Posted on: October 4, 2007
Dress Of Dreams
Trends are important, but taste is tantamount. Here’s how to choose the gown that’s a wedding dream come true
By Bev Bennett
CTW Features
As a bride you want the perfect dress that shows you at your loveliest.
But if your typical fashion decision centers on how much stretch you want in your jeans, shopping for an expensive and once-in-a-lifetime dress may seem overwhelming.
Defining your style will help you wade through the endless choices, says Joyce Sabatino, a New York bridal consultant.
“I think it’s the most critical part of finding a bridal dress,” says Sabatino.
To get a sense of what you like, check out the bridal magazines and wedding Web sites, says Marilyn Oliveira, editor of WeddingChannel.com.
Study photos of the dresses that catch your eye.
“You usually start to see a trend, even if you the bride don’t know it,” says Sabatino the owner of The Stylish Bride, a business that helps women shop for the appropriate wedding dress.
When she meets with clients she asks them to describe their style. Although the women may be at a loss initially, they soon talk about their preferences such as clean lines or a romantic look.
Think about the clothes that make you feel elegant and lovely. Maybe a certain neckline is most flattering, or a particular length makes you look slimmer. Take these into account, says Oliveira.
Next, consider what kind of wedding you’re planning.
If it’s black tie in the city, you’ll want a more formal dress.
“You can get more elaborate with beading and lace and fabrics like satin,” says Sabatino.
For an outdoor wedding opt for fabrics that are simple and less embellished, says the consultant.
You can choose from a wide variety of shops that sell wedding dresses. Where you go depends on your price range and the type of gown you want, says Oliveira.
“Salons are great for designer gowns, where stunning dresses are offered not only at retail, but also for reduced cost during trunk and sample sales.
“Many high-end department stores offer bridal salons that feature a mix of price ranges, and bridal chain stores are fantastic for beautiful, off-the-rack gowns that are very reasonably priced,” Oliveira says.
Although dress shopping with friends or relatives can be a fun bonding experience it can also be exhausting and counterproductive, says Sabatino.
“If you bring a group it becomes more and more confusing,” says Sabatino, who recommends limiting your companions to one or two.
Just make sure you’re with people whose taste you trust.
“Bring someone who is close to you to share the experience and give you honest feedback. No one who cares about you will allow you to buy a gown that’s less than gorgeous on you,” says Oliveira.
If you’re uncertain about which dress to choose, ask someone to take pictures of you in the bridal ensemble so you can see how you look.
And remember, as the bride you should be able to wear what you want. Maybe you’ll decide to walk down the aisle in white denim and lace.
