Wedding Dresses

 
Shopping for wedding dresses can be extremely fun, somewhat frustrating initially, or somewhere in between. :) Even before entering a bridal shop, though, your first goal should be to browse through several current bridal magazines and see what jumps out at you. Be sure to keep in mind the time of year as well - if you are planning a destination wedding on the beach, for example, you'll probably want to focus on beach wedding dresses or simple wedding dresses for the big day.

Next, compile a collection of wedding dress pictures to work with, and if you find something you particularly love you can look online to see if the gown is available at a local bridal shop. If your dream dress is not in stock or not carried by your local store, you may want to check to see if they can order it for you to try on in-store. Bridal shop consultants are also great at suggesting similar (and possibly less expensive) gowns to the styles you're envisioning - so take advantage of their knowledge and feel free to ask them for their suggestions and advice when you arrive.

Lastly, as you research wedding gown designs and styles in magazines and online, you might also want to write down the name of any wedding dress designer that catches your eye and that you might want to explore more at your appointment.

TIP: When you're ready to start trying dresses on, you might feel more comfortable having your best friend or a family member with you - a second pair of eyes and some moral support can help tremendously, and the day will automatically become more fun!

Designer Wedding Dresses

Some designers might come to mind when you simply mention the word wedding dress - Vera Wang wedding dresses are arguably the most well-known - but there are many other top designers including Alfred Angelo, Maggie Sottero, Jessica McClintock and Monique Lhuillier.

An important note to keep in mind, however, is there are hundreds of smaller designers as well, and you may just fall in love with a designer you hadn't considered before. Keeping an open mind throughout the process may even help you snatch a great deal on a bridal gown by a lesser-known maker.

Discount Wedding Dresses

For brides on a budget (and who isn't these days!), you may want to explore alternative options for purchasing your wedding gown, including dress sample sales offered by larger bridal shops including David's Bridal (nationwide), Kleinfeld's (of "Say Yes to the Dress" fame; NYC area) and others. If there is a Filene's Basement in your area, you can check to see if they have any of their famous bridal gown sales scheduled.

You might even check out prom dresses at your local department store; you never know what you might stumble across! The formal gown section at Macy's, Lord & Taylor and other upscale department stores is also a great place to look for mother of the bride dresses, both in stores and online. David's Bridal also offers huge discounts on bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses and flower girl dresses in their online outlet.

For the more adventerous, you might find truly cheap wedding dresses at such outlets as thrift stores, consignment boutiques or advertised online on Craigslist, eBay, etc.

TIP: Consider letting your bridal party select their own dresses for the big day. Simply send each bridesmaid a fabric swatch and some general ideas about types of dresses to look for, and leave the rest up to them! Not only will they be able to shop within their own budget by having more options to choose from rather than having to purchase a specific bridesmaid dress, they'll also likely be able to wear the new dress they pick out to other occasions in the future.

Bridal Accessories

In addition to your dress, other accessories that you might want to buy now include:

• Veil
• Headpiece
• Bridal undergarments (you can bring these with you if purchased previously)

Before your first fitting, you should aim to purchase your shoes so that you can wear them at the fitting.

Other bridal accessories that are often added include:

• Bridal Jewelry - Earrings, Necklace, etc.
• Bridal Purse
• Hair Accessories
• Gloves and/or Wrap
• Garter

Other attire-related wedding items may be purchased later on in your planning and include:

• Rehearsal Dinner Dress
• Honeymoon Attire - including an outfit you can change into after the reception, and any lingerie items for the first night of your honeymoon.

TIP: When transporting your new wedding dress by car before the wedding, do not leave your dress unattended in plain sight (a prime target for theft, unfortunately.) Also, be careful not leave your dress in the trunk for extended periods if the weather is warm, as wrinkling may set in quickly.

related articles & advice

• Local Bridal Shops - find a store in your area
• Local Tuxedo Stores - for the groom and his groomsmen

special offers for the bride & groom

Updated daily with hot deals, coupon codes and free shipping offers for the engaged couple from our wedding partners. Shop Now >>