Shopping for your bridal gown and dressing your wedding party
When shopping for your dress, be sure to bring with you a couple different bras (i.e. halter, low-back, strapless, etc. )and wear a g-string underwear. If you are planning on wearing form shaping undergarments, such as Spanx, don't forget to bring those along as well as dresses always fit better when one is wearing the proper undergarments. Bring one pair of shoes that will be the same height as in your wedding day. Secondly, choose a dress that highlights your best features. Think of an outfit that often earns you lots of compliments... Perhaps it's that strapless dress that shows off your shoulders or an a-line skirt that enhances your curves. If you are still unsure of the right style dress for you grab a trusted friend and make an afternoon of trying on dresses in your closet. Figure.
Book your tuxes at least 2-4 months in advance (minimum 4 months during busy months of June through September.
Before you book book tuxes, discuss who will be paying for the tuxes, etc. Know what color the Bride's and Bridesmaid's gowns are since that will dictate the color of the shirt and ties.
The Groom should always look more formal or at least slightly different than Groomsmen is some way, just as the Bride stands out, so should the groom!
As soon as you are ready, start shopping for your dress. Delivery times are only an estimate and leaving it too late could result in your not having the dress you wanted in time for the big day. When dealing with 'off the rack' purchase the garments are often being ordered from overseas and so things like customs and high demand for a certain style of gown cannot be predicted and may delay delivery. Be aware that alterations are always an extra cost because there is no way to know how a particular dress is going to fit your frame until you get it on. When ordering a dress off the rack all sales are final due to the fact that dresses are not stocked and are only cut and made upon official order of the dress.
Gone are the days that bridesmaid's are expected to wear exactly the same style dress. What's popular now, is having your girls pick a dress from the same designer but in different styles. This way the girls can express themselves in a style that suits them. which will make them happier. Most of our bridesmaid dresses later on can become a cocktail dress instead of sitting in the closet. We recommend choosing the same fabric and color for all their dresses, but if the girls do end up picking the same style dress, you could always mix it up by putting in different shades of the same color.
Don't think you are helping your bridesmaids by giving them color (like "green") and telling them to go buy any dress they like! Easier said than done - keep in mind that every color has huge variety of hues (whether it's green or a pink or even chocolate brown) and many hues do not work well together. Not to mention the fact that there are number of drastically different fabrics out there that can create a "hodgepodge" effect! Help them out by giving them out by designer and color from that designer (say "Liz Fields" and "Tea Green Satin") and then let them choose whatever.
If we can help in any way please send us an email or call us at 310-725-8539
