Five Tips for Selecting a Wedding Dress

Wedding dress shopping is fun and should be a memorable experience for the bride. When it is time to shop for the "perfect" dress, here a five tips to help you with the process.

• Inspect the Dress.   If you are buying an off-the-rack gowns, look the gown over with a fine toothed eye for detail, and when trying it on, sit-down and move around a lot to make sure there are no rips or buttons missing.
  
• Attend Fashion Shows. Plan to attend bridal fashion shows at a bridal shop or a bridal show so you can see dresses in action. Keep a list of where you go and which bridal salons you have seen.
  

• Go for Trends. Take the time to look through bridal magazines, wedding blogs and social media sites for ideas and the latest trends in wedding dresses. Educate yourself on type of dresses, silhouettes and fabrics. 
  
• Don't Procrastinate.  You should start dress shopping nine to twelve months prior to your wedding. It takes time for the manufacturer to make your dress, for fittings and alterations. This is an important part of your wedding...start early! 
  
• Budget Alterations.  Plan on extra for your alterations. The costs is not usually included in the wedding dress purchase. You should also know the time it takes to alterations done so that you can plan for it. 
  

Remember, when shopping for a bridal dress, you should enjoy yourself and have fun. This is a wonderful experience. Happy Shopping!

The Dress Matters is a Philadelphia area bridal shop providing brides with a boutique experience while getting a designer dress for less.


Images via Mori Lee