15 Things Every Bride Should Know Before Shopping for Her Wedding Gown

The dress of your dreams is finally just an appointment (or two or three…) away. There aren’t many things on this earth as dreamy as walking into a bridal salon for the first time. Each store, with rows and rows of wonderful white fabrics and runway-worthy silhouettes, is overwhelmingly enchanting. Combine that magical feeling with one part excitement, two parts mama’s opinion, and three parts champagne, and you can bet all normal reasoning goes right out the door.

So, before the bridal store casts its spell on you, it’s important to do a little homework. That way, when you’re star-struck by a budget-busting ball gown, you at least have a few notes jotted down to help bring you back to reality (or help you responsibly reason your way to a bigger budget). Here are a few helpful things to keep in mind before you slip on your first dress.

1. The earlier you can shop, the better. It’s helpful to know the general tone of your wedding before hitting the boutiques, but it’s shocking how far in advance you need to order your gown. We recommended shopping eight to ten months in advance. This will ensure your selection isn’t limited based on your ordering time frame, and, just in case you need multiple shopping trips, you’ll have plenty of extra shopping time.

2. Keep your shopping team small. We know that “Say Yes to the Dress” brides often have a couch full of commentators, but we don’t recommend it. Invite a two or three people whose opinions you trust to avoid being overwhelmed or deterred from a dress you love by too many comments from the peanut gallery.

3. Brush up on dress terminology 101. Taffeta, tulle, illusion – oh my. It’s helpful to speak the same language as your consultant, and you may not have looked at designer dresses in a while (cotillion and prom were many moons ago!). As you’re pulling pictures from Pinterest, be sure to check out the terminology behind the looks you love.

4. Do your research, but avoid over-pinning. Definitely do a good bit of online looking before you shop, but be careful of the fairytale world Pinterest depicts. If you spend too much time scrolling through perfectly styled images of super expensive dresses, you may end up a little bit disappointed during your real life appointment with a budget (even if it a big one!).

5. Remember that every bride’s experience is different. Just because your sister picked her dream dress during her first-ever appointment doesn’t mean the pressure is on for you to do the same. Don’t be deterred if it takes you longer than you expected, but also don’t walk away if you fall in love at first sight.

6. Don’t walk in the door without a budget and general style in mind. While it’s critical to keep an open mind during your appointment, you’ve got to give your consultant some direction for a successful shopping experience. Your budget, taste, and over-all wedding vision are some of the first questions you will be asked, so come prepared.

7. Factor in extra costs. Don’t forget about the price tags on alterations and accessories when planning your budget. The perfect shoes, veil, and belt can be more expensive than you expect. Be sure to ask the salon about their alterations policies and pricing, too. You’ll need to factor in those costs into your gown-shopping budget.

8. Take how far you’re traveling into consideration. Don’t get us wrong. We love a weekend getaway with the girls to go shopping. But, don’t wander too far without considering the complications for alterations. If you buy a dress that’s a plane flight away, you’ll either have to fly back there for fittings, or figure out a local seamstress willing to work on a designer dress he or she may not be familiar with. Many bridal salons will not work on a gown they did not sell you.

9. Come ready to play the part, but don’t go overboard. There’s nothing like having all eyes on you to make you hyper aware of your appearance. Stepping out of your yoga pants with no make up on into a designer ball gown may not set the right tone for wow-worthy appointment. Don’t get all dolled up, but looking presentable will help you feel good in the gowns you’re trying on.

10. Try on a few things outside of your comfort zone. Even if you’ve always envisioned a ball gown, don’t be afraid of the A-line or fit and flair mama pulled for you. We promise it’s not a waste of time. There may be another element – like the fabric or the neckline – that will speak to you. Or, you just might surprise yourself and fall in love with look you hadn’t anticipated.

11. Shop for your own skin. What styles and silhouettes do you like on your body as it is now? Even if you’re planning to lose a few pounds between now and the Big Day, your body type won’t completely change. Shop for what looks good on you now. It’s easier to take a dress in than make a dress that’s too small work at all.

12. Don’t let bridal sizes scare you. It won’t be your normal number. Bridal sizes are tiny. Don’t get down if the gown you’re trying on is a much bigger size than you normally wear. It’s not you. It’s the dress. Really.

13. Come ready to commit, but don’t force it. When the right one comes along, you’ll know it. It sounds cliché. We know. But, it’s so true. If you’re not feeling it, don’t let mama’s tears on the sideline talk you into the wrong gown. On the other hand, if it’s the one, don’t feel like you have to walk away and think about it. Go for it.

14. Be prepared to approve every little detail before you leave. The process isn’t over when you pick the dress. As you’re getting measured, you’ll get questions on every detail of your dress from any variation in fabric color to the heel height you plan to wear on your wedding day. You’ll have to sign off on them all.

15. Take a picture of “the one,” but don’t put too much weight on that one snapshot. If you’re shopping on a normal schedule, it might be six or more months until you see your gown again. Though you’re sure to obsess over any pictures you took of yourself in the dress in the meantime (it’s impossible not to!), don’t secondguess yourself. Keep in mind that the dress in that picture isn’t your dress. It’s likely clipped all over the place and may even have an element that you’re changing all together. Replay the amazing feeling it gave you in the salon, and remember your gown will literally be made to fit your body.

Once you’ve found the one, get ready to pop the champagne and wait. There’s nothing quite like unveiling your dress at your first alterations appointment. You’re sure to fall in love with your pick all over again.


From Weddings Beautiful Worldwide newsletter May 2017

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Gift Registries

Despite the fact that gift registries have been around for nearly a century, there are still couples who resist using them and feel awkward about signing up with their "wish list".  They feel like they are begging for gifts and are embarrassed to do so.  But know this - gift registries are a blessing to both the couple AND THEIR GUESTS.  Guests would prefer to give gifts that they know the couple want and will prize.  They are going to give a gift but would much rather give something sought after.  Help them out and register.Here are some guidelines to help make the registry lists helpful to both you and your guests.

·         Take a look at the guest list and make sure the items for which you are planning to register offer a wide price range.  If many of your friends are in university or just graduated, they may have student loans to pay off and can't afford expensive gifts.  Make sure your gift registry has moderately priced  items on it.

·         Put gift cards on the list.   At one time people felt funny about gift cards, but they are totally acceptable.  They are an easy last minute grab for guests who don't plan ahead and are a lovely bit of spendable "cash" for an item you wanted but didn't put on your gift registry.

·         Provide in-store and online options.  The online options are perfect for out of town guests and relatives.  However, remember that there are people who like to lift and touch the items they plan to buy for you.  For them, a bricks and mortar store is a must.

·         Ask only for items you really want.  Some wedding planners will say it's ok to include items that you don't particularly want because you can always return them.  Try to avoid that.  It can be a hassle to return things and you can end up having to explain to your favorite aunt why the lamp she purchased for you isn't on the end table as she envisioned it.  Spend time up front and make good choices the first time.

·         Consider adding a few personal items to the list.  The bride can add a few things she personally wants and so can the groom.  The items don't need to all be useful around the house.

·         Be gracious no matter what the gift is.  You must thank every person for every gift whether you like the item or not and whether it was on your registry or not.  People give you gifts because they care for and about you and want to share in your celebration.  They need to know how important their gift was to you.

Call 868 628-9333 or email  mwilt@triniweddings.com for more ideas and answers to questions.

The Guest List

Deciding who to invite and how many to invite are major decisions that will impact much of your wedding planning effort.  But before that decision of who and how many is made, you must do some serious thinking.  You and your finance need to consider what kind of wedding you want.  Have you dreamt of a huge wedding with nearly everyone you know in attendance or do you prefer a more intimate gathering of your closest family and friends?  What is your budget?  Does that mean that you have a few guests for an elegant sit down dinner or a big gathering at a buffet?  Once you have a handle on the likely size of the wedding, you can begin to gather guest names.

There are a few traditional ways to assemble the guest list.  The simplest is to divide between the bride's family and the groom's family - 1/2 each.  Or you can divide the list in thirds - 1/3 to the couple, 1/3 to the bride's family or 1/3 to the groom's family.  Remember to be flexible and try not to hurt anyone's feelings.  Know that there is some flexibility in the numbers.  Most wedding planners would suggest that as many as 20% of those invited will be unable to attend for a variety of reasons.  This can vary by time of year and area of the country, but it is a good general rule to keep in the back of your mind.

When you are assembling your lists, keep in mind that not only the names on the lists get invitations, but also the groom's immediate family, the wedding officiant, all members of the bridal party as well as their spouses or dates.

Once the potential list is assembled from all parties, you may find that some cuts will have to be made.

Deciding whom to cut or how many to cut is tough.  Maybe everyone has to cut a set number from their list.  Or the person with the longest list should make the cuts.  Or you can set criteria for certain categories of people like business associates or casual acquaintances or friends you haven't seen for years.  Maybe some of the names submitted are not likely to attend and would be better served by an announcement.  Maybe the wedding should not/could not include children.  Leave the parents on the guest list but omit the children's names when the invitation is addressed.  Whatever method is chosen, try to be fair and equitable.

Budget Ideas

We know that if a bride isn’t careful, the budget for her wedding can be blown in an afternoon.

At TriniWeddings we are experts at helping brides create the wedding of their dreams without the nightmares that come with being over-budget. Here are some practical ideas that we know can help avoid the budget crunch.
The guest list. Look at your wedding realistically. You are inviting friends and relatives to help you celebrate this important day in your lives. Others on the list are likely to be friends of both sets of parents. A conversation with each of them about the number of guests is necessary unless you and/or your parents can afford to pay for everything and everyone.
Big floral arrangements (as seen on TV portrayals of "must have" accessories) are likely to be beyond your budget and are certainly not necessary. Take a good look at the church and see if you really need all those flowers. Most churches do not. Instead of floral overloads, we suggest that you rent some greenery if you have large places to fill. Use the money to enliven your reception spaces if necessary.
If you have a friend or relative who was recently married, it may be possible to borrow some things – gloves, shoes, veils or headpieces, jewelry. It will not only save you money but satisfy your need for "something borrowed".
When you place your order for wedding invitations, order all your wedding stationery needs at one time (including a few more than you think you will need) and do not forget your thank you cards. Set up charges for a few extras later can be very expensive.
While today’s invitations offer a wide variety of paper style, colors, fonts and trims. The current trend toward memorable and unique invitations may be exactly what you want. However this is costly and you may have to spend a significant portion of your budget on this. Try instead to make a simple elegant statement using ivory vellum and choosing an interesting font. For more invisible budget ideas, or answers to questions, phone us at 628-WEDD or email info@triniweddings.com