HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2000-02-09, Page 16Buying your wedding gown
So many questions, so many
details, so many emotions - it's no
wonder even the most organized
bride-to-be can feel overwhelmed
and anxious about finding the
perfect wedding dress. Knowing
what to expect before she steps into
a bridal shop can help put her mind
al ease.
Bride's magazine polled owners
of top bridal stores for their answers
to the most common dilemmas
faced by brides-to-be. The resulting
"insider shopping information"
appeared in a recent issue.
Here's a sampling:
• When should a bride start
shopping for her gown?
Begin the search six to eight
months before the wedding, since it
can take manufacturers up to six
months to fill an order, with
alterations taking several weeks on
top of that.
• What homework should she do
first?
Look through bridal magazines,
marking the pages with gowns she
loves. "Don't rip them out," advises
one bridal expert. "We need to
know the page and manufacturer to
locate the style number."
Also keep in mind the time and
site of the wedding, since a dress
appropriate to a garden ceremony
will look out of place in a
cathedral.
• What should the bride bring
with her for her first appointment?
Although most shops offer
sample undergarments for try-ons,
a smart bride will bring her own
lingerie and shoes: a strapless bra
or bustier, a slip in a neutral shade,
white hosiery, and shoes in
different heel heights.
• How much will she have to pay
"up front"?
Many shops expect a non-refund-
able, 50 per cent deposit when the
dress is ordered, with the balance
due either 30 days later or when the
bride-to-be picks up her gown.
While dress prices differ greatly,
shop owners estimate that the
average cost is between $1,000-
2,000, and alterations will average
from $50-500.
• What about "moving up" the
wedding date to ensure that the
dress arrives in time?
Many brides are tempted to try
this, but the experts advise against
it, pointing out that reputable bridal
stores deal only with manufacturers
they trust, and that lying may be
counterproductive. For example, if
the bride has her heart set on a
gown that takes a long time to
order, the sales consultant may rule
it out because the delivery date cuts
it too close to the wedding.
• What if the bride is in a rush?
Larger stores can often accom
modate last-minute bridal shoppers,
placing rush orders for gowns to
arrive in three to eight weeks. But
brides should expect to pay a
surcharge for this service.
• Arc there any cost-cutting ideas
for the bride-to-be on a tight
budget?
Many stores will have sample *
dresses on sale, especially if a line
has been discontinued.
Another option: ordering a dress
in a less-expensive fabric.
• What if the bride's weight
changes before the wedding day?
Weight fluctuations (and brides
on di&s) are common. Don't buy a
dress in a size you hope to be. If the
bride gains weight just before the
wedding and her dress no longer
fits, the shop may be able to get
extra material from the manu
facturer overnight.
GARY WALDEN
PHOTOGRAPHY
CLINTON, ONT.
PHONE/FAX 519-482-7675
Specializing In:
• Weddings
• Sports
• Family
"A Lifetime of Memories"
Since 1983 Wedding Day Coverage $325.00 call for details.
Package Pricing available.
Web Site: www.garywalden.com E-mail: gwalden@garywalden.com
« J I I
I a
As she walks down the aisle
As she walks down the aisle, her
gown softly billows behind her.
Guests turn to admire her as she
slowly steps forward. At first
glance her attire allows for guests'
attention to be drawn to her radiant
smile.
A closer look at today's bridal
fashions reveals that simple
elegance is in. Brides are now
looking for an understated look,
something that doesn't overpower
their personalities. Gone are the
large puffs and bustles of the past
few years. Bright beading and
sparkly spangles are fashion faux-
pas.
A wedding dress's silhouette, or
outline, has become more
important than busy detail. The
quality of fabric, lace and beading
have replaced a desire for quantity.
One designer Lesley Giles
believes the attitude toward
simplicity is held by most modem
brides. Giles describes that what
brides are looking for is, "Simple
and elegant, tasteful and
uncluttered." She states, "Even the
most outrageous brides want
something traditional. We all want
to be elegant on our wedding day."
Silhouettes are now ranging from
empire waistlines, to princess lines,
to A-lines. This has allowed for a
wide selection of gowns, even with
the trend to simplicity. Giles
defines today's dream dresses:
"Slender, vertical lines are
preferred. Gowns are floor length.
Sleeves are small, delicate at the
shoulder area, sometimes flaring
into Victorian cuffs or buttoning up
with traditional loops and buttons."
Martha Stewart's Living
magazine has noted this Victorian
influence that is slowly creeping its
way into contemporary bridal
fashion.
This historical perspective on
wedding fashions can add a special
flavour to the nuptials. By picking
up a Victorian style gown, you can
plan a theme-related wedding.
Many reception facilities now cater
to this growing demand.
One of the main ways to express
Continued on page 17
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