9 top tips for shopping for your dream wedding dress
Shopping for your wedding dress is exciting – and daunting. Doing your research first can take the pressure off you and help ensure you find the dress of your dreams. There is so much that could go wrong – and so much pleasure if you get it right.
Where you purchase your dress matters. If you go to an independent boutique you may be dealing with the owner or even the designer. They will value their reputation and advise you well. However, at larger boutiques and stores you will likely be looked after by a sales assistant who may be working on commission. Their priority will be to get you to order your dress before you leave. Although this may mean they will go the extra mile to help you find your dream dress, it is a riskier scenario.
“We have had so many wonderful things said about this DRESS!!!!! She looked breathtaking: Amy’s dress of her dreams. To say it was a labour of love is an understatement. You have created such a beautiful dress and I can’t thank you enough.” – Sally Sheeran (Mother of Bride)
“It was perfect in the hot weather and got so many compliments. Thank you so much for all your effort with it, I absolutely adored it and I’m rather sad that I can’t wear it all over again!” – Catherine Geddes
Here are my 9 top tips to help you enjoy the search for your dream dress:
1. Start your search online and narrow down the styles you like and boutiques you want to visit. If you can only book an appointment online, try and find the phone number and call them to get a feel for the service they are offering.
2. Before attending your appointment check how many people you can take with you as often there are restrictions. I wouldn’t advise taking too many people because you will get too many opinions.
3. Write your questions down before you visit the boutique or designer. Be sure to come away knowing:
- How far ahead you need to order.
- Whether you will be expected to pay in full when ordering – a lot of retailers and designers offer a payment scheme with a deposit and stage payments.
- The alterations policy and how many fittings does the price include?
- How close to your wedding date can you have the final fitting?
Most importantly tell them your budget so you don’t get shown and fall in love with a dress you can’t afford.
5. If you decide you would like to have your dress made ideally go to designer who has been recommended. If not look at testimonials with photos of the bride that include her name because not all testimonials are genuine.
6. The word silk at the cheaper end often means man-made ‘silk’ so if it matters to you ask. That said there are some very good quality polyester satins that are made in Italy.
7. Lace also comes in many qualities and one of the finest is Chantilly lace. However, Chantilly lace is only made in Chantilly and is hand woven hence very expensive. There are machine made alternatives and some are very good – but check as this is not always the case.
8. A lot of boutiques and designers won’t allow you to take a photograph of yourself in one of their dresses. This is mainly to stop the dress being copied. But also because a photo taken in a shop is not a true reflection of the day. You can either ask to take one or two photos – or take a couple discreetly.
“EVERYBODY said what a BEAUTIFUL dress I was wearing and I felt like a princess! It stood up to the challenges throughout the 18 hour party, including the rather windy boat trip from the church to the reception venue. Thank you for making it possible!” – Cecilia Hansson
9. Finally don’t be pushed into making a hasty decision. If you are told you won’t get your dress in time unless you place an order there and then don’t believe it – unless you actually have left it to the very last minute…
I offer a free no obligation consultation if you are thinking of having a couture dress made. I will advise on styles and shades to suit your figure and complexion, and show you different fabrics for each design.
You will be able to input into the design of your dress and with my guidance create your dream wedding day look.
Please email me at [email protected]
or call 07812 081588.
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