Wedding Gowns Buying Guide

The idea of looking like a princess in a gorgeous white gown  with fluffy tulle, shimmering beads,  and silky lace  is something that even the littlest future brides-to-be fantasize about. It's no wonder that as full-grown women, choosing the perfect wedding gown  is one of the most important steps in planning the perfect wedding. Interestingly, some women begin shopping for gowns  well before they are even engaged! These ladies are not far off track though; brides-to-be are advised to start browsing for ideas in wedding magazines  and on the Web up to a year in advance since dresses are typically ordered a minimum of 7 months before the wedding.

Daydreaming and perusing bridal guides are all part of the first step in choosing your wedding dress.  You want to imagine your perfect wedding day, from the flowers  and cake  to the setting and theme. In the midst of all the trimmings you should be able to see yourself. Whether you are wearing something simple, elaborate, fluffy, or sleek, this first ideal that you create; this daydream setting is where you want to start.

The next step is gathering up a collection of your favorite styles to show to your fiancé (whether you compile them digitally on your computer  or with pages ripped from bridal magazines  in a folder). While you want to be happy with the dress, you also want to please your honey; you don't want to look like a stranger walking down the aisle! Next you'll need to discuss a budget,  either on your own or with your parents if they are chipping in for the wedding bill. It is crucial that you set a reasonable budget and stick to it despite what impulses may overcome you while shopping. Even if the dress of your dreams costs far more than you can afford, don't disregard the many options for saving money and cutting costs (see below for more details). Once you have an idea and a budget in mind, it's time to get to work!

How to Shop for a Gown

While there are several ways of shopping for a gown, the most common is going to a bridal shop (other methods are explained in the section on how to save money). The first thing you need to do is call up a local bridal shop (or several) to schedule an appointment and consultation. Be sure to ask what they charge for a consultation, if anything. Also inquire whether there are any fees for trying on dresses. Before heading off to the shops, be sure to gather a few essentials to bring with you:

• Your clippings of favorite styles. Sometimes it's harder than you think to explain to the person helping you about the "amazing" dress you saw in a bridal magazine.  Bring several examples of things you like to help you quickly find your favorite styles in the shop.
• A polaroid  or digital camera . Taking photos of the dress is not always allowed, so you should ask prior to snapping away. However, if you can take photos while wearing the dress you can compare later on. It's a good idea to either write the style numbers (exactly as they appear for each item including the bodice, train, and skirt) on the back of the polaroid or in a small notebook  so that you can remember which you liked and disliked. This is crucial if you decide to come back later on to buy the dress. This brings up the question of whether to buy immediately or shop around (read below to consider your options).
• A friend, the maid of honor, or your mom. The point is: Bring someone who knows you well and who you trust with utmost confidence. They can honestly tell you when your butt looks too big from behind, or whether or not white looks better with your skin tone than cream. Having a companion also helps dissuade you from making impulsive decisions, such as buying the first dress you try on, going over budget, or forgetting to ask important questions.
• Proper undergarments. Grandma panties, a thong,  or ratty underwear you don't remember buying are not good undergarment  choices when shopping for gowns. You want something that you'll be comfortable in when a complete stranger helps you in and out of countless dresses. Seamless  styles in white  or nude  are a safe bet; if you have a strapless bra,  you might want to bring that too.
• The right accessories. Obviously you won't have all the jewelry  that you plan to wear, but you might have an idea of the shoes or hair that you want. This is important: shoe  height will determine the length of a gown (and will change the look of your legs if you opt for a short dress), and your hair will make or break a certain neckline.
• Credit card. If you wind up wanting to buy a gown  you'll need a way to pay for it -- 50% for a down payment at least. Check to see if the deposit is refundable as well.

Upon arrival in the bridal shop, take some time to browse through the dresses, touching the fabrics, looking at the craftsmanship, and comparing styles and shades of white. You should have a fairly good idea of what you want, but maybe you are still unsure about what is your ideal dress. Either way, you'll need to consider a few important aspects before selecting a good amount (10 to 20 at least). Of course, there is no limit to the number of dresses you can try on, but the more, the better, even if you think you don't like something. Consultants often have great suggestions that you never thought of and it's worth a shot to try their ideas; after all, they see far more brides than you can imagine!

When looking for the perfect dress, don't forget to consider the following:

• Your wedding style and how the dress can reflect your theme, color palette, or level of formality. While the style choice is yours to make in the end (and many brides wear long gowns even at less formal weddings), sometimes it helps to work within these parameters to narrow down your choices. For example, an outdoor or beach wedding may call for a shorter dress  while a wedding on a regal estate would be well suited with a traditional dress with a long train.  You should also consider if a big dress will be able to make it down a small chapel's aisle.
• Choose a flattering color. Wedding dresses  were originally just a woman's best dress, but when Queen Victoria sported a white satin gown bedecked with sparkling accents, it quickly became the color of choice for most modern brides. However, remember that there are many shades of white. Cream, beige, off-white, taupe, tan, and even buttery-yellow are suitable. The bottom line is that you should compare dresses in different colors to find one that best flatters your skin tone. And, if you feel like being daring, don't wear white at all. This is often something that women on their second trip down the aisle choose, but even first-time-around brides are choosing dresses in very light pastels; pale blue  and blush pink  are both very popular.
• Pick something comfortable. You will be standing, walking, dancing, sitting, kneeling, and possibly running down a beach. Wherever you are on your wedding day, you want to be comfortable. So when you try on dresses, move around and see how it feels. Note if it gets heavy or if the fabric wrinkles easily, if the bodice pinches or feels restricting, or if it drops too low when you lift your arms.
• Don't be shocked by sizing (or take it personally). After finding a style you like, a consultant will take your measurements so that you can order the dress. Know that if she says you are a size 10 and really you wear a six or seven, don't be shocked. All wedding dress sizes are going to be bigger than what you normally wear since over the years manufacturers have adjusted sizes for street clothing but not bridal attire.
• Respect your house of worship. If you are religious and plan to marry in a house of worship, check with your officiant before selecting a gown so you are aware of any restrictions on wedding attire; some houses of worship won't allow bare shoulders, backs, legs, etc. It's easier to get plan ahead than worry about covering up at the last minute. If you can't part with the strapless bodice, for example, consider a pretty shawl or matching shrug jacket.
• Show off your personality and the best parts of your body. Certain styles are better suited to certain body types, but even so, certain styles are simply more "you". Try your best to strike a balance between the two. After all, you want to look like a million bucks, but you also want to feel that good too.

Dress Fabrics

There are so many aspects of a gown to consider before choosing "the one". You'll need to look at fabrics, detailing, length, the neckline, sleeves, and other features. In this section of the guide you can find out which styles flatter which figures and more. A few of the most common fabric types are illustrated below, but these days a wide variety of natural and synthetic fibers are used in wedding gowns. Cotton  and linen  are becoming more popular for casual summer weddings, and organic choices  are in fashion year-round.

Common Fabric Types
Chiffon  Sheer, lightweight, simple, and drapey. Chiffon  is great for summer. Very romantic, but it can be elegant, bohemian, or even flirty.	Tulle  A light, mesh fabric of silk, cotton, and synthetics, tulle  adds volume under gowns and create romantic puffy looks befitting of a princess.	Organza  A see-through, lightweight fabric with shiny, almost sparkly appearance. Organza  is fluffy and romantic, but lavish, and elegant.	Satin  Silky smooth, shiny, but not transparent fabric. Satin  comes in different types and weights. It can go from retro and sexy to innocent and romantic.	Taffeta  Typically stiff and used for the outer part of the gown. Taffeta  can be matte or shiny. Great for crinkles, ruffles, and layered styles.

• Fabric: When looking at fabric, check on the different costs, weight, looks, and portability. The more fabric used in a design, the more expensive it will be. The heavier the fabric, the warmer it will be. Here are some less common fabric types not shown above.
• Brocade  -- Shiny, satin weave with a raised pattern, such as florals or other designs.
• Dotted Swiss  -- Sheer and lightweight muslin with raised polka dots throughout.
• Eyelet Lace  -- Medium weight fabric with uneven floral designs finished with a buttonhole stitch.
• Faille  -- A shiny, silk or rayon fabric with a tight weave and a ribbed look.
• Moire  -- This lightweight fabric made of polyester or taffeta has a glistening water effect to it.

• Lace: Lace tends to be pricey, and the more of it, the more expensive the gown will be. There are many kinds of lace on the market; here are a few of the most common types that you're likely to see on a gown.
• Point d'Esprit  -- A type of polyester lace with squares, diamonds, or ovals woven into it.
• Alencon Lace  -- Heavy, durable French lace with a very fine look to it despite its construction.
• Chantilly Lace  -- A French lace with soft, draping, open designs and no cording like Alencon lace.
• Cluny Lace  -- Old-fashioned looking, loosely woven lace mostly used for borders and embellishments.
• Valenciennes Lace  -- Flat and sheer, with diamond or square weave, and made of cotton, polyester, or nylon.
• Venice Lace  -- Heavy, raised patterns, typically florals. Mostly cotton or rayon.

Gown Length and Trains

Traditionally, wedding gowns are long and white. Today, however, there are many choices beyond the standard evening-length gown. Chic modern brides are opting for all kinds of hemlines, from the traditional to the tiny. Here are a few of the most popular.

Street Length Short dresses  are flirty, fun, perfect for young adventurous brides.	Intermission The intermission length  has feminine, classy, old-school glamour.	Hi-Low The cute hi-low  is casual and pretty,  perfect for outdoor weddings.	Ballet Ballet-length  or tea-length  dresses are romantic, practical, and great for dancing.	Floor Floor length  gowns are formal and sophisticated; the most common gown length for brides.

If you opt for a floor-length gown, you'll also have to decide whether you want a train. Trains range from barely-there to regal; consider your venue, the time of year, and the formality of your wedding before you decide. Don't forget that you'll need to have your gown bustled before you start dancing; all that extra fabric will be gathered up, but it can still be heavy!

Sweep Train  It just grazes the floor, making it the ideal for formal outdoor receptions.	Court Train  At a foot long, this is a manageable train that won't weigh you down.	Chapel Train  Formal, romantic, and very popular at three to four feet long.	Cathedral Train  This six to eight foot train is fit for a queen, but it can be cumbersome, even when bustled.

Necklines and Silhouettes

Whether or not you have a train, you'll definitely have a neckline! From demure to daring, there are more different styles of wedding gown available than ever before. Recently, strapless has become the most popular style, but there are plenty of others to choose from. Here are a few of the most popular.

Off-the-Shoulder  O ff-the-shoulder  styles (sabrina,  bateau  and portrait ) highlight the face and don't draw attention elsewhere. This is good for people who like a little coverage, but a feminine, romantic neckline.	Halter  Halters  are great for large busts or highlighting great shoulders. This style also shows off your back. The lower the back, the more skin you can show. Classic but modern.	Strapless  One of the most popular, bare-all styles. You should be confident in your body to wear a strapless,  or even spaghetti straps  or square necklines.  Dance carefully to avoid embarassment.	V-Neck  Minimize the size of your waist with a plunging V-neck.  Often the back is also a V-shape. Good for smaller breasted women.	High Neck  High necked dresses  are good for those who don't like showing off too much skin. It can also help lengthen the torso.

Sweetheart  necklines are the classic heart-shaped bodice. Very flattering on many body types, particularly busty ladies. Flaunt it	Queen Anne  necklines are generally shaped like a sweetheart neckline in the front, with a high collar in the back. This style is usually paired with sleeves.	Scoop  necklines are great for almost all shapes and sizes, with sleeves or without. Jewel  necklines are cut a little higher and look great with sleeveless styles, but can make busty women look top-heavy.	Square  necklines are flattering on smaller/petite women. They have a distinctly Rennaissance princess feel about them.	Asymmetric  necklines take their cue from the runway and the Academy Awards. Daring and bold, and anything but traditional!

Sleeves

Sleeveless  dresses show off a great upper body. The sleeveless category also includes halter,  spaghetti strap,  and other styles,  not just strapless.	Long sleeves  are a very traditional look but can also be used to hide heavy arms. If you're planning on long sleeves in the summer, look for a lightweight lace so you don't overheat.	Short sleeves  keep a little more covered. Many short sleeved designs have a very "fairy tale romance" vibe to them. Cap sleeves  are tiny little sleeves that are little more than a puff of fabric on each shoulder.

Classic Silhouettes

Ball gown  shapes hide large hips and flatter a toned upper body. Can be overwhelming on someone petite and may make someone overweight look heavier. For women who want to feel like a princess.	A-line  gowns flatter nearly everyone and are particularly nice on pear-shapes and heavier figures because they skim over curves and highlights the waist. Classic, romantic, and elegant.	Empire waist  dresses fall directly from beneath the bust. Perfect for small-breasted women, petites, and thin women. Very bohemian and romantic.	Column  dresses fall straight down the body without flaring at the knees or feet. Since they hug the body they are best left to petite or tall and slim women. Sexy, sultry, and retro.	Fishtail  or mermaid  dresses are cut on the bias and are best left to those wanting to show off their curvy figures in a tight dress. Sexy, sophisticated, and refined.

Modern Trends

Two-piece pants ensembles  can look elegant for daytime or evening, especially when designed in soft, flowing, feminine fabrics.	A hemline that has been "on the rise" latey is the bubble hem , or bubble skirt . This poufy style is sometimes combined with a longer, detachable skirt -- two looks in one!	Skirt suits  are classic chic, especially for informal weddings (or city hall). Pant suits  are a little more casual; for the bride who is practical and laid-back.	Modern brides are getting more daring, with micro-mini skirts,  plunging necklines,  and thigh-high slits  in slinky dresses.	Moms-to-be who are also brides-to-be can find a greater variety of maternity bridal gowns  than ever before.

Before Leaving the Bridal Shop

There is some debate about whether brides-to-be should shop around a bit before deciding on the perfect dress or if they should buy the one they like immediately. It goes without saying that shopping around lets you really find the dress that's best for you. However, many times women will expect to find a dress they love four weeks down the road when they come back to buy it. Unfortunately, there is always someone right behind that woman ready to snatch up that dress.

Nonetheless, when you decide to buy the dress you have fallen in love with you need to verify a few things with the bridal shop first.

• How many fittings will you need? Some women may need up to three fittings, especially if you are losing weight or on an exercise program.
• How much will alterations cost? Usually they run about $200 depending on your size and the complexity of the dress and its details.
• Can you save money by getting an unfinished hem? This is sometimes a money-saver because it makes alterations easier.
• Can you opt to not have detailing added? It saves money if you do it yourself.
• Does this bridal shop sell bridesmaids attire and tuxedos?
• Is there any possibility that this bridal shop would throw in some extras, such as a veil or headpiece if you gave them all your business for attire?
• Is the deposit on the dress refundable if you change your mind?
• Can you have all the quotes in writing?

Saving Money on Gowns

Gowns can cost anywhere from $500 to $5000 or more. Some quick ways to save money are to choose a simpler dress with simpler fabrics. However, if you don't want to sacrifice your look, consider some of these options.

• Buy a dress that isn't a wedding gown,  such as a formal white dress,  or even a white bridesmaids dress  which will cost much less than their "bridal" counterparts.
• If you want something designer, but don't want to spend a fortune, opt for a simpler style with less fabric. Naturally, it will cost less.
• Visit the warehouse stores, trunk shows, and sample sales. Sometimes you can find great bargains on dresses, especially on last seasons dresses.
• Opt for the plain dress in the style that you want. Buy the lace, beads, or other fancy add-ons yourself. You'll save around 25%.
• Browse the sale racks. You never know what you'll find.
• Try out online auctions for discounted dresses that have been worn once.
• Ask your family if they have a dress that you can wear. Maybe grandma has a beautiful old gown that could fit you.
• See the Guide to Wedding Budgeting for more helpful tips!

Related Guides
Bridesmaid Dresses	Wedding Rings	Mother of the Bride Dresses	Bridal Headpieces	Flower Girls and Ring Bearers

External Links

• USA Bride -- How to save some money when shopping for gowns.
• Baltimore Weddings -- Tips on choosing a color for a second marriage, and what to do if you're overweight or petite.
• The Dressmarket -- Search database for once-worn wedding dresses.
• Brides.com -- Tips on what to wear, for brides and bridesmaids. Many articles with answers to your every question.
• iVillage -- How-to's, trends, budget advice, summer and fall dresses, and much, much more.
• About.com -- Staying "feng shui" when shopping for a wedding dress.
• Pirate-King.com -- Despite the name, this website has a great visual glossary for many aspects of wedding dresses, including necklines and waistlines.
• Bridal magazines are so fun, yet if you have a free moment on your computer, you might as well check out your favorite mags online. For example, In Style Wedding is online and full of popular articles about fashion, style, and shopping. Find everything from runway hits to beautiful ideas for updos and of course, the latest in wedding shopping (i.e. invites, decorations, rings).
• An easy way to get an idea of what you are looking for is to use a tool like they have at theknot.com where after registering you can browse several makers dresses and immediately see where the closet vendor location is in your area. Below you'll see some of the most popular wedding dress makers categorized according to their average cost.
• Another useful Web site that you might be interested in is DressFinder.com. You can find nearly every dress maker on the Web and click directly to their site.
• Below are links to the Web sites of popular dress makers in different price ranges.

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
FR: Robe de mariée
DE: Brautkleider

[shopfanatic] Great article!