Q. How long does it take to order a wedding gown?
A. Wedding gowns take approximately 4 to 6 months to order. However, every vendor has certain styles that they keep inventory of. These can be ordered and received in two weeks.
Q. How do I start looking for a wedding gown?
A. Start by looking through the bridal magazines and mark the styles that you like or think that would look good on you. It would be helpful to the bridal shops if you bring these photos with you to try on gowns. Be open-minded to try on gowns that are recommended by the professionals helping you. Unless you absolutely hate the look of the gown, try it on. You can never tell…it might be “the one.”
Q. Do I need to bring any special undergarments with me to try on gowns?
A. Yes, you should either bring with you or wear a strapless bra. Many of the new styles are strapless.
Q. How many gowns should I try on at each bridal shop?
A. Do not try on more than five gowns at each bridal shop as the more you try on, the more overwhelming it becomes and you will have difficulty remembering which gowns looked the best on you. Take photos at the bridal shops that allow picture taking. This will help you to remember and to compare. When doing your comparison, the best would be to print the photos and line them up next to each other so you can really compare the shape and the silhouette of the wedding dress.
Q. How much information should I give to the bridal consultant helping me?
A. You should give as much information as necessary. The consultant will need to know if the ceremony is outdoors or indoors. Tell her what kind of styles that you like or dislike. Is there a particular fabric that you like or dislike? Most importantly, do you have a budget that you need to work with? If so, by all means be truthful with the consultant and give her this information. Do not waste your time and her time looking at gowns that are beyond your budget. The wedding consultant can help you look for the best gown in your budget.
Q. When should I select my accessories?
A. When you think that you have found “the dress,” you should have the veil, earrings, necklace, shoes, and any other accessories put on so you can make a good final judgment based on the total look. You should purchase your accessories at the same time as it may be discontinued. Accessories get discontinued more often than the wedding gowns.
Q. Can I order my bridesmaids dresses before my wedding gown?
A. If at all possible, make your selection of a wedding gown first and then look for your bridesmaids and flowergirl dresses. The color selection of your wedding gown may make a difference on the color you select for your bridesmaids. Remember that wedding gowns now come in many colors. Normally, the bridesmaids dresses should have some common element with your wedding gown…the neckline is the same, the fabric might be the same, the laceup back may be the same, etc. Some brides want the bridesmaids to look completely different from them and that is also alright. Most importantly, the bride and groom should stand out.
Q. How long does it take to order flowergirls and bridesmaids dresses?
A. It takes approximately three months to order the flowergirl and bridesmaids dresses. Bridesmaids and flowergirl dresses should all be ordered at the same time if you are getting the flowergirl dress to match the bridesmaids dresses. The order should go into the vendor at the same time so that it will all be the same dye lot; no color variation. The new fabrics such as the different taffeta fabrics are difficult to alter in that they leave holes where the seams are opened. Therefore, it is better to order your dresses larger and have them taken in rather than smaller to let out. Most bridal shops charge a separate fee for alterations.
Q. Is white the best color for my wedding dress?
A. White is no longer the best color for the brides. Some brides look great in white but most brides look better in diamond white (off-white). Photographers prefer diamond white as it is not as stark as white-white. The glare from the sun on a pure white dress makes it very difficult to focus on the details of the wedding gown. Plus, the off-white is much softer for your complexion and it looks white in your photos. Ivory and Champagne are very popular colors as well.
Q. Do I need to bring anything to my hair and makeup trial session?
A. Yes. You should bring a photo of your wedding gown, and your veil and tiara with you. Be sure to order your veil and tiara in advance so you will have it in time for your trial session. At Princess Brides, if your veil and tiara is on order and not in for your trial session, we let you borrow a veil and tiara for the day.
Q. What kind of jewelry and tiara should I select?
A. It depends on the beading on your wedding gown. If you have swarovski crystals on your gown, you should look for crystal tiara, necklace, and earrings. The focus should always be on the bride’s face and so the accessories should not be so bold as to take focus away from you. Your accessories should all blend to accessorize your wedding gown and give you a total look…beautiful!
Instead of a tiara, you can use hair pins, feathers, flowers, and more. At Princess Brides, we now have hair extensions that match your own hair perfectly and so easy to put on. Learn more.
Q. How far in advance should I have my first fitting?
A. Your first fitting should be scheduled about six (6) weeks prior to the wedding. Your final fitting should be scheduled for the week before the wedding. Fittings are very important. A poorly fitted gown will show in your photos. Be specific in what you want done to your wedding gown. The bridal consultant can help you with this. Ask to be shown what the different kinds of bustles are. Some will lay flat and others will pouf at the buttocks. If you are not sure, leave it to the professional alteration person to help you with this decision. Make sure that your wedding gown alterations are done by a professional who has experience doing wedding gowns. Do not trust your gown with a regular alteration person. Wedding gowns are very different from doing regular alterations.
Q. If I decide to have pre-bridal photos taken, how long in advance of my wedding day should I do it?
A. Make arrangements for at least a week before your wedding date or if it is the week of the wedding, then Monday or Tuesday. You need to leave time to have your gown cleaned and steamed for your wedding day. Remember also to make arrangements for the tuxedo to be rented for both days.
Q. If I plan a “quick” wedding in one month, would I be able to get a gown and bridesmaids dresses, flowergirl dresses?
A. Yes, you can. Your selection may be limited but almost all vendors carry some stock pieces. I have helped customers whose wedding were in two weeks, three weeks, and one month out. We were able to get the entire wedding party fitted. In most cases, these “quick” weddings require more time to order than weddings that are six months out. However, when all is done; the rewards are great.
