Picking a Wedding Dress

The most fun — and possibly the most stressful — part of the wedding is the wedding dress: choose and working with a designer, going for fittings, choosing shoes and jewelry, and more.

To begin your search for that perfect wedding gown, take time to pore over magazines and bridal books, attend wedding expos, check out designers’ websites, and visit bridal shops. Clip pictures that catch your fancy, and narrow your collection down to your favorites.

At the same time, find out the kids of cuts, necklines and skirt types that suit you. The best way to do that is to try on some dresses. Ask a friend or your mom to go with you for another person’s opinion.

When you’re settled on a wedding gown design idea, check out the works of designers or couturiers that have a similar design point of view as you. Visit their shops and find out about their price schemes. Some designers have off-the-rack and made-to-measure bridal collections, which may fit nicely into your budget.

Schedule a meeting with more than one designer and show them your wedding gown clippings. Most designers use the first meeting to get to know you and show you a sketch only on the second meeting. However, some of the more established designers require a presentation fee should you request a sketch; he fee is deducted from the total fee of your wedding gown if you decide to go with him.

Here are a few tips on how to deal with Wedding Dress Designers:

1. Go with a designer with whom you have great rapport. You should be comfortable enough to tell him or her your wishes, or complain about something in the dress if need be. But think twice about hiring on the sole of friendship. Sometimes it’s easier to go with someone you know only on a professional level because you can demand from him without having to worry about hurting his feelings, which can happen when you’re dealing with a friend.
2. Speak up, and say it as early as possible. If something about your dress bothers you, say so, and don’t be ashamed or feel guilty about it. You should collaborate with your wedding dress designer, not be forced to accept something you’re not so sure of. Do it early — when he can still do something about it.
3. Let your wedding dress designer in your schedule. Your wedding dress designer has a lot of work. By being clear about your schedule, such as the days you can come for fittings or the exact day you need your dress delivered, you allow him to do his job well and on time.

Dressing your Entourage

Your bridal party’s outfits usually reflect the theme, mood and color palette of your wedding. If it is formal, the women wear floor-length skirts and the men wear either suits. In less formal weddings, women can wear tea-length skirts.

Dressing the entourage can become a hassle, especially if you have friends who are extremely busy or are from out of town. Do not even try to arrange all their fittings with the wedding dress designer by yourself: You’ll go mad. Let your wedding dress designer coordinate all the fittings directly with your entourage. All you need to do is follow up with your wedding dress designer just to make sure everyone is complying with the schedule.

Shoes and Accessories

Your look isn’t complete without accessories. For accessories such as shoes, jewelry, your pouch, hair accent, etc., discuss everything with your wedding dress designer. If there are family heirlooms you want to use, bring them in one of your fittings and try it with the wedding dress.

Shoes may be custom-made with the fabric of your dress. Designers usually work in tandem with shoemakers, but there are also custom shoemakers who work independently.

It is important for your shoes to be comfortable because you will be standing, walking, and dancing around in them for hours. Break in your shoes about two weeks before the wedding by walking and standing in them at home. If you plan to dance a lot, it is wise to pad the soles with suede and add an arch support.