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How to Buy a Wedding Gown

By Gary J. Walls

Buying a bridal gown is one of the biggest decisions in planning your wedding. As a bride you don’t just want a dress but you want THE dress. Shopping for your wedding gown should be a joyful experience. This should be one of the happiest purchases in the wedding planning process.

Here are some pointers to keep in mind while shopping for your dream gown.

1. Shop Only at a Full Service Bridal Salon

2. Always remember: the lowest price is NOT always a good deal!! Discount Houses, Black market and super stores independent of a salon have to hire in store dress makers and can not guarantee your dress on time!

3. Remember to shop where girlfriends, sisters, and other family members have used as a bridal salon.

4. When entering a salon the bride should be greeted with a smile and a welcome. A bridal consultant should allow you to pick your style. They should be able to give you advice on a gown for your body type. The Consultant should know his or her stock of bridal gowns, veils, bridesmaid gowns and shoes.

5. If ever you as a bride need to ask a question about the designer of your gown. Ask the name, find a phone number and or even check if the full service salon has an account.

6. A full service salon has a retail price stated by the designer. If a different salon is a lower price be careful, all salons have only a retail price.

7. A full service salon can order a petite hallow to hem or any size special order. It is important to use only a full service salon.

8. Be prepared to pay extra for alterations. “Free alterations” are NOT part of the bridal industry.

9. When purchasing your bridal gown you will need to purchase your slip, shoes, veil, and tiara on the same day. This will insure they will all coordinate and will arrive at the same time. When you go for your fittings remember to bring your slip.

10. Start shopping now for your bridal gown. It may take up to 9-12 months to order a bridal gown. Some designers ask 4-6 months. Remember to order your dress early.

Most people will need alteration. Don’t forget to add in time to have your dress ready for pre-wedding portraits 4-6 weeks before the wedding day. Most of all remember to have fun and enjoy this time. Don’t allow finding your dream dress to become your worst nightmare. Shopping at a Full Service bridal salon will be a dream comes true.

By Gary J. Walls; Bridal Bliss, Salon; 2901 Linden Ave.; Homewood, AL 35209