HOW TO SELECT A BRIDAL GOWN

The bride is the center of attention or the centerpiece of the ceremony as she walks down the aisle. She should be the most beautiful from the beginning of the ceremony to the end of the reception. The dress you choose will set the level or degree of formality for both the ceremony

and reception. Search for a gown that suits your personal style instead of merely following the trend of the moment.

The following is a list places where you may find the dress of your dreams:

·                   Bridal Salons: Bridal salons sell custom-made wedding dresses and are normally the first place brides will go to look for their gowns. Top designers make these gowns with the finest fabrics so they are not cheap. You may not be able to afford the gowns in the salons but they are a good place to start and get ideas. To contact a particular designer directly use “Bridal Gown Designers and Manufacturer’s” at the end of this section.

·                   Trunk Shows: Bridal Salons and department stores often hold these for a specific designer or manufacturer. They bring their latest line of dresses and all of their dresses in that line for brides to try on. The advantage is if you really like a particular designer’s styles, you can see all of their styles not just the ones the store’s sales. However, these dresses are not cheap.

·                   Sample Sales: Sample sales are held by larger stores or by designers. They sell gowns that have previously been tried on by other brides. The advantage is the savings on these gowns could be up to 50%. The disadvantages of sample sales are the gowns may be dirty since they have previously been tried on, they are probably only in size 6, 8, or 10 since these are the normal sizes ordered by a salon or store, or sales of this type may not be sold in your area.

·                   Outlets/Warehouses: Gowns in these establishments may be old or discontinued designs or designed by unknown designers or companies. The advantage of shopping for gowns in these establishments is that you may save some money. However, you may have to spend some time searching for a gown that you will like and they may not be as inexpensive as you might think.

·                   Bridal Shows: Twice a year bridal shows are held in large cities such as New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Dallas. Designers will present their new lines to the media and to bridal shops.

·                   Rentals: You may be able to find a store in your area that rents wedding gowns or you could try other rental clothing stores. The advantages are you may be able to find a dress in perfect condition or a dress that has never been worn or rented before. However, all of the dresses will probably not be in the latest styles or designs.

·                   Seamstress or Couture Shop: You may have found the perfect gown but it’s way out of your  price range. You can have a seamstress make your dream dress but in a less expensive fabric. Be sure to price everything out including labor to ensure that it is going to be cheaper than buying the original. You may have trouble finding a gown or want to have a gown designed exclusively for you. Be careful, this may end up being a costly venture.