Specializing In Memorable
Traditional & Custom Wedding Ceremonies

Married in white, you have chosen right, 
Married in green, ashamed to be seen, 
Married in grey, you will go far away, 
Married in red, you will wish yourself dead. 
Married in blue, love ever true, 
Married in yellow, you're ashamed of your fellow, 
Married in black, you will wish yourself back, 
Married in pink, of you he'll think.

Despite the many elements that go into a wedding, perhaps none so captures women's thoughts and dreams as the wedding gown. Unless you are lucky enough to have an heirloom gown to wear, you will need to find some type of outfit in which to be married. Empress Eugenie first introduced what is today considered the "traditional wedding gown" when she married Napoleon III. The long white gown adorned with lace is still the dream of many brides today yet variations on this theme are numerous and allow you to choose a dress that best flatters your figure, ties in with your desired style of wedding, and fits your budget.

Background Work

Before shopping, give some thought to basic factors about your desired gown. For example, will it be a more traditional, long, gown in white or ivory or a less traditional outfit, perhaps short or even in a different color? Will there be a lot of decorations (i.e. lace, pearls, etc.) on the gown or will it be more simple? Short or long sleeves? Long train or no train? Are you planning a "theme" wedding (e.g. ethnic/culturally-based, Victorian, country, etc.)? Wedding magazines can be helpful resources for more traditional dresses, offering page after page of glossy photos. Other books, magazines, publications, and your own creativity/imagination may be more helpful for less traditional ideas. Giving some thought to other dresses that you own and particularly like and which flatter your figure may also help you to identify desirable fabrics and style elements.

The Sources

Bridal shops are perhaps the most obvious location for purchasing a more traditional gown. Upscale department stores are another good source. Be sure to try on lots of gowns; something that looks dreamy on the hanger may not carry over on to your figure and vice versa. Unless you know absolutely the dress that you want, a good rule of thumb is, "if you can stand the material, try it on." This will guarantee you'll try on lots of styles and materials before making a final decision. Another option for your dress, either traditional or not, is a trusted seamstress (family member, friend, or professional dressmaker). While it may seem luxurious to have a gown custom made, explore this option if it interests you even mildly; depending on the style of the dress, the made-to-order one could be less expensive and has the advantage of being exactly what you would like. One risk with a custom-order dress, however, is that, unlike a ready-made dress that you can try on, you won't know if the style is flattering on you until you are already commited to the dress and the seamstress, and well into the process. This thus argues for finding a seamstress who is willing to help you fashion a dress that is flattering to your figure.

FOR THE COST CONSCIOUS:

Consignment shops are another possible source for both more and less traditional gowns. Unlike other clothing articles, it's a safe bet the dress has only been worn once. Provided no major stains were incurred, a good cleaning can render the gown as good as new. Another money saving possibility is to buy a floor sample gown. Again, a good cleaning can transform a well tried-on gown into a perfectly pressed one at a much reduced price. Finally, if your heart is set on a gown that your budget can't do business with, and you're not wed to the idea of passing a gown down to your own daughter, renting your dress from a bridal rental shop may be a good, and reasonably-priced, solution.

Ordering The Dress

Ordering a wedding dress generally requires some lead time, unless you are lucky enough to purchase one "off the rack" or at a consignment shop. Ordering times vary but can be as long as several months, and then you will need some time for alterations and a final fitting. In a pinch, a store may be able to locate the desired dress in a shorter period of time. To be safe, however, and to have the greatest selection of dresses, it is advisable to begin shopping as early as possible.

Guidelines for dress shopping

Following are some helpful hints to make dress shopping the fun and exciting undertaking it should be:

1. Bring ONE trusted family member or friend for support and advice.

2. Eat a good breakfast or lunch before, during, and/or after, to keep your energy up and your disposition pleasant.

3. Be honest about your figure strengths and flaws and look for a gown that emphasizes and downsizes appropriately.

4. Don't bend to sales pressures. Wait to order/purchase a dress YOU are excited to wear.

5. Be honest about your budget and keep looking at various sources until you find a great dress in the right price range.

6. Keep laughing. A sense of humor will take you far in this process!

On the Big Day

Don't forget a bridal emergency kit!

Preserving Your Gown

After all the planning that goes into the dress for your wedding, you may want to preserve it for future wear by daughters and/or granddaughters.

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