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Selecting Your Wedding Gown |
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| Choosing your wedding gown can be overwhelming. Before you begin your hunt for the perfect
gown, prepare yourself! We've listed steps to help you get started and what to expect from
MA bridal shops. If you are not sure what style
gown will look best on you, be sure to read about
choosing a wedding dress. |
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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! |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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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.
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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).
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| 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! |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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Find a
Massachusetts bridal shop.
Find a
Massachusetts seamstress for your wedding gown alterations.
Find a
Massachusetts wedding veil specialists. |
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