"IT'S ALL ABOUT THE DRESS"

My name is Rachel Anne, owner of Rachel Anne’s Photography, and recent bride! (July 14, 2012)  Each month I offer brides advice from my personal experiences and industry expertise. For this month’s article, we are covering one of the most exciting parts about wedding planning: Dress Shopping!

Many brides dream of what their wedding day will be like, but many also dream of trying on their first wedding dress...myself included!  I could not wait to plan a day dedicated to putting on ball gown after ball gown.  But in my haste to try on dresses, I ended up with a few headaches that I could have avoided.  So this month, I want to give you some pointers I learned along the way!

10 TIPS FOR DRESS SHOPPING:

1. Prepare for Exhaustion - I remember how I felt after Dress Shopping Trip #1...physically exhausted & mentally drained.  If you are planning a full day, then bring water and snacks.  Include an adequate lunch break to relax with your shopping trip buddies.  Take the time to process what you have already tried on.  And while you need to refuel, beware of carbs.  You don’t want to feel bloated when you get into the next dress!

2. One Day vs. Shorter Trips - For my first trip, I chose to shop for both my dress and my bridesmaid dresses in two different towns.  Some brides find they have to do this to accommodate their bridal party.  But if you have the opportunity, plan two or three shorter trips instead of one overwhelming day.  Then you can include different shopping buddies each time and you won’t be rushed into a decision you may later regret!

3. Don’t Commit to One Style - I had always imagined I would wear a princess dress with mounds of tulle.  But when I tried on ball gowns, something wasn’t working.  I left my first shopping trip a bit frustrated, but later came to realize that 1. A ball gown was not the best style to flatter my figure and 2. My outdoor ceremony under a willow tree did not match the elegance of a tulle & satin ball gown.  But the lace & pearl mermaid dress I wore down the aisle was a perfect fit!  So be sure to consider your venue when picking fabrics.  And try on a variety of styles, so that you can see what you look best in.

4 .Don’t Limit Yourself to One Dress - After trying different styles, you may find that you love more than one.  Consider the Reception Dress trend and purchase two!  The dress that was perfect for my ceremony, was missing a few features.  I loved the look of the popular one-strap, but my dress did not have it.  And being a mermaid fit, my first dress would not make dancing a comfortable experience.  My reception dress (pictured here) let me have the best of both worlds!  I even added a third...a fun & flirty, exit dress for our Sky Lantern Send-Off.

5. Hunt Down a Deal - While you may love the idea of having three dresses, your budget may be thinking differently.  But as my blog readers know, every Friday is “Frugal Friday”, and I love finding a deal!  Keep Trunk Shows, Sample Sales, and Monthly Specials on your radar.  My exit dress was simply a David’s Bridal $99 special.  I found my reception dress in an Overstock Sale...$250 on sale, $1,200 retail!  The best part: it was never worn, because it was another bride’s cancelled order.

6. Beware of Accessory Prices - When I found my ceremony dress, it featured a gorgeous sash, that I was later told would be an additional $400.  Remember that there are other places to find accessories that are better for your budget: DIY ideas on Pinterest, auction sites like eBay and www.oncewed.com, and Salon Discounts where you buy your dress.  Instead of spending $400, I found a brand-new sash on eBay for $40, that retailed at David’s Bridal for $80!

7. “Something Borrowed” - You can also borrow accessories from your bridal party and friends who have been recently married.  It’s great to bring these items with you for your first shopping trip too.  Having jewelry, shoes, and a veil ready to add to a dress that you might think is “the one” will help complete the picture.

8. Online Research - Most dress shops have the list of designers they carry on their website.  Browse each designer’s collections and get a feel for their overall style.  Write down model numbers to give your consultant.  If they don’t have that specific dress in stock, they will find you a similar one to try.

9. “VIB Experience” - If you are looking to be pampered for your dress shopping experience, there is a great option available at www.formalities.com in Bellefonte, PA, where I purchased my ceremony dress!  Their VIB (very important bride) appointments include the salon to yourself with two consultants, sparkling wine and desserts, Swag Bag with vendor discounts, and more!

10. Shop Early - You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s important...allow enough time for the dress to be ordered and have your alterations completed.  This all depends on the shop and designer you choose, but be sure to ask!

For my Beaming Brides planning a local wedding, a great resource is the vendor list available at www.duboisbride.com

Happy Planning!
♥ Rachel Anne