Finding Your Wedding Gown
Start shopping for your gown six to nine months before the wedding. Before shopping, determine the formality of your wedding, and your budget.
Make appointments with the bridal shops so you will be sure to receive the time and attention you deserve. Discuss your preference in style, color, material and price with the bridal shop professionals. Make notes regarding style numbers and salespeople if you will be visiting several shops.
Bring only one or two other people with you when shopping for your gown. Too many people can cause stress and confusion.
Ask about alterations. Usually there is an additional charge. If your gown has a train, ask how it will be bustled.
Don't forget to make arrangements to have your gown preserved. Speak to a reputable dry cleaner to find out how your gown can be cleaned and preserved. You may want to have a relative or friend take your gown to the cleaners after the ceremony.
Selecting Attendants' Attire
It is the bride's responsibility to choose what her attendants will wear. Take into account their sizes, shapes and coloring when selecting the style and color of the dresses. Your attendants' dresses should complement yours and not be more elaborate than your wedding gown. When shopping for attendants' attire, try to take only your maid of honor.
Bridal Attire Checklist
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Determine formality of the wedding
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Select and order wedding gown
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Select and order headpiece and veil
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Select color and style of attendants' dresses
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Mothers select their dresses
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Buy shoes, undergarments, garter and accessories
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Select flower girl dress
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Have attendants' shoes dyed
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Schedule fittings and alterations for yourself
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Schedule fittings and alterations for attendants
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Arrange to pick up your gown. Ask if it will it be pressed and packaged with tissue in the sleeves and a bodice mold.
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Arrange for someone to take your gown for cleaning and preservation after the wedding.
