Wedding Inspirations

One of the very most exciting things about getting married is—-the dress! It is perhaps the most important piece of clothing you will ever wear, which makes shopping for it all the more stressful! But never fear, one of Platinum Planning’s own has worked for a Bridal Shop, and is willing to share her knowledge to make your wedding dress shopping as easy and fun as can be!

1) Decide your Budget:

Now I don’t just mean the budget for the dress itself, I mean for the dress, veil, alterations and accessories! These items can quickly add up, leaving you to sacrifice something in order to achieve the look you have always dreamed of. But if you come up with a budget for your ensemble ahead of time, you will feel much better walking into that bridal salon!

2) Know who is paying for your dress, and discuss the budget with them!

If a parent, grandparent, or other friend or relative has offered to pay for your dress, you need to have a discussion with them about your budget before you even set foot in the bridal salon! This will save you from having an awkward conversation in the store, so do not wait until the last minute! You will feel so much better once all the cards are on the table!

3) Do not bring a huge entourage!

I repeat, do NOT bring a huge entourage! When shopping for your gown, invite one, maybe two people whose opinions you trust. Any more people and you will feel  the need to please the crowd, when all you need to do is please yourself! Big groups are not easily accommodated in bridal shops and will just make everyone feel uncomfortable.

4) Do not bring children!

Bridal shops are no place for kids, call the babysitter, you will be glad you did!

5) Do not bring your fiancee!

You want him to be surprised, trust me. I know you value his opinion, but as long as the dress makes you happy, it will make him happy too. I know it!

6) Bring in pictures!

It is always helpful to have a few photos of the gown styles you like for the consultant to work off of. Just keep in mind that the salon may not have the exact same style, but know that they will work with you to find something close.

7) Wear a strapless bra and nude-colored underwear!

It helps to have the right undergarments on when you go to try on dresses, you will always look better with a good foundation underneath the gowns!

8 ) Trust your consultant!

They do this everyday, and they are working for you! They really do want you to look and feel beautiful, so listen to their suggestions and know that they have your best interest at heart.

9) Try a style you never thought you would like!

This is your time to try, so do! Try at least 3 different silhouettes to see what looks best on you. You might be in love with a mermaid style gown, but put on the A-line too, you might surprise yourself! Just because you like how a gown looks in a magazine does not mean that you will like how it looks on your body!

10) Know that bridal sizing runs differently than ‘street clothes’!

Do not be put off by the size on the tag of the dress just because it does not match the tag in your jeans. Bridal sizing is different. Do not think about the number, think about the fit and feel. No one will know what size you are wearing on your big day!

11) Order the size your are, not the size you want to be!

 Yes, you want to lose weight before your big day, I get it. But ordering a dress 2 sizes too small will not help you get there! I am all for motivation, but when you pick up your gown, and its still too small, then what? Bridal gowns are usually a special order, they can’t really just be returned. So order according to your actual measurements, not what you wish your measurements to be. Remember bridal sizing is different!

12) Buy the gown you love!

Remember to always go with your feelings, not an idea in your head, or with someone else’s opinion. It is your day, your time to shine, so buy the dress you want! And one last thing, just because you don’t cry doesn’t mean it is not the right dress! Sometimes when brides find the right dress they cry, sometimes they don’t, don’t read into it!

So what are you waiting for? Your dream dress is out there!

Happy Shopping!

All images from google images (http://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=ii)