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How To Find The Perfect Wedding Dress
Author: Rebecca Sherman  | Posted: 13-11-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 17 | Rating: (51)  (?) 
One option is to start your search for the perfect dress close to home. Maybe your mother, grandmother, aunt or a special friend has her own lovely dress stored carefully away, waiting for another bride to wear. If you choose this option, examine the dress carefully for insect damage, discoloration, weak seams, missing buttons and stains. Consult a trusted dry cleaner to discover if spots or stains can be removed. If the dress's seams are very narrow, alterations might be difficult. Air the dress away from the sun to rid it of cedar or mothball scents. Have it professionally cleaned.
As sentimental as this option is, most brides want a new dress. If you're in this category, begin by doing a little window-shopping. Check out the latest bridal magazines for trends and styles. Keep a folder or envelope containing pictures of the dresses you like. This will be helpful when you actually visit a retailer to begin trying dresses on.
Be sure to attend bridal and fashion shows. You'll not only get a good overview of what's available, but you'll pick up new ideas and get information on bridal shops in your area. Then check out the shops. Get recommendations from married friends and call the Better Business Bureau. And pay attention! You should be treated like a queen when you enter a bridal shop. According to one shop owner, the store's first priority should be to make you "feel personally special from the minute you walk in the door."
Once on your quest for the perfect gown, choose one trusted person who knows your style to take with you. The more people you bring along, the more opinions you'll have to sift through. Your trusted person should care enough about you to tell the absolute truth about how a dress looks on you.
Your trust should extend to the bridal shop clerk, too. Many of these people have spent years helping brides find the right dress. They know which styles will flatter which figure types. Trust them, and don't be afraid to be adventurous. If a clerk suggests a style different from what you had in mind, try it on anyway! You may be surprised at how other styles flatter your figure.
Sometimes the retail dress route just doesn't fit. A bride who is especially tall or short, tiny or voluptuous, rich or poor can find the custom-made dress an answer to a prayer. Locate a reputable bridal seamstress in your area by word of mouth, through a high-quality fabric or sewing store, or through a local college, university or theater.
Ask to see samples of the seamstress's work, both in photos and in person. Check for finished seams, fit (in photos of brides) and quality of materials. Ask for an estimate in writing, checking to see if the seamstress or the bride supplies the materials and notions for the dress. Is a veil included in the price? Call past clients to check how satisfied they were with their dresses.
Fitting Your Wedding Gown
You may have the most beautiful dress in the world, but if it doesn't fit, ultimately you'll be unhappy with your choice. A bride goes through at least two fittings, with a final try-on a few days before the wedding. Alterations to a purchased gown are inevitable. Don't be offended by the "size" your fitter ends up assigning you. Every gown manufacturer uses a fit model and bases all their gowns on this woman's measurements, graduating them up or down for various sizes.
Your measurements will be compared to the manufacturer's size charts. Since wedding gowns have very narrow seams, there is no room to let it out to a larger size. Therefore the fitter will order the gown that fits your largest measurement best.
During your two or more fittings, the gown will be altered to fit your smaller measurements. The ultimate fit of the gown depends on the accuracy of the fitter's measurements, so be sure you bring the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear with your dress.
If your gown is custom-made, additional fittings will most likely be required. Many bridal seamstresses create an initial gown out of muslin or some other inexpensive material. This "model" garment is fitted to your figure, taken apart and used as the actual pattern for the dress itself. The dress will most likely be basted together, fitted again, sewn and fitted a last time in the final weeks before the wedding.
The Cost of It All...
To save money, many brides have turned to discount bridal suppliers. Although the initial price of the gown may seem like a bargain, the cost of alterations could make a significant dent in those savings. "Those brides who think they can order a gown through a discount operation and get it tailored at a local dress shop are in for an unpleasant surprise," says one bridal shop owner. "Altering today's wedding gowns is very, very specialized work. It takes years of experience." And it can be expensive. The cost of alterations varies greatly, depending on the dress's fit, age, fabric, lace and beadwork.
Also keep in mind that when a gown is ordered through a discount bridal supplier, there is often no recourse if a problem arises. Working with a reputable retailer that has years of experience in the industry and a solid relationship with manufacturers assures that you will receive the right dress, on time, fitting beautifully.
Typically, when a bride orders her gown from a retail store, she can expect to put down fifty percent of its retail price. The same is true for a custom-made dress. Custom-made dresses usually start at about $350 and can top out at $1000 or more. Veils average $150 to $300.
Completing the Ensemble
Once the perfect dress is found, there is only one way to be sure it will look the best it can and the foundation is the beginning. Finding the proper bra, slip, hosiery, etc., is necessary to create the perfect look. Many gowns require special undergarments. Low-line, backless bras and bustiers are made to provide the proper support without showing when and where they shouldn't. Luckily there are professionals who can help in choosing which undergarments will work the best.
Specialty lingerie shops have the staff who will not only help brides, maids and mothers find the proper undergarment; they will also help them find the perfect fit. Although many women shy away from specialty shops, thinking the price will be much higher, they usually find that the prices are comparable and the service is indispensable. While at the lingerie shop a bride may also find a delicate negligee perfect for the wedding night!
Not only do brides have to deal with what to wear under their gown, some need to be concerned with what to wear over it as well. Weddings take place in all seasons, and in many areas, it can be cold! Many dresses of today are strapless or sleeveless challenging the weather in the cooler seasons of fall, winter and spring. Brides, their attendants and mother of the bride and groom often do not own the appropriate cape, coat or wrap to wear on such a formal occasion. That's where businesses that rent capes and other outerwear come in handy.
Many styles of velvet, satin, sheer organza or faux fur garments are available to complement any gown.
Post-Wedding Gown Care
After the wedding, the last thing on your mind will be getting your gown cleaned. But taking the time to preserve your gown as soon as possible will ensure its pristine condition. If you can't see to it immediately, ask a bridesmaid or relative to do it for you.
Before taking the gown to the dry cleaner, check it carefully for stains. If possible, note the type and location of each stain. This will help your dry cleaner eradicate them more easily.
To box or not to box? No storage system is completely safe or will completely prevent age discoloration of fabric. A professionally boxed gown is sealed in an airtight picture-window box in acid-free tissue, preserved for future generations. If you decide not to box your dress, store it flat to prevent fabric stress from a hanger. Stuff the sleeves and bodice with acid-free tissue, and line the skirt with the same tissue. Wrap the dress carefully in unbleached cotton or linen. Boxed or unboxed, make sure your freshly cleaned dress is in a dark, dry place.
Apparel for Moms
Mothers have a vital role to play in the wedding of their children. So it's important to look good alongside the wedding party. This means choosing a dress that is simple, elegant and in a flattering color that blends well with the bridesmaids' dresses.
Flower girls and Miniature Brides
Choices for flower girl dresses or miniature bride ensembles range from duplicates of the bridal gown or bridesmaid dresses to a variety of adorable outfits sure to make any little attendant look like an angel. Bridal shops and specialty children's' boutiques are the perfect place to find an assortment of choices. Experts in these shops can also help to determine the proper size to choose. Since children grow at staggering rates, a dress that fits perfect today may be too small six months later. These experts also suggest that if a specific gown is desired it should be ordered as soon as possible since styles may change and may not be available for order at a later date.
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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/marriage-articles/how-to-find-the-perfect-wedding-dress-258430.html
About the Author:Rebecca Sherman is an editor for ModernWeddingPlanner.com. Our online wedding planner helps brides keep their wedding info organized and backed up.
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Marriage records
By: stephanie | 31-08-2008
Is there anywhere I can get free marriage record access? Without paying fees?
Very COnfused
By: confusedonlife | 30-08-2008
I'm 22 years old. Currently going through a divorce. I have met this guy who seems to be amazing. There is quite a bit of an age difference. like 20 years. Only probably is that he still is living with his ex wife. He says its because of his kids and because she is very sick. We have a lot of mutual friends so I know this is all true. He tells me that hes going to be moving out and in with a friend of ours. My problem is that there are a lot of times that we have plans and then he just doesn't call or cancels last minute. The times he doesn't call he always blames it on her says she was going crazy or something along the lines of that. He told me when we first started talking that he has a lot of baggage. Which I totally understand but now that my feelings are growing for him, its getting harder to deal with the not calling and the getting blown off. I actually have a couple questions. 1) Will the age difference cause a problem. 2) What do I do about the being blown off 3) Should I just walk away from this situation 4)I'm beginning to think his feelings aren't the same as mine for him. What does everyone think.... Please help me!!!!!!!
9-2-08
Thank you everyone.... You all have really givin me somethings to think about.... Its a very complicated situation. I knew going into this that it was going to be hard, I just never imagined that it was gong to be this hard. I guess I never thought I could fall for someone who is so much older than I am. Right now we are in the process of getting his truck fixed so he doesn't have to drive her car, and once we do that he says he will be moving out. It might be a little bit because money is very tight on his end. I guess she found out about me the other night. He told her I was a friend of his who is helping get the truck fixed. I'm very unsure how I feel about that. I mean I kind of understand why he didn't really tell her who I was but at the same time it kind of hurt. It made me question what I really was to him and how he really feels about me. He told me that its kinda like he told me in the beginning that its gonna be ruff for a while but once he gets truck back and moved out things will be better, its just gonna be a month or 2. We had a pretty good talk Saturday night about somethings, honestly it didn't really clear anything up for me, but on a brighter note he actually showed up and we spent the night together. Him, my daughter and I. It was very nice! Sometimes I just want to walk away. Sometimes I feel like that song by Sugarland - Stay. Its a country song. lol. The times that I think to just walk away is the times that he shows up and does something to just blow me away, and then I just can't leave. He makes me so happy when we are actually together and when he actually shows up. Its really crazy how happy I get, its just the times that everything is so bad for him at home that he can't call or come like he said he would its times like that that just tier me up inside. He means so much to me and he is just amazing when he has the time for me. I know hes busy and I know he has a lot on his plate right now which honestly so do I. Its just I wish things were different because I know we could be amazing together giving different circumstances. GRRRRRRRR this just makes me so mad sometimes. I don't wanna turn my back on him because I don't want to turn my back on something that could be so good I just don't know what else to do. Sometimes I feel like he ignores me and that I'm the last thing that crosses his mind. I guess I'm just so lost still that I don't know what to do or think!
I am torn between 2 men that are totally opposit ...
By: supersad | 28-08-2008
I am torn between 2 men that are totally opposit of each other. One of them is my ex-husband of 17 yrs and high school sweetheart, we have 2 beautiful daughters and anything we ever wanted. He wasn't perfect by no means but I know that he loved me alot. I met someone else who treats me like gold and is a wonderful man, however we struggle financially and I work at a job that I hate. We have been together 6 yrs now. My ex and I have talked about getting back together someday. I don't want to hurt either one or myself but I know its coming. I have never felt so lost in my entire life. How does someone make these decisions and what should I ask myself?
I asked a question yesterday regarding my ...
By: cindy | 28-08-2008
I asked a question yesterday regarding my difficutly getting through my divorce, I am a LCSW and noted my expertise were in marrige and divorce, I asked for some referrals and I never got a response,
Have I done to much to save my marriage?
By: John-ever-learning | 27-08-2008
A month ago my wife says she doesn't love me the way I deserve. I didn't get angry, I was stunned. My wife took my not being angry as my not caring. Later I came to find I was just really disappointed. I was so devastated that I could not be angry. I was completely blindsided and didn't see it coming. Was I to blame for this?
As it turns out, we immediately went to singles and marriage counseling. The marriage counselor said John give her space. We separated, I moved out. It was hard. I emailed her, I went to our house not 5 days later and spent the whole day there. Then 4 days later is her birthday and I went all out. I bought flowers, I wrote all kinds ot things about my feelings for her. I did everything I thought was right.
Both therapists say I'm trying too hard and that I'm actually pushing her away. My individual therapist says I'm putting too much pressure on my wife and that I need to back off.
I also learned that I am hard on myself, am a bit of a perfectionist, am impatient at times, and I don't let out my feelings.
So, I have to make my outside the same as what's going on inside. I have to stop sweating the small stuff. I have to not contact my wife whatsoever for the next 10 days which is when our next session is. I have to do things that make me happy. Which is going to be hard, because I am happiest when I'm with her, but what the hell, I'll figure it out. I also have to stop perceiving things as if they are posessions. I've just got to be me whoever that is.
So, is it to late for me to change and save our marriage? Have I pushed her too far?
____________________________________________________________
Here's more info:
I am 29 and she is 26. For a few days after she told me she didn't love me I tried to rationalize things. I tried to tell her that love was more than a feeling that it was a culmination of many things. I just didn't validate her feelings or want to hear it. Who wants to hear that they aren't loved by the one to which they are married.
What's odd is we like a lot of the same things. We do a lot of the same things. We take care of ourselves. We work out together. We like stupid comedies. But we're different enough to keep it interesting. She is guilty of holding in her feelings like I am.
One month after I proposed to her my father was diagnosed with cancer and one year to that day we burried him. My wife felt it would be terrible to bring the news of her doubt to me during those days. I understand that. I don't like it, but I understand it.
Now, I pray every morning and before I go to bed. Heck, I sleep with Bible now. I pray for guidance, and what I must do to make the situation right. I'm also working on my flaws about which I am learning. I'm being more assertive, I'm doing things I enjoy. I am at the same time missing my wife.
Yesterday I agreed fully to make no contact with her so she can think. For the past month I have been in denial. I didn't want their to be the possibility of a break up pending. I didn't want to hear she didn't love me the way I deserve. I tried my best to do all the things you read about in romance novels. All the while, I have been making her feel more guilty, putting to much pressure on her, and pushing her away. And for that I'm am sorrier than anyone can ever know. I don't want the reason my wife leaving me is because I tried to hard and was too clingy. That's unattractive and yet, I did it. Someone said women are a strange creature, I believe men are far more strange.
Human nature, what is it?
By: SomeWeirdGuy | 27-08-2008
human nature, what is it?
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