Things are going great. Both of your families know about your engagement, and you have outlined a budget. The date is set (or approximate date is set). You’re discussing locations for your ceremony and reception. Now, you are ready to begin your search for the perfect wedding gown.
Because many of the gowns are not made here in the United States, you must allow time for them to be ordered in. You can keep your stress to a minimum by allowing six months or more before your wedding for your gown to arrive. Don’t forget, you will probably need alterations. Most everyone does, very few people have the exact perfect measurements that match the manufacturer’s size chart, and some brides will need their gowns hemmed.
You may have seen many articles in bridal magazines, on the internet, or on television about saving money and ordering your gown on line. There are some important things to consider before doing that. Ordering on line means most of your communication is done via email. You will ‘talk’ with someone whom you have never met, and has not seen you. Gown selection is done from pictures on their website. Your order is placed, and you are given an approximate ship date. Your dress will ship to you, usually in a clear plastic bag inside a cardboard box. Often, the gowns are shipped inside out to protect beading or embroidery, and to keep the gown clean.
When it arrives, in addition to alterations, your gown will need to be pressed or steamed. Depending on the amount of detail (beading, rouching, lace, pleating, or length of train), the steaming or pressing may add an additional $100.00 to $200.00 to your cost.
If you order through a full service bridal salon, you will establish a relationship with your consultant. She will be able to assist you in choosing your gown with suggestions on color, style, and formality based on her experience and knowledge of your body type, complexion, hair color, and her conversations with you about your wedding. You will try on gowns to see what you do like and what you don’t. She will get a feel for what you have envisioned for your special day. Some salons can sell off the rack if your time line will not allow for ordering. Your consultant can guide you to the gowns that can be purchased without special orders.
The slightly higher price at the bridal salon turns out to be similar to paying insurance. While it’s possible that you could order a gown on line and have everything turn out fine, you could also have an impending disaster. Many online sellers are not actually authorized dealers for the brand name gowns pictured on their websites, so the dress you order may end up not being a genuine designer gown, or worse yet, it could be a worn sample, or an inferior copy.
Dealing with an online seller, the gown will probably be sent to you without being inspected. A bridal salon will inspect your gown, steam it, and call you to come in and try it on. They can help you if there is a problem or defect with the fabric or workmanship. Your bridal shop can also show you accessories that will compliment your gown, and often, they have gowns for bridesmaids, flower girls, and mothers, as well as rental tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen. Accomplishing so many things in one location can make working with your local bridal salon even more convenient than shopping on line.
Because your wedding gown is an important investment, it is crucial that you buy from someone you trust and have confidence in. In many other areas of your life, you meet and establish relationships with business people before turning your money over to them, and buying your wedding gown should not be different. Good luck amd happy hunting!
