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Chapter 16
"Your Wedding Gown"
....Get a Great Deal
Your wedding day! You’ve dreamed about it all your life, and now you get
to plan it right down to each exquisite detail. What you may not know,
is that finding the right gown at a reasonable price can sometimes be a
hair pulling experience! If you don’t want to walk down the aisle with
noticeable bald spots, you should do your homework before you start to
shop.
Tips to help you get a great deal on your wedding gown...
Before you go to the store:
1. Search online and in magazines for dresses that you like. Be sure to
write down the dress manufacturer, the design style, color and features
that you like.
2. Call the store and ask:
What are your hours? Do I need to schedule an appointment?
Do you carry the manufacturers and dress styles I am interested in?
Do you have those particular gowns in my dress size, or only in sample
sizes for me to look at?
If I see a dress style not in my size, can you order one for me to try
on? If so, how long will it take to get the dress in your store?
Do you do alterations? Dye shoes? Is there an additional charge for
those services, and if so, what is the cost?
Do you provide shoes and undergarments to wear while trying on the
dresses, or do I need to bring my own?
Ask about payment options, finance charges, and any deposits required
for your purchases.
At the store:
1. Arrive feeling relaxed and happy, and with a trusted friend or
relative along for the ride. It will make you more confident in the
choices you will be making, if you have the supportive presence of
someone whose taste and judgment you trust.
2. Take notes. Ask lots of questions. Request a sample financial
agreement, a cloth sample, or anything else that you think is helpful.
Ask for names and phones numbers of people you may have to call back at
a later date.
3. When at all possible, try the dress on at the store, wearing
undergarments and shoes of the type you will wear on your wedding day.
Add the headpiece, accessories, jewelry, and finishing touches, if it is
available. That way you can be sure everything matches, fits, and has
the completed look that you like.
4. If you are having alterations, try to speak to the seamstress while
you have the dress on. Let her show you what she will do to the dress,
by placing pins in the areas she will alter. This will help you see if
you will like the new look of the dress after she is finished. It is
better to spend time fiddling with the pins and adjusting hem lengths
and sleeve shapes now, than to risk being dissatisfied with the results
later on!
5. And last but not least, take your time! Don’t let anyone pressure you
into a quick sale, blowing your budget or agreeing to financial terms
you can’t live with later on. Don’t be afraid to shop around for the
right dress at the right price!
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Tips for picking a wedding gown that flatters your figure:
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If you have an hourglass figure, select a gown with a fitted or
corset-style bodice with a "v" waistline. This will accentuate
your curves. A mermaid style gown, is also a good choice.
If you tend to be pear-shaped, select a style that draws
attention to your upper body. A tank-style bodice, sweetheart
neckline, or an off-the-shoulder style will create a look of
balance between the upper and lower body. Avoid clingy fabrics
and straight wedding gown styles.
If you are petite, chose a gown with a simple line, to create
the illusion of height. A close fitting sheath, or a princess
line gown are good choices. If you want a gown that has some
fullness, try an A-line style. It will make the waist and upper
body appear elongated, not chopped in two. Overall, avoid very
full gowns that look like they have swallowed you whole!
If you are a plus-size, consider ball gown style skirts, with
bustles and an open neck lines which show just a touch of
cleavage. A drop-waist dress with a beaded v-shape will
de-emphasize large hips. Long, tapered sleeves are best for
fuller arms. Overall, avoid clingy fabrics and straight line
styles.
If you are a tall bride, select a sheath or a straight line
gown. A strapless gown will accentuate thin arms. If you want to
show off your long legs, chose a short skirt above the knee with
a bustled back. For a more formal look, try a long, form fitting
skirt. |
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Give serious
consideration to getting a dress with a detachable train. It can
save a lot of effort later on because the bustle will pull down
during the reception and it’s a pain to rebustle each time.
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Q: Should I get my dress at a big chain store like David’s bridal, or
try to negotiate the best deal I can at a private boutique?
A: That depends on your needs, personality, budget, and time
constraints. A small shop tends to spend more time with a customer,
leaving them feeling pampered. They may be able to negotiate a deal with
you for what you want at the price you can afford, but in many ways they
are limited. For example:
Small shops carry only a small selection of gowns. Many have only sample
gowns, available in smaller sizes for you to look at. If your size is
larger than the sample gown in the shop, they will have to order one for
you to try on at a later date. If you order a gown from them for your
wedding, you may have to wait 12-20 weeks for your dress to arrive, and
pay to have it steamed, pressed and stored until your wedding day. The
cost of this might eat up any discount you got in purchasing the dress
from them.
Q. Are there any alternatives buying an expensive dress?
A: It's okay to rent. Renting a wedding dress can cost as little as $75
and as much as $350. But no matter what, it saves money
Things to ask yourself while
you're shopping for a gown:
Do you
feel comfortable with the salesperson?
Does the salesperson respond to your questions and comments with action,
or just head nods?
Are you being led to
dresses you like, or getting colder?
Is the salesperson
keeping you in your price range?
Are you getting good
ideas and suggestions from the salesperson?
Do
you feel rushed or is the salesperson making you feel you can take your
time?
To find out more about planning your perfect wedding at a cost you
can afford, visit these websites:
David’s Bridal
The Knot
USA Bride
WedNet
Wedding Bells
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Article by Irene Helen
Zundel
Ms. Zundel is a freelance writer, homeschooling parent, and
publisher of a monthly educational newsletter. She specializes
in writing educational and family oriented articles. Visit her
website at
http://www.fadco.net/~artwhiz.
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