Bridal Gowns

Most women have dreamed about their wedding dress since they were little girls.

Your bridal gown is probably the biggest fashion purchase you will ever make. When you close your eyes and picture yourself in your wedding gown, what do you see? How do you make that vision a reality? Your goal should be to find the perfect dress - the one that turns you into the bride of your dreams. Don't settle for anything less.

Your Attitude and Style:
As you go about planning your wedding, you are sure to have picked themes and styles that represent your personal tastes and preferences. That is what should drive your choice in a wedding gown.

The look and feel of the gown should reflect who you are and what you enjoy. Are you laid-back and casual? Do your wedding plans reflect that? Then so should your dress.

Or are you more conservative, a traditionalist? Then a more formal gown will naturally appeal to you.

The Best Gown for Different Shapes:
Casual or formal, romantic or modern, the dress you pick should flatter your physical attributes. Take a moment to review the accompanying list of body types and the gown styles that best suit them.

- If you have an hourglass figure, with a full bust and hips and a thin waist, you have curves in all the right places. Consider an A-line gown with a sweetheart neckline to display your attributes to their best advantage.

- If you are short waisted, an A-line gown will elongate your figure. If you have toned arms and shoulders, consider a halter neckline. It will draw attention to that area.

- If you have a thick, undefined waist, try an empire-waist gown, which will give you a long, trim look.

- If you're full-figured, a ball gown will de-emphasize the body areas you want to hide. An A-line gown will create a slimming silhouette.

- If you're pear-shaped, with a small chest and heavier bottom, a strapless ball gown will cover the bottom and draw attention up. An off-the-shoulder neckline will give the illusion of balance between your top and bottom.

- If you are thin, a ball gown will emphasize your trim size and make you look like an elegant ballerina. A sheath always hangs beautifully on a slim body.

- If you are petite, go for a simple A-line gown or sheath. An elaborate ballgown style may appear to be wearing you.

Color (or Lack Thereof) and Embellishments:
Believe it or not, bridal gowns come in many colors, although white remains the first choice of the modern bride. Colors such as soft pink, blue or green are new options. Metallics, like silver, gold and copper, are also becoming prominent.

For those brides who want to shine, some dresses come uniquely embellished. From rhinestones to pearl flowers, today's gowns shine with elegance. Or go glitzy with beading and embellishments in gold, silver, bronze and color overlays as dress accents.

Heading for the Stores:
Once you have a firm idea of what you may see in the stores and what best suits you, it's time to start shopping. Bridal shops vary in policy, but keep in mind the following list of questions you should ask on the phone before you arrive in person.

- Will I need an appointment? Some shops require an appointment to even view bridal gowns.

- What are the hours? Some bridal shops are only open certain days during the week. Others keep evening hours only on specified days.

- Which designers does the store carry? If you've been pouring over wedding magazines and of course you have, you may have your heart set on a Vera Wang or a Scaasi.

- What range of prices and sizes are carried? At higher-end shops, you may not be able to find a bridal gown under $1,000. There are shops that specialize in plus-size dresses.

- Ask If you can look through the gowns yourself or will you have to look with a salesperson? Some shops have such vast inventory, they simply ask you the types of gowns you'd like to try on and then bring you samples to preview.

Take the following items with you when you're shopping for gowns:

- A strapless bra or bustier

- Panty hose

- A pair of shoes with the same type of heel as the ones you plan to wear for your wedding

- Your mom, sister(s), honor attendant and/or bridesmaids. Try to limit your group to three people. And do remember that the one person who really wants to be there is your mom!

After you've found the dress - and you'll know it when you see it - find out the following information from your salesperson.

- How long will it take for the dress to arrive? Can it be rushed if necessary? Although you know you should start shopping early, it may take you awhile to find the right gown.

- Will the dress you order look exactly like the one you try on? Make sure you're getting exactly what you want.

- Does the dress have a matching headpiece? While you might not want a headpiece that exactly matches your dress and may instead choose a complementary one, it's good to know whether you have the option.

- Does the store carry headpieces, or can they suggest a store with a good selection of headpieces? Your salesperson can either help you pick out a headpiece and veil, or direct you to a quality shop.

- What alterations will need to be done? How much will they cost and can you get a written estimate? Get everything in writing.

- If your bridesmaids order their dresses through this store, are there discounts available? Some stores offer a percentage off your gown or your bridesmaids' dresses if you order all from them.

- How much is the deposit? Some shops require a flat fee, others ask for a percentage of the overall price.

- What are the cancellation/refund policies? Check to see if there is a certain time period during which you can cancel your order and have your deposit refunded.

- When is the final balance due? Some stores require final payment before the dress comes in.

- Can the store list everything about the dress on the contract? As always - get everything in writing. For your gown, this means the designer's name, size, price, color, fabric, manufacturer, style number and delivery date.

Will you work with the same salesperson when you come in for fittings? Some salespeople are there to sell only. In that case, you'll deal with a different staffer for fittings.

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