Shopping For Your Perfect Gown!

When clients learn that I used to work in a bridal salon, they immediately ask for advice on the gown selection process and why are those girls so mean! Here are my top 10 take it from someone who knows tips:

1. First and foremost remember it is YOUR gown and YOU should make the decision. Not the salesperson....not your bestfriend....not your mother or mother-inlaw to be....etc. Advice is great but YOU have to love it!
   
   
2. What type of shopping experience are you expecting? Weekend service can be different from week day service just as early morning can be different from late evening. Not all shops will give you one on one service. Call the shop ask them if you need an appointment, is the store kid friendly, can you take pictures, will your salesperson be dedicated solely to you.
   
   
3. Remember your "consultant" is a salesperson after all is said and done. She/He (yes, men do work in bridal salons) more than likely works on commission and time is money. The goal is to sell you a gown and eveything that goes along with it. Yes, she/he should be nice, polite and eager to serve you. That is called good Customer Service. However don't expect the salesperson to be overjoyed when you spend two or more hours trying on gowns only to say "I am not buying today. I am just here to get ideas."
   
   
4. Do your homework. Walk into that salon armed with knowledge and ideas. What type of wedding are you having? Do you have any special rules you must follow? What is your dream style ballgown, sheath, mermaid, a-line? What designers do you like? The more knowledgeable you sound the better service you will receive. Trust me.
   
   
5. What is your magic number? Gowns prices are all over the place $99 and up WAY UP!! Do you really want to risk trying on a $3000 gown and falling in love with it knowing your budget calls for a $1500 gown? Unless you are willing to find the extra $$ try on styles within your budget. Allow some room in your budget for all the extras (bra, slip, shoes, headpiece). Also, realize that sometimes higher price really does equate to higher quality.
   
   
6. When you find the gown of your dreams buy it. If you are out shopping you need to be prepared to buy. Sometimes the salesperson isn't kidding when they say "If you don't buy it now, I can't guarantee you can get it later". There is nothing worse on both sides of the coin than a bride coming back to the store only to find her dream gown is no longer available. It is hard for the bride to hear and hard for the salesperson to explain.
   
   
7. Know the terms of the sale and get them in writing before making the purchase.
   - Who is the designer of the dress and is the store an authorized reseller?
   - Are your purchasing off the rack or ordering.
   - What size are your ordering
   - What is the delivery date.
   - If you are purchasing off the rack will the store clean, press, alter, or fix any imperfections and if so is there a charge.
   - Is there a payment plan and what is the payment schedule and when is the final payment due.
   
   
8. If you buy your gown, stop shopping for gowns. All sales are final at most salons and very rarely will you get your money back. You have plenty of other tasks to complete once your gown is purchased. Move on don't second guess yourself.
   
   
9. GET THE ALTERATIONS!! I can't express this one enough. Fit is everything. A properly fitted gown looks better and feels better. Ladies, don't think you can "kick the front of the dress out" as you walk down the aisle to prevent getting a hem. Hem it up, take it in, let it out but get the fit right. You don't have to have the work done where you purchased the gown but for heaven's sake get it done.
   
   
10. Have fun. Buying your gown should not become a chore. Don't worry if you don't find it your first time out. It may take 3 or 4 shopping excursions. If you find yourself trying on gown after gown and comparing them to one particular gown. Then you have found the one. If it is not out of your price range girl, go get your gown. If it is not in the budget either find a way to make it work or get it out of your mind and move on.