Oh No My Wedding Gown!!! Part One

Don't get caught with only a tissue to blot a bride's tears should she yell this most dreaded phrase. No emergency kit is complete without the proper tools to combat a variety of wedding gown "near" catastrophes. After years of working in the bridal gown industry and planning weddings here at Moments And Memories we have a separate kit for wedding gown emergencies. We constantly add and delete items from the kit based on the wedding, time of year and location. Here's a glimpse of some of our favorite kit items.

Sewing Kit

Needle & Thread - White, Ivory, Black and the Wedding Colors. We carry medium size spools not those mini barely able to hem half a coat sleeve sizes.

Scissors - Fabric Only Scissors. Using scissors to cut paper dulls the blades and fabric hates a dull blade.

Safety Pins - In various sizes. A well placed safety pin will quickly fix broken bustles, peeping bras and zippers that won't lock.

Lint Roller - Great for those lint catching black tuxes.

Fabric Glue - Stop a line of running beads in their tracks!

Lighter - Not recommended for the faint of heart or a novice. Organza and chiffon tend to fray horribly when torn. Burning the fabric ends will melt the fabric and stop a run. Please oh please use care and make sure the bride, bridesmaid, mom or guest is OUT OF THE GARMENT!!!

Anti-Static Spray - Especially during the winter months. Running low, wave you magic wand wire hanger on the garment or attach a safety pin to the hem.

Nylons and Socks - Yes we really do carry a spare pair or two.

White Slippers - Place them under the bridal table just in case the shoes must come off. Remember to put the heels back on when walking around!

Velcro - My personal favorite. Quick hems, missing buttons, fixing shoes, and on and on. We go through Velcro like crazy.

Goodness no wonder it's a stand alone kit. I had every intention of adding the stain information to this post but, I think we had better part two this topic and do a separate stain post. Just edited the title!

So what are your favorite emergency kit staples? I bet there are some great and ingenious ideas out there!

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.