A Helpful Hint

There's lots to remember when you're looking for the perfect dress, shoes, and makeup, but finding the right wedding look doesn't have to be stressful.  Just follow these easy steps to get the most out of each and every one of your shopping trips, and be wowed by the results.

1. Give yourself enough time. Finding the right gown and allowing for fittings and alterations can take several months.

2. Know the location and time of year of your wedding before you choose your dress, so that you can pick styles that suit both the setting and the season.

3. Take pictures of dresses that you like to the bridal salon, but be open to advice from the experts. It's impossible to know how a style will look until you try it on, and you may be surprised to discover new styles that suit you.

4. Be honest about your budget. Don't go to Vera Wang if your budget if $500. Remember to factor in the cost of accessories, shoes, a veil and underwear in addition to the dress.

5. Check out fashion magazines in addition to bridal glossies. It's a great way to get a sense of your own personal style, which will help in choosing the right dress.

6. If you're not sure about a dress, keep trying. Women often know when they've found the right one.

7. Bring your mother or a trusted friend along for advice, but keep it small. Advice from too many people will confuse you.

8. Word-of-mouth is a great way to find a hair and makeup person, but take a trial run way before your wedding in case you don't like their work.

9. Save money by finding someone who can do both hair and makeup and is based close to the venue so you don't have to cover travel expenses.

10. Carry an emergency kit of makeup. Make sure you get the same products your makeup artist will be using.

Comments

[kati]

Might I add checking out some of the great wedding blogs. Mags are wonderful resources, but blogs usually link directly to vendors and retailers, feature real-life weddings (in addition to the occasional fantasy wedding) and allow you to connect with former brides and brides-to-be - both groups always have a wealth of information about the process as they were/are on the front lines.

[Lynn]

Be aware that some bridal salons ask that you not make pictures of a dress until you have paid for it. Make sure you ask what their policy is before you assume and get yourself kicked out of a store.

[Wendy]

As a planner and former bridal salon manager, this is all good advice! Especially listen to #7! DON'T take your friends, bridesmaids, aunts, next door neighbors...! It makes for confusion, fristration and, usually, an angry sales person. This is your wedding, your dress and your special shopping trip. Take your mom, dress up for the occasion and make it a special outing!