Selecting Your Wedding Gown

The bride will be the center of attention as she walks down the aisle in her wedding dress. The dress will set the level of formality for both the ceremony and reception. Therefore, you must leave plenty of time to select your gown because your attendants can’t start shopping until you’ve finished!

Choose a Massachusetts bridal shop that has a good reputation. Ask friends and relatives for referrals. You want and need a bridal retailer who will do whatever they can to ensure that you are happy. The retailer should be able to handle everything including customizing the gown, fittings, alterations, accessories and ordering and fitting attendants’ dresses. You do not have to purchase your gown and bridesmaids’ dresses from the same shop, but it can make things easier, such as fittings and purchasing accessories to compliment both your gown and the bridesmaids’ dresses.

The average cost of a wedding gown is approximately $1,000 - $1800. A designer gown can cost you thousands of dollars. If you decide on a one-of-a-kind wedding gown, plan on paying much more. The average headpiece can cost you anywhere from $150 - $300. Average cost of shoes: $60.

Get ideas on different styles by going through bridal magazines. Cut out any styles you like and show them to the bridal retailer. This way she can show you gowns similar to your taste. Don’t be afraid to try on many different styles. You may be surprised on how they actually look on you.

Tip: Bring a camera to snap photos of gowns you like. Then ask the opinion of a few trusting friends and family. What you may have liked in the store may change, especially as you try more and more dresses on! (Check with the shop to ensure its OK to snap a few photos).

It’s a good idea to bring along a trusting friend or relative while you try on the gowns. This way they can give you their opinions on what particular style looks best on you. It’s also a good idea to bring a pair of shoes with the same size heel that you plan on wearing on your wedding day. Fix your hair the way you are planning on wearing it at your wedding so you can get the full effect of the gown and headpiece.

You will need to order your gown at least four to eight months in advance. Your goal is to have it ordered within 9-11 months before the wedding. This will allow time for the manufacturer to make your gown closest to your size. Most wedding styles are sized smaller than everyday dresses. If you are normally a size 8, don’t be surprised if you need a size 10 wedding gown. When your gown comes in, allow yourself at least a month for alterations and fittings. Remember, alterations and fittings cost extra!

Make sure the cancellation policy, delivery time and cost are stated in your wedding gown contract. Also find out how much alterations may cost. You can opt to go to a local seamstress for alterations.

If you are on a tight budget, you may consider renting your gown. You can call your local formal-wear shop and check out their selection. Another alternative if you are on a tight budget would be to go to a second-hand shop. You will probably need alterations but the savings will still be great. You can also have your wedding dress sewn by a seamstress, friend or yourself. The price of the material and labor costs are often cheaper than designer gowns.