How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Dress

You've dreamt about walking down that aisle since you were a little girl, and now the big day is approaching. Whether you're choosing a dress off the rack or having one made just for you, follow these tips and make your dream come true.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Start your search six to nine months ahead. Special orders can take four to six months, plus time for alterations.

2. Keep your file of photographs of dresses you like from bridal magazines, advertisements and boutique promotions handy when you shop.

3. Choose a style appropriate for the ceremony. For a formal evening wedding, a floor-length dress in ivory, white, cream or champagne, often worn with gloves and a train, is an elegant choice. Semiformal dresses can be also be pastels, a floorbrushing (ballerina) length, with a short veil and no train. At a less-formal or second wedding, the bride may choose a long or short dress, or even a two-piece suit. A short veil may be very stylish paired with a classic pillbox hat.

4. Flatter your figure with a dress that suits you. Take a trusted, honest sister or friend who has your best interests at heart for feedback. Try one of each basic shape--princess, ball gown, sheath and empire waist--to see which flatters you most. Check that you can walk, turn, sit and bend comfortably, as well as lift your arms and hug loved ones without splitting a seam. Comfort and confidence are vital on this day of days.

5. Shop at bridal boutiques or department stores for a wide array of styles. Try on a few designer gowns first so you recognize the quality, then choose a dress based on your budget.

6. Set a budget. Off-the-rack dresses can be found for $250 and up. Jessica McClintock has a large selection of moderately priced gowns. A simple custom-made dress can be had for as little as $750, and can go as high as $10,000 for a Vera Wang, with many dresses in the lower third of that range.

7. Ask when bridal stores are next having a sample sale. Be on the lookout for warehouse sales on discontinued styles, samples and overstocks.

8. Make the deposit with a credit card. Get an itemized receipt spelling out every detail (manufacturer's and design name, number, price, color and size) and stating that the deal is canceled if your dress isn't ready by a specified date.

9. Budget for alterations, which can run $300 or more. Ask if pressing is included and if they'll store your dress until the big day. Also ask for recommendations for cleaning and storing the dress.

Tips & Warnings

• Scout local thrift shops for excellent buys. Bridal gowns have been worn only once, so providing they've been professionally cleaned, there's no problem. Designer castoffs cost more, but you could find a real steal for under $100.
• Look for quality: beads sewn on rather than glued, satin that doesn't feel so thin it might tear, a built-in petticoat or slip, and gloriously soft lace and detailing. French lace is best; the cheap stuff is stiff.
• Not particularly sentimental? See How to Sell Your Wedding Gown.
• Falling in love with a particular dress or style does not mean that it will flatter your figure. Ask for honest advice from someone who knows what they're talking about.

[jmeggs]

on 1/25/2009 www.thegreenhangershop.com is accepting listings for bridal gowns as well as bridesmaids, mother of the bride, flower girls, and other party attire.