often the busiest.
Be flexible. The dress you have your heart set on may end up
out of your price range or it may not look on you anything like it did
on the model in the magazine while a dress you wouldn’t have looked
twice at in a catalog ends up fitting you like a dream and makes you
look and feel like a beautiful princess. Try on many different styles,
lengths, even colors. You’d be surprised at how different you may look
in ivory, cream, or pure white.
Make sure you pay with credit card. That way you have access
to the charges if you should happen to lose the receipt and if anything
happens you can get a refund much easier.
~ Wenona Napolitano
Wenona Napolitano,
married mother of three, is a freelance writer, poet, editor and small
business owner. She is also a certified floral designer and trained
bridal consultant.
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