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 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. Interestingly, some will begin shopping for gowns well before they are even engaged! These ladies are not far off track though, as it is typically recommended to start browsing for ideas in wedding magazines and on the Web up to a year in advance since dresses are typically ordered at least 7 months prior to the wedding.
In fact, day dreaming and perusing bridal guides is the first step in choosing your wedding dress. You want to imagine the picturesque wedding day, from the flowers to the 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 dream, 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 man. See what he likes and dislikes as far as styles go. Then you'll need to discuss budget (possibly with your parents as well 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 there are 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. Wearing grandma panties, a thong, or ratty underwear from the days of yesteryear, 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.
- 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. 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). - Consider the style wedding and how the dress can reflect its theme, color palette, or level of formality. While the style choice is yours to make in the end, 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 batches your skin tone. And, if you feel like being daring, don't wear white at all. This is often something that those being married for the second time choose.
- 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. 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 the house of worship. If you are religious and plan to marry in a house of worship, check with the head before selecting a gown to make sure that there are no restrictions on attire (some places won't allow bare shoulders, backs, legs, etc.). It's easier to get plan ahead than worry about covering up 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 Styles and Features
| Common Fabric Types |
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Chiffon
Sheer, lightweight, simple, and drapey. Great for summer. Very romantic, but it can be elegant, bohemian, or even flirty. |
Tulle
A light, mesh fabric of silk, cotton, and synthetics made to add volume under gowns and create romantic puffy looks befitting of a princess. |
Organza
A see-through, lightweight fabric with shiny, almost sparkly appearance. It's fluffy and romantic, but lavish, and elegant. |
Satin
Silky smooth, shiny, but not transparent fabric. 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. It can be matte or shiny. Great for crinkles, ruffles, and |
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. - 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.
- 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 |
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Street Length
Flirty, fun, perfect for young adventurous brides. |
Intermission
Feminine, classy, and ladylike old-school glamour. |
Hi-Low
Casual, yet pretty, and perfect for outdoor weddings. |
Ballet
Romantic and practical. Easy to move in. |
Floor
Formal and sophisticated, yet not overdone. |
| Trains |
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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 feet long train is fit for a queen, but it can be cumbersome. |
| Necklines |
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Scoop & Off-the-Shoulder
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
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 this style, or even spaghetti straps or square necklines. |
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
Good for those who don't like showing off too much skin. It can also help lengthen the torso. |
| Classic |
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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 feel like a princess. |
A-line gowns flatter nearly everyone and are particularly nice on pear-shapes and heavier figures because it skims over curves and highlights the waist. Classic, yet 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 it is best left to petites, 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. |
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!
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.
- 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.
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| Budget Priced | Mid-Range | Luxury |
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Shopping Directory
