Time to buy a wedding Dress ..

Are you looking to buy a wedding dress?  It can be more difficult than you think, and of course you want it to look fabulous!  The St. Louis Wedding Insider has compiled some tips on how to buy a wedding dress.

Wedding Dress Buying Tips

If you have a long enagement, then time is on your side.  Our advice would be to have your dress chosen 6 months prior to your wedding.  Expect to spend approximately 6 weeks looking for your wedding dress, and longer if you are getting your wedding dress online.

When is the best time to buy a wedding dress?

For the best deals in wedding dresses purchased  from a department store, shop between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

How do I know what size to purchase?

When shopping to buy a wedding dress, be aware that your wedding dress size will run 2 – 3 sizes higher than your normal size.  Have your measurements taken professionally, as sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Photo sessions

Are you planning on having a photo session prior to your wedding?  If so, make sure your wedding dress is ready by that date.

How do I know what style is appropriate for me based on when and where I am getting married? 

The location and time of year should determine what kind of dress you are going to buy.  If you are getting married on the beach, don’t purchase a wedding dress with heavy beading, silks or satins.  Try cotton, or cotton/sateen or lace.  Be careful to consider these things in case you fall in love with a certain style that does not go with when and where you are getting married.

Undergarments

When looking to buy a wedding dress, wear the undergarments similar to what you will be wearing on your wedding day.  This applies to designer gowns as well as off the rack gowns.

Shoes

Wear the shoes you will be wearing that day.  This is important when making the proper alterations.

Label

Make sure your dress has a label.  It should state the manufacturer, distributor, retailer, fabric content as well as care instructions.  It is FTC regulation that all bridal gowns have this tag.  Some retailers can take off the tag and put in their own, but it is still regulation for the store to have all the information on the tag.

Looking for a bargain?  Stay tuned for the next article on how to buy a wedding dress for tips on how to find the best sales at your bridal stores.  You won’t want to miss it!