Here is some advice for finding the perfect dress, because dress shopping should be the most enjoyable part of planning your wedding not the most stressful!
1. Undergarment selection. Wear undergarments that are close to your skin tone, so that you will you not see them underneath sheer styles. If you are planning to wear spanks, special hosiery, or any kind of other control garments, bring them along to try on dresses with.
2. Sample, sample, sample. If you fall in love with a dress but it is a little over your preferred price range, you should consider buying the sample if it is close to your size (With a couple alterations appointments it will fit like a glove).
3. Does it make you feel good? Does your face light up? You walk with a little more pep in your step? Yup, then that is the one.
4. Look the part. If you are pretty sure you know you want to wear your hair up, wear your hair up for the appointment in a similar style. If you know you plan on wearing a specific shade of liptick the day of your wedding, bring a tube along and pop a little on before you start trying on gowns.
5. Don’t wait until the last minute. We recommend finding “the dress” as soon as you can to allow for the dress to be custom made to your body by the designer, sent to the store, and ready for any alterations. (Allow for 6-10 months for the total process).
6. Bring along a camera. We recommend taking photos while trying on dress so you can remember which styles you liked and which styles you didn't like.
7. There is no timeline for finding "the dress". Just because it is the first dress, and you fall in love, doesn’t mean you need to keep looking. If you are in love with the dress, just “say yes”. Afterall, you wouldn’t suddenly start looking for more fish in the sea if you snagged yourself a good man the first time around.
8. Make a wedding binder. Buy a binder or notebook and put absolutely everything you see that catches you eye - dress photos, magazine clippings, fabric swatches, family photos, etc. This will give you inspiration and help your bridal consultant find "the one" for you.
9. It's all in who you know. Consider friends who have a similar style to yours or know exactly what you like and bring them along for a second opinion.
10. Consider styles and silhouettes.
a. Neckline: Strapless, halter, sleeves, etc.
b. Silhouettes: A-line, modified A-line, ball gown, mermaid, sheath or column, empire
c. Color: Ivory, white, diamond white, champagne
d. Embellishments: Rhinestones, crystal, embroidery, hand-beaded, lace
e. Fabric: Silk, silk polyester blend, polyester, chiffon, lace
Images of the husband-and-wife-to-be courtesy of NYDailynews
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A Before Photo of the Tattoo I am about to conceal....
