Now that bella has prepared you to get beautiful [0] for your big day, I'm going to help you shop! Yay! You may have twelve months or three months to shop, so hopefully we can help. Here is a checklist and preview of what is to come on FabSugar for wedding season.
Source [1]
To see my Fab wedding shopping guide,
- First things first: determine your wedding style and budget. Close your eyes and try to picture your big day. Is the ceremony ethereal outside on a beach? Or more formal inside an amazing church? Or is it something in between? You'll want a wedding gown that fits in your picture. So, something light and airy if you'll be beachside; something lush and sophisticated if you'll be in a church. And remember: the season doesn't have to determine your dress - you can always wear a bolero or shawl for warmth and style! And it's good to know your budget, so you don't go ga ga over a dress totally out of your price range!
- Once you've decided on your ceremony style and budget, you'll need inspiration. Go out and buy all of the weddings magazines on the stand and start ripping away! Create a wedding dress file, I suggest something special like this See Jane Work Boon Accordion File [2], $24. This file will also come in handy later in life, I promise.
- Here are some of the overarching dress styles: Retro, Classic, Short, Modern, Color, and More To Love (for those ladies with big bosoms or loveable junk in the trunk!). I will show you more of these dress styles in depth later, but for starters here's a style collage:
- While you are gathering your gown file, ask your wedding planner or married friends for suggestions of dress salons near you. Also peruse online wedding sites like Wedding Channel [2] and Brides [3].
- It's important to dress to shop. You want to wear loose fitting clothes that are easy to get in and out of; and bring comfortable shoes with the heel height you plan to wear on the big day. Throw a strapless bra into your purse and try to wear pretty underthings - you will be standing around in them in front of your shopping buddies and salesperson.
- When you are actually gown shopping, once you are assigned a salesperson, go through your tear sheets with them and point out what you like about dresses and special details you love. When you try on dresses, continue to point out your likes and dislikes.
- Keep an eye out for quality! In a high-quality gown every detail should have a perfect finish - no bead or string should be unraveled. Natural fabrics like silk are pricier than synthetics, but the benefits are they let your skin breathe and don't trap sweat. A-line gowns fall smoothly and prevent panty lines; this is also the best shape for fuller figures. If you do have budget constraints, skip beading and fancy details and focus on a fine fabric and a good fit - you can always dress yourself up with jewelry and beauty!
- The finishing touches. Take into account the following elements surrounding your look: alterations, headpiece/veil, lingerie, jewelry, shoes, bag, a cover up and the groom's ensemble. Oh! And the bridesmaids! There will be more on this in weeks to come so stay tuned.
(Clockwise from top left: Retro (Elizabeth Fillmore), Classic (Romona Keveza), Short (Monique Lhuillier), Modern (Elizabeth Fillmore), Color (Peter Langner), More to Love (Watters)