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| Allocate approximately 1- 1½ hours per visit. Some shops are extremely busy on the weekends and may only give you an hour with their sales person. If you have the time during the week, it is a good idea to schedule your appointment then. Bridal shops are generally not as busy on weekdays and are more generous with their time. |
THE DRESS
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Be open-minded when trying on dresses. Have a good idea of what you are interested in seeing, but also be open to suggestions. If an assistant brings you a dress that doesn't catch your eye at first glance, try it on anyway to see what it looks like. Some dresses do not have hanger appeal but will look absolutely gorgeous when put on. The more dress styles you try on, the better prepared you will be when deciding on a dress. Even if you find a dress that you completely love, try on other dresses to compare. If this is indeed the perfect dress, then trying on other dresses will give you more confidence that you've found the one. It doesn't hurt to take some time to think about it (unless you're wedding is less than 6 months away) so take a week to think it over and make another appointment to try the dress on once more. |
SIZING
It's important that you measure properly if you take your own measurements and use the designer's size chart. You will need to choose the size you feel most comfortable with, given your measurements. Remember, every designer has its own size chart and it is not unusual for a size 12 bride to be unable to zip up a size 16 gown. Don't worry if this happens to you. You haven't suddenly put on weight. Bridal gowns come in their own version of sizes and should not be compared to that of normal street clothes. Don't be offended if the sales assistant brings out a larger dress size than you think you are.
Also remember, gowns are not custom-made; therefore you need to order a size to fit the largest part of the body and take it in where it's too large. If a dress is too small it could be a real problem as it is very difficult to make it larger. If it is too large a seamstress can usually alter it to fit. It is unlikely that sizes can be changed once the order has been placed.
Please be aware that sizing is not an exact science and alterations by an experienced seamstress will almost always be necessary for a proper fit.
HOW TO MEASURE
Bust:
Measure at the widest part of the back, straight across the top of the bust, NOT under the bust line. The type of bra worn, or whether one is worn at all, can make a difference. Do NOT use your bra size (an A-cup is much different from a D-cup).
Waist:
Measure at your natural waistline. It's a mistake to hold in your stomach as it results in an uncomfortably skin tight measurement. Leave a finger's width under the tape so your finger can move (and you can breathe on your wedding day).
Hips:
Measure at the largest part of the hip. Measure the area where the tips of your fingers reach when you rest your hands on your hips and put your thumbs at your natural waist.
ACCESSORIES
| It's a great idea to try on several veils and tiaras with your dress. This will help you envision which ones will compliment your new dress. Even if you have decided not to have a veil or tiara, still try one on, as 9 times out of 10, brides change their minds when they see the overall look. Be adventurous. Remember that all accessories should always be purchased after you have decided on a dress. |
ORDERING TIMES
| Gowns should really be ordered no less than 6 months before your wedding date to ensure that you have enough time to have the gown altered if necessary. The average lead time on a gown is about 12 weeks, although this could be as little as 3 weeks or as much as 9 months. Most gowns can be 'rush ordered' which means the manufacturer could deliver the gown a few weeks early. There is nearly always an extra charge for this. Ideally, you should start looking for your gown 9 months before the wedding. Some manufacturers will not accept orders on gowns where the delivery date is less than 3 weeks before the wedding. Based on your gown being ordered 6 months before the wedding, you can use the following table as a quick guide to working out the cut off date for ordering your gown. |
Wedding Date |
Month gown should be ordered |
| January | July |
| February | August |
| March | September |
| April | October |
| May | November |
| June | December |
| July | January |
| August | February |
| September | March |
| October | April |
| November | May |
| December | June |
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