8 Rules of Bridal Gown Shopping

Confessions of a Personal Bridal Consultant

Rule #1: Shop 8-12 months before the date!
It's not too early to start! Be aware that it can take 5 months for some gowns to come in...and China is having labor problems. You want to make sure you allow plenty of time for any delays.

Rule #2: Do your homework.
Look at bridal magazines and online at manufacturers. Print pictures of styles that appeal to you. This helps your consultant to have a good starting point. Have at least a general idea of what you are going to pay for a gown. ($1,000 is reasonable. $500 is not.) Be honest with the consultant. Don't try on dresses that are over your budget unless you are willing to go higher. Also have at least a general idea of the kind of venue you will have.

Rule #3: Bring you mother, your best friend or your sister (Or whoevers opinion you value most-but not TOO many)
You can't choose a dress with too many opinions. If there are more people you want to bring, make a second appointment to show them your top 3.

Rule #4: You can't try on every dress in the store. Be realistic!
Seven is a good number (more or less). That requires what we refer to as "reducing the rack". If you try on a taffeta gown and don't like taffeta, eliminate all taffeta gowns. If you try on a ball gown and don't like big dresses, don't choose more ball gowns.

Rule #5: Follow your heart.
There are a lot of beautiful gowns to choose from. Your family and your consultant may have an opinion, but what really counts is how YOU feel in the gown. Do you feel beautiful? Does it express your personality?

Rule #6: Once you found the gown, go ahead and purchase it.
Come prepared to put 1/2 down to order the dress your first visit. What makes a wedding stressful is when you don't make a decision and move on to the next thing on your list. There is an order to the planning process and the dress is one of the first things (and in my biased opinion, the most important).

Rule #7: Be upfront with your consultant.
They usually work on commission. If the price is too high, you just don't love the dress, or you want to shop some more- TELL HER. Consultants usually spend 1-2 hours (or more) of their time helping you, it is courteous to be honest and let them know what you are feeling.

Rule #8: Once you order a gown, it is a final purchase.
Quit looking! Trust your decision.