Have you ever watched TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress?
It’s a reality show about brides who are looking for their ultimate wedding gown. Said brides visit premier salons and come in with certain expectations about their ideal dress (supplied a budget that often gets blown out of the water).
Dress shopping can be much like Say Yes to the Dress, or different – in a good way. If you’re a bride-to-be on a mission to find the dress of your dreams, this column is perfectly tailored for your future hunt.
Now, finding “the one” can seem a little daunting – and that’s because it is. With all sorts of terminology being tossed around like A-lines, taffeta and sweetheart necklines, there’s no shortage of confusion in the wonderful (and sometimes wild) world of wedding dress shopping.
Below, you’ll find some basic terminology to familiarize yourself with before you even start surfing through the vast sea of bridal Pinterest boards.
Silhouettes
•Ballgown: your classic fairy tale gown with a fitted bodice and full poof from the waist down.
•A-line: not quite as exaggerated as a ball gown silhouette, but generally more fitted in the bodice and waist with a wide bottom – forming an “A” shape.
•Trumpet: fitted bodice, waist, and hips, with major flare from the mid-thigh down.
•Mermaid: sister silhouette to the trumpet with a tight fit from the chest all the way down to the knees, with a much lower bottom flare.
•Sheath: narrow and straight silhouette from the neckline to the hem.
•Empire: fitted around the chest with a high waist and long skirt.
•Tea-length: less traditional style cutting off somewhere between the ankle and knee.
•Mini: The flirtiest cut, well above the knee.
Fabric
•Satin: structured heavy fabric with a natural sheen.
•Taffeta: Similar to satin with slightly less sheen, lighter fabric that rustles when you move it.
•Chiffon: sheer, transparent fabric with no sheen.
•Charmeuse: lightweight cousin to satin with a lot of shine.
•Lace: unique detailed fabric best suited for a vintage-inspired look.
Now that you have a basic foundation of what a wedding dress can consist of, go nuts! Search for your favourite examples online, in magazines, and take snapshots at local wedding shows.
The next step is visiting some of your local bridal shops. Also consider looking online (though if you choose to shop this route, order extra early to account for potential returns/exchanges).
A few more things to consider once you’ve start shopping around:
•Know your budget. Whether it’s $150, $1,500 or $15,000, you will find a dress that fits within any price point – just make sure to adjust your expectations accordingly.
•Plan ahead. Start shopping six to twelve months before the wedding to allow ample time for the dress to arrive and avoid rush delivery fees.
•Choose a handful of different shops to visit. A chain like David’s Bridal will have a very different selection than a small local boutique like 7th Avenue Fashion. Try a few spots and see what suits your taste.
•Make an appointment. This way, you have uninterrupted time with a consultant and can potentially avoid weekend and seasonal rushes.
•Dress appropriately. It’s never a bad idea to come equipped with a strapless or stick-on bra to give you a better idea of what the dress will actually look like.
•Come armed without an army. There is such a thing as too many opinions. If your mind is easily swayed, only bring your parent(s) and one or two of your closest pals.
•Keep an open mind. Try out different silhouettes, necklines and fabrics. And remember, some choices look great on the rack, but fall very differently on your unique body type.
Lastly, remember this ultimate truth: this is your day, and your dress. No matter how many opinions you hears, trends you spots, and deals you find, it’s important to choose the best dress for you. Shopping should always be fun, and make the search for your wedding dress no exception!
