10 Steps  to Choosing

your best dress

1Think location, location, location
Knowing the place and time of your wedding will help focus your search. Getting married on the beach? Then rule out ball gowns with long trains. Light, airy fabrics such as chiffon with silk flowers and ribbon trims will look fresh and flow beautifully with ocean breezes. Exchanging vows in candlelight? Then avoid simple slip dresses that look like you are going to a cocktail party. Most fabrics are suitable year-round, but save heavy satins, velvets, and brocades for snow brides.

2 Know the lingo
Start looking at bridal magazines to find styles you like. If you bring in pictures, you can better convey to us what you are looking for. Don't worry. If you don't know what a basque waist is, we'll show you.

3Set your budget
Before you start looking, decide how much you can spend. This way we won't show you gowns that you love but can't afford. You also have to factor in extras, such as custom changes you want added to your gown by the manufacturer, and alterations. 

4Start shopping early
Six to nine months before your wedding is not too early to start shopping for your wedding gown. If a manufacturer has the size and color you want, it can ship within 48 hours. If they need to make one for you, it can take four-five months. Remember to allow time for alterations. Even if it fits beautifully, you will probably want the train bustled. If you are short on time, certain styles can be rushed for an extra charge, or you can buy sample gowns off the floor.

5Schedule your appointment
We prefer you schedule an appointment so we may better serve you. If possible, shop on a weekday (Saturdays are mayhem). We allow one to one-half hours per appointment, so you can try on six to eight dresses. We'll record the gowns you like in our system. You can jot down your own notes as well, but we don't allow pictures until you purchase a gown. Avoid bringing an entourage with multiple opinions to confuse you and wear you out, so invite one or two people whose opinions you value and know you and your taste. We suggest finding your gown first. Then make a separate appointment to bring in your bridesmaids so they can try on dresses.

6Find your dress for less
You don't have to spend a million dollars to look like it! We can sell sample gowns at a discount, and we always have a rack of discontinued samples at substantial savings. If you purchase your accessories the same time as your gown, you'll save 15% on them too.

7Humor us
THE gown may be the one you least expect. A gown we suggest for you to try may not look great on the hanger, but fabulous on you. We aren't about high pressure, and we won't force you to purchase a gown that you're not in love with. You are our best advertisement floating down that aisle!

8Forget the size thing
Bridal-wear runs smaller than ready-to-wear. You say you wear a size 8 in jeans? You may need a size 12 for your bridal gown. We order the size you want; we recommend a size, but the final decision is yours. Don't put yourself through the stress of losing weight to fit into a smaller gown. Order the one that fits you now. Most gowns are easy to take in, but sometimes difficult and expensive (or impossible) to let out.

9Get it in writing
Once you decide to purchase THE gown, we will go over the contract with you to confirm style, size, color, and any custom changes. We require a 50 percent deposit to place your order, and before you sign on the line we verbally tell you that all sales are final. In the event of a cancellation, the manufacturer won't take the gown back from us, so we cannot refund monies to you. A gown that might arrive damaged is returned immediately and replaced immediately at no cost to you.

10Your fittings
It usually takes two to three fittings to adjust your gown. Our seamstress wants to see you for your first fitting about six weeks before your wedding, at which time you will need to have your undergarments, shoes, and accessories. Decide: Can you lift your arms easily? Do the straps stay up? Are you happy with the design of the bustle? Your final fitting will take place a week or two before your wedding. Bring your mom, your personal attendant, a bridesmaid, whomever will be helping you into your gown. Our seamstress can show them how the bustle goes up. You need to let the seamstress know when you want to pick it up ~ then prepare to be wowed ~ your gown is finally ready.