The Bride
Chances are your wedding gown is the most important — and expensive — piece of clothing you'll ever buy. There is an enormous amount of pressure to find that “perfect” gown, and while at times is may seem like you are lost in a maze of white dresses, by taking your time and shopping wisely you will find the right dress for you.
Let's Shop!
How soon should I start shopping for my wedding gown? You can begin your search at any time, but eight to twelve months before the wedding is fine timing. This provides ample time to shop, compare, and order the gown. Keep in mind that wedding gowns should be ordered about six months before the wedding, so don't put off shopping for too long. If you're considering having a gown made, begin your process around the twelve-month mark to ensure you will find a designer that can produce your custom-made creation within your time frame.
What should I bring with me when shopping for my gown? Bring the proper undergarments: a strapless bra or bustier, shoes (in a heel height you typically wear), and any “must wear” jewelry or accessories. You may end up replacing some of these items with others, but it does give you a good idea of what to expect.
Alert
Many religions require that certain areas of the body be covered or that veils be worn during the ceremony. Before you go shopping, check with your ceremony venue and your officiant to determine whether there are any restrictions or special regulations for your gown. Also be sure to ask about restrictions on attire for the rest of the wedding party.
My fiancé's mother was hurt that I didn't bring her along to look for my gown. Was I wrong in excluding her? There are no rules about who should go gown shopping with you. You can always ask your mother-in-law to accompany you to one of your fittings. Most brides ask their mother or maid of honor to accompany them. Most importantly, your shopping companions should be supportive, helpful, and honest. It makes no difference if this person is part of your wedding party.
Fashionable Mentions
I found a gown with a cathedral-length train that I absolutely adore. Is this appropriate for an afternoon outdoor ceremony? Basically, the length of the gown's train and veil determines how formal the gown is. Long, cathedral-length trains are best suited for a very formal evening wedding, while shorter chapel or sweep trains are appropriate for less formal daytime or evening weddings.
What are the styles of trains? You need to look at the length and style of the train when determining which overall look best suits your wedding. Trains may be attached, requiring a bustle for the reception. Others are detachable and may be removed completely.
Train Styles
The royal is a dramatic and extravagant train and falls up to twelve feet on the floor.
The cathedral train is a very formal length. It falls anywhere from six to eight feet on the floor.
The chapel train is a popular choice among brides. It falls three to four feet on the floor.
The court is less formal than a chapel train. It falls about a foot onto the floor.
The sweep is less formal, falling around six inches on the floor.
The watteau falls from the shoulder blades or back yoke to the floor.
Dress Dilemmas
I'm a forty-year-old bride. This will be the first marriage for both my fiancé and for me. Can I still wear a traditional white gown? Any first-time bride can wear a formal, white wedding gown. What is important is to select a gown that is appropriate for your age and the formality of the wedding.
Essential
A current trend is for the bride to have two gowns, one for the ceremony and formal photos and one for the reception or party. The gowns are usually very different in style and feel to reflect the two components of the wedding day.
As a first-time bride, is it in bad taste for me to wear a colored gown? Color is not only appropriate, it is a fashion statement. Older relatives and guests may question this decision because it is not what they are accustomed to. Designers offer many options in soft, appropriate wedding colors. You can add color as accents on sashes, rosettes, and lace/appliqué details. Another option is to wear a traditional white gown, but add a sash, wrap, or brooch with a dash of color at the reception.
I love my mother's wedding gown and think it would be an honor to wear it. However, my parents are divorced. Would this be inappropriate? You first need to ask your mother how she feels about this. She may not be interested in dredging up old memories quite yet; if that is the case, wearing her wedding gown would be inconsiderate. If your mother is on board, then it is really a fine thing to do. A wedding gown is a sentimental and ceremonial garment, and the status of your parents' relationship should not define or diminish the meaning of the gown.
Accessories
Is it necessary to wear a veil over my face? The veil that covers the face is called a blusher. In most cases, it isn't necessary. However, some religions do require that the face be covered at some point during the ceremony, so check with your officiant.
Do I need to wear a veil? Just to be clear, blushers and veils are not synonymous; you may wear a veil without the blusher. Unless your religious affiliation requires it, both are completely optional. Many brides wear a veil for the ceremony and remove it for the reception. If you choose to forego the veil, try a dazzling headpiece, crystal hairpins, or fresh flowers to complete your wedding-day ensemble.
Should I wear gloves with a sleeveless gown? Traditionally, elbow-length gloves are worn if the gown has short sleeves or is sleeveless. Short gloves are worn otherwise. However, gloves are optional and many brides choose to forego the gloves altogether. If you decide to wear elbow-length gloves, split the seam of the glove so you can easily get your ring finger out (the seam can be re-stitched later). If you wear short gloves, take one off during the exchanging of rings. If you choose to wear your gloves during the reception, they can be left on at all times except when you're eating.
Essential
Don't forget your “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” The old represents ties to the past; the new, hope for the future; the borrowed, friendship; and the blue, faithfulness.
Alterations
Do all gowns need alterations? Most gowns will need some sort of alterations in order to fit you perfectly. The bridal consultant should present you with an estimate or pricing chart for alterations when you order your gown. Be sure to ask about costs for adding bustles or any other alterations that may need to be done.
