- Begin shopping early. A special order could take three to six months. Custom dresses can take up to six months. And allow time for a final fitting before the big day.
- Get it all in writing – the cost and everything the store and seamstress will provide, including all alterations.
- Ask the store to keep the wedding dress for you until you need it. That way the gown won’t get wrinkled, and your honey won’t see it ahead of time.
- Don’t buy a dress that’s more than one size too big. It’s too difficult to effectively alter anything bigger than that.
- Silk is the most popular type of wedding dress fabric. But read the clothing label carefully. Yes, soie means “silk” in French, but peau de soie is actually a synthetic, and its quality varies considerably.
- To save money, consider buying used. (They’ve been worn only once!) Buying a designer pattern and fabric and going to a seamstress can also save you about 50 per cent of the price of the designer-made gown.
- Don’t shy away from trying on many different styles. We can’t tell you how many women we know who chose styles they weren’t initially considering.
- If you’re full figured, try ball-gown styles.
- A-line dresses are great for hiding heavy thighs and legs. We also like strapless dresses on pear-shaped women. This style draws the eye upward.
- Sheaths are best for the slim. If you’re very petite, avoid anything that has too much material. You could get lost in all that fabric!
- To enhance the bust, look for an empire-waisted or A-line dress. Also, if the style permits, you can get the seamstress to sew in breast pads.
