For most of us comfort is the rule of the day.  We choose our daily cloths for practicality and what feels good and right. Its been over 100 years since elaborate gowns and dresses, Corsets and bustle were the order of the day, but there is one exception: The wedding dress. The dress that remains iconic across cultures as a symbol of matrimony. The wedding gown is the one dress that typically represents one of the biggest single clothing investments in a women’s life. It’s designed to be worn once and yet, potentially, it is the most heavily photographed article of clothing you will ever wear. 

It is the one costume intentionally designed to communicate all that is special and meaningful about the occasion, which is precisely why its the sort of thing we don’t usually shop for.  As someone who has constructed wedding gowns and worked in bridal shops, and been in the wedding industry for many years I can safely say that while buying a bridal gown can be a magical and joyful experience it can also be a shock to the system for those that come at this unprepared, so here are some pro tips to help on your shopping journey.

Tip 1: How bridal shops work. 
       Most shops work by appointment with commissioned sales people because the inventory is big and expensive.  Sample Gowns take up a lot of room and cost the shop a lot of money so the stores generally don’t carry all the sizes of all the styles.  They have a few sample sizes and styles and they order in the dresses from there.  You may be able to walk in and look at samples on the rack but if you want to try on a gown (and you absolutely want to try on a gown even if its not quite your size) generally you will need to make and appointment.   

The bridal attendant will guide you to a dressing room and ask you questions about your vision for the wedding and your style, then bring you  a selection of gowns that fit the your criteria.  This part is very much like that say yes to the dress show.  Once you try on the gown and make your selection you will be measured and the gown will be ordered in the size closest to your measurements.  If you are buying the floor sample (which is generally what the discount or off the rack gowns are you will be measured for any alterations you may need to the dress.    You dress will come in and then you will need to do another fitting and go through the alteration process.   It is easier to take in a dress than to let it out generally so usually the dress will be ordered to accommodate the largest measurement. 

Tip 2:  being ready for the appointment:
  Think about any other time you have worn a gown, perhaps for prom or some other really special occasion and think about out what you liked or didn’t like in that experience.   Were you pulling on the dress all day because it was strapless?  Did you find the dress to restrictive? Were there styles you found that didn’t flatter you?   While you should definitely go into your appointment with an open mind allow your life experience to guide as you think about what style of dress you’d like to try on. Consider your venue and the time of year as well.

How formal, how princess, how sleek modern do you want to feel on your wedding day.  Your attire should reflect you.  If you choose something that is not you everyone will notice. If you’ve never had an experience with a formal garment before then I suggest one strapless one with a strap or a sleeve and trying full skirt and then trying something like a straight line or a sheath style.  An experienced bridal consultant should be able to tell pretty quickly what cut of dress we’ll look best on you especially after you’ve tried one or two. 

Tip 3: costs:
Be prepared she spent up to 30% of your dress budget on alterations and accessories. It is generally worth it to get a bustle put into your dress if you have a long train. You don’t want people stepping on it all night and you don’t wanna have to carry the dress around by the little hanger underneath because that’s not how the dress is designed to work and it looks tacky. I highly recommend planning for the bustle as part of the cost of the dress. Additionally be prepared to purchase the correct undergarments for your gown.

This may include things like bras and petticoats or slips. The bigger the gown the more support the hem will need. If you do not support the hem properly it will increase the chances of tripping and the gown may not have the shape it was designed to have. You don’t have to get these things from the bridal shop but it may be easier if you do. It is not a bad idea to wear shoes to your appointment that will be close to what you would want to wear on your day.  Certainly by the fitting you will want the correct shoes and undergarments because that will impact the fit.

Tip 4: Your Squad
There is not always safety in numbers.  You should only bring people to your bridal appointment who’s opinions will be helpful.  Your bridal appointment should be fun and special.  Everybody has someone in their life that is big on talk and low on financial contribution, don’t be pressured or obligated to bring this person to the appointment. Try to keep it to 2-3 people at most people who will really make the moment special for you. 

When it comes to the bridal party in general, you do not have to have 20 people in the bridal party,  you shouldn’t have to pay for their dresses, and you should have the look you want for your wedding.   When you select dresses for them the dresses should compliment your dress in tone and style, so you want to choose your dress first.  After that just be considerate, ask yourself if you would be willing to what you are asking of your  bride’s maids.