Gown Shopping 101
Shopping for your pièce de résistance (a.k.a. wedding gown) can be one of the most exhilarating or one of the most discouraging experiences of your life.
Too many opinions, expectations that are too high, or trying on too may gowns, are just some of the mistakes that can lead to disappointment. Disappointment in the gown? It doesn’t get any worse than that. This is the most important gown you will ever wear, and it not only has to be perfect, the memories surrounding it have to be perfect too.
No matter how much you want to have the gown in your possession, remember the old adage ‘Getting there is half the fun’ and give it some time and thought before venturing out to the wondrous world of bridal salons. Everything associated with the gown, dreaming of it, shopping for it, wearing it, should be filled with happy memories.
Practicality. In the excitement of the impending day, visions of wedding gowns will be dancing in your head, and you may feel compelled to fulfill your craving. Perfectly understandable under the circumstances; however, it’s better to wait until a cooler head prevails. Take the time to finalize your season, location, number of guests etc. before letting the fantasies take reign.
Preparation. Browse before you leap. Materials, styles, levels of formality. There’s a mind-boggling selection out there, and if you don’t want gown shopping to become your day job, narrow down your preferences. Sleek and simple or full and extravagant? Antique lace or taffeta with ruching? Defining your personal preferences narrows the search.
Flexibility. While having a clear idea of what you want in a wedding gown is good, so is listening to another opinion. Refusing to consider advice is as big a mistake as being swayed by advice. It can’t hurt to try it on.
Expectations. If you keep waiting for that magical moment when the gown speaks to you, your search could turn into a never ending quest. Some brides report being overcome by a flood of emotion when they found the right one, but it’s not as common as we are led to believe. For the most part, an uncontrollable cry over finding the gown is a creation of television’s need for a dramatic ending. Wait for your reflection to bring tears to your eyes and you could be waiting a long time. If you really love the gown, but it doesn’t make you cry, don’t stress over the lack of a breakdown. Maybe you’re just not the type!
Finalization. Gown shopping can be like a drug that you just can’t get enough of. It’s so much fun, you look forward to it every day, it calls to you in the night, and you look amazing in every gown. Who would want to give that up? Sadly, there comes a time when you have to make a choice, but your shopping induced brain may keep calling you back. It’s commonly known as second guessing. Once you have made the decision, be strong, don’t give in, and if necessary, call a friend who can offer support by telling you what a great choice you made. Hang tough.
