by Guest Blogger, Jenn Denis, WPICC of Delica Bridal in Edmonton, AB
I thought I would give you a little insight into the wedding dress shopping process and dole out a little advice I’ve gathered from my experience as a bridal consultant.
Welcome to Delica Bridal!
Book appointments in advance.
Depending on the designer of the gown, it can take up to 9 months to have a wedding dress ordered and altered to fit you perfectly.
We recommend giving yourself at least 6 months to have your gown arrive in store and then 2 months or so for alterations. Depending on the style of gown you choose it can take a couple fittings to get everything perfect.
Do your research.
Pinterest is a gold mine for wedding gown inspiration. Search out styles you like, paying attention to details that attract you such as lace, beading, necklines etc. Bring those photos with you to your consultation and talk it over with your consultant. She will be able to help you choose styles with the elements you like as well as selecting some styles that you maybe didn’t realize would be stunning on you.
A few of our gowns just waiting for you!
Set your budget.
A lot of brides don’t have any idea on how much wedding gowns cost when they first start planning.
While you are scouring Pinterest for inspiration, its important to note which designers you are drawn to so you can find out how much their gowns cost. How do you do that? Usually designers have a store locator on their website. Use it to find shops in your area that carry them and feel free to give the store a call to find out the price range of your favourite gowns.
This will help give you a realistic idea of what designers best fit into your budget.
Stick to your budget!
A good consultant will ask you what your comfortable spending on a gown and help you to stick within in. It’s very tempting to try on gowns outside of your price range “just for fun” but it’s a potential risk that could set you up for disappointment if you end up falling for a gown you cannot or don’t want to afford.
There are tons of styles within every price point that are sure to fit your wedding vision and personal style!
One of our favourite gowns by Lillen – that floral skirt though!
Recruit a good shopping entourage!
It’s natural to want to share this exciting moment with all of your bridesmaids, your mother, mother in law, cousins, sisters etc but don’t forget that old saying…too many cooks spoil the broth!
Sometimes when you have a large group accompany you to your consultation appointment it has the potential to become overwhelming. The best option is to bring two, three or maybe four trusted people who will give you an honest opinion in a positive manner, help you stick to your wedding vision (and budget) and who know your style and personality well enough to help you choose the perfect gown for your big day. A mother, best friend, sister or even a brother who knows you and has a positive attitude goes a long way when you’re trying on dress after dress after dress!
Doll it up a little.
It’s hard to imagine yourself on your wedding day if you don’t have any make up on and your hair isn’t cooperating. It can make a big difference in helping you to visualize yourself if you throw on a little mascara and curl your hair or pull it up in a similar style to what you’d like to see on your wedding day. (Word of warning! Don’t use self tanner in the days leading up to the appointment as this can rub off on the dress.)
And don’t worry, we will do our part to glam you up! Once you have a favourite or two, ask to try them on again with a veil and some jewelry. It’s amazing the difference it can make! Oh, and while we’re hovering around the subject its always helpful to wear undergarments similar to what you plan for the wedding day. If that means spanx or strapless bra then by all means wear it on the day or bring it to change into.
A soft tulle gown by Jenny Yoo!
Speak up!
Consultants are there to help you narrow down your choices. We won’t get offended if you tell us you hate a gown. It actually benefits everyone if you can vocalize what you do like and don’t like about a dress. Maybe you don’t like the satin skirt on a gown but the lace bodice really appeals to you. This gives us a direction to steer the appointment in and saves everyone from feeling stressed out!
It’s okay if you don’t cry.
Or it’s okay if you do! We see a lot of girls fall prey to what we call the “Say Yes To The Dress” effect. This happens when girls seem to think that in order to choose their wedding gown they must cry. This becomes a road block when girls keep searching hoping to find the gown that brings tears to their eyes even after they’ve chosen a favourite.
Brides don’t always get emotional when they find the gown. But sometimes they tear up, then mom tears up, then the bridesmaids…soon everyone’s crying!
Sometimes everyone can start crying simply because it’s the first time you’ve seen yourself in a wedding gown. And then you later realize “Hey that wasn’t my gown. But this one that I can’t stop smiling in is!”
Everyone reacts differently, what’s important is how good you feel in the dress!
And hey, you may just get emotional at another point. I (Jenn) got emotional when choosing our first dance song…and then again deciding on flowers (I know..so weird)…you just never know when it’ll hit you!
We are crazy about the ruched sweetheart bodice on this Blush by Hayley Paige gown!
Man. I never thought that getting a wedding dress could be such of a fuss. Always keep in mind that if you have the perfect gown and mess up your undies, all your efforts might go to waste. Tend to both of them at the same time.
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