Shopping For Your Wedding Dress and Evening Wear
( see below for list of Bridal Wear Retailers)
 

The Wedding Dress

Finding the perfect wedding dress can be both challenging and pleasurable. Wedding dresses come in many styles, fabrics and price ranges. Dresses vary from simple, informal types to elaborate puffy productions with intricate beading and long trains. Below are a few thoughts to keep in mind while searching for your perfect dress. Remember the dress will be what everyone looks at all day. Obviously the bride should love it, but ideally, the bridesmaids should too. Let them help you choose it.

When to Start Looking

Most stores recommend that you order your dress six months before your wedding. When you shop for your dress, never shop alone. Inform the assistant of your plans: formality of wedding; style preferences; budget and wedding date.


Thornton Richards Photography

  Many, but not all, bridal stores have knowledgeable sales people, who can assist in selecting the right dress for you. If your choice is a new dress, allow at least plenty of time for fittings, manufacture and delivery. Allow extra time to guard against the possibility of something going wrong - - - for example, delay in delivery of the gown, delivery of the wrong gown, or delivery of a damaged gown, which will require repair.

Ask Questions
Do not allow yourself to be intimidated by the salesperson who is assisting you. Feel free to ask questions about anything you are unsure of. Be sure to satisfy yourself that there are no additional or hidden costs, such as for steaming or final alterations.

Ordering Your Dress

You will be measured and the dress you choose will be ordered nearest to your size. Be sure to bring the shoes you'll wear on your wedding day.


 

 

 


 

      
                             Anna Allen,  Alpine Images NZ
 

Some stores may include one fitting in the cost of the dress. Special alterations and extra lengths involve additional charges, as do headpieces and veils. Most shops require a deposit when you place your order. The order is placed immediately, which means, if you cancel, you will forfeit your deposit and pay for the entire cost of the dress.

Put It In Writing

Insist that all of the essential terms of your agreement with the salesperson be in writing. Do not proceed on the basis of an oral agreement or understanding. Unfortunately, should you and the salesperson later disagree on the terms of your agreement, the salesperson will have a distinct advantage in the negotiation process, since he or she holds your gown and, in all likelihood, you will not have sufficient time to make alternative arrangements, such as purchasing a gown from another shop.

Keep all receipts. The delivery date of the dress and headpiece should also be included.

If you allow enough time to shop for your dress, you'll find the dress that's uniquely you!

 


Choosing Evening Wear for Men - Click Here


Bridal Wear - Retail and For Hire

Bridal World,  
20 Main Road, Ballarat. Phone: (03) 5332 8233

CK's Bridal Recycle,
54 Curtis Street, Ballarat. Phone: 5333 7712