The guidelines below will help you select the most appropriate gown for your wedding:
- Informal wedding: Street-length gown or suit with a corsage or small bouquet. No veil or train needed.
- Semi-formal wedding: Choose a Floor-length gown with a chapel train and a finger-tip veil.
- Formal Wedding: Choose a Floor-length gown with a chapel or sweep train and a fingertip veil or hat. Gloves are a appropriate and a medium-sized bouquet works well
- Very formal wedding: Choose a floor-length gown with a cathedral train and full-length veil. Wear an elaborate headpiece, with long arm-covering gloves, and carry a cascading bouquet.
Besides choosing your gown to match your wedding theme, buying for the season you’ll be wed in is also important. A long sleeved heavy fabric gown is not appropriate for say the hot month of July. Bridal Magazines are a great resource for comparing styles and colors. Always be sure to try on the gown you want before ordering. Sizing can vary considerably, and what you were sure you loved on paper may not be what you like once wearing it. Most places will not take a return on a wedding gown so it is very important to be sure before you buy.
When ordering a gown, make sure you order the correct size. If you are between sizes, order the larger one and have it altered. It is much easier to make a gown smaller than larger. Get in writing when your gown will arrive. The gown should arrive at least six weeks before the wedding so you can have it tailored and select the appropriate accessories to complement it.
Some bridal boutiques will order gowns a size larger than needed which then requires alterations, increasing your cost. Ask for alterations costs in advance. Another problem that can occur is late arrival of your gown. Get in writing when you can expect your gown and that your money will be refunded if it does not arrive in time. The best way to avoid these pitfalls is to deal with reputable boutiques. If your not sure which boutiques are good then ask others.
ALTERATIONS
Alterations are not included in the price of the gown so make certain to get pricing before ordering. If your gown is going to need alterations get in writing that your gown will arrive 8-10 weeks prior to your wedding so there is plenty of time to have the alterations completed. If your weight tends to fluctuate then don’t alter your gown too far in advance.
HEADPIECE
There are several choices available for the headpiece - tiera, Pillbox Banana Clip, Bow, Garden Hat, Headband, Juliet Cap
There are several veil choices - Flyaway, Ballet, Fingertip, Blusher, Cathedral Length, Chapel Length,
The headpiece should complement your gown, not overpower it. If you wish, it is quite acceptable to add a veil to your headpiece. There are many different veil styles and lengths available. Select a length which complements the length of your train.
GLOVES
If your wedding is on the formal side gloves add a nice touch with either short-sleeved, three-quarter length, or sleeveless gowns. There are a variety of glove styles and lengths. The type of glove you choose will depend on the length of your gown’s sleeves. Fingerless mitts are another option. These allow the groom to place your wedding ring on your finger without having to remove the glove. DO NOT wear gloves if your gown has long sleeves.
JEWLERY
You will need to decide what jewelry to wear on your wedding day. Brides look best with just a few pieces of simple jewelry. A string of pearls and earrings are very traditional and look very elegant. Your bridesmaids jewelry should complement the colors of their dresses.
STOCKINGS
Stockings should be selected with care, especially if the groom will be removing a garter from your leg at the reception. It is customary for the bride to wear a garter just above or below the knee on her wedding day. Once the bride has tossed the bouquet to all the single gals, the groom takes the garter off the bride's leg and tosses it to all the single men. According to age-old tradition, whoever catches the garter is the next to be married!
SHOES
Choose shoes that not only compliment your gown, but that are comfortable to wear. Break shoes in prior to the wedding so your not in pain from your shoes on your big day. Try to buy shoes that fit well and are comfortable right away because your going to be wearing these shoes all day and all evening through the reception and dancing
HAIRDRESSER
Wear your hair in a style that compliments your headdress and/or veil. If your not comfortable about being able to do your hair perfectly for your wedding day then have a professional stylist do your hair. It’s advisable to experiment in advance to see what styles you like or dislike so you have no big surprises on your wedding day.
MAKEUP
Many brides prefer to have their makeup professionally applied on their wedding day rather than trying to do it themselves. If your comfortable doing your own makeup that’s great! It’s good idea to practice your makeup prior to your wedding day. That way you’ll know “exactly” the look you’ll want and how to achieve it. If your having your makeup professionally done, then be certain to have a trial run prior to your wedding. Keep your makeup light and natural. Remember your going to be having plenty of photos so you want it to look fresh and natural.
MANICURE
As a final touch, it's nice to have a professional manicure and/or pedicure the day of your wedding, or if you want you can do it yourself. Choose a nail polish that works with your gown and accessories. Professional manicurists will either come to your home or you can go to their salon. It looks very good if you have your bridesmaids and the mother of the bride wear matching nail polish.
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
What are your hours of operation and do you need anappointment?
Do you offer any discounts?
What bridal gown lines do you carry?
Do you carry outfits for the mother of the bride?
Do you carry bridesmaids gowns
Do you carry outfits for the flower girl?
What is the cost of the bridal gown I've selected?
What is the cost of the headpiece I've selected?
Do you offer in-house alterations and what do they cost?
Do you rent bridal slips and what is the rental fee?
What is your payment policy/cancellation policy?
© Copyright Sher Maten, All Rights Reserved.
About the author: Sher from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.
© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved – Feel free to use this article provided an active link to our site is included.
About the author:
Sher from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International
Sher Matsen
