Advice for Brides

Do your Homework
Use the variety of resources available to you to get an idea of what you are looking for. Magazines, websites and designers are good places to start looking.

Timings
Start your search 12-18 months before your wedding day so you can relax and enjoy it. Order 9-12 months prior.  Choose your accessories when your actual dress has arrived. It is better for you to decide on your accessories when you are actually standing in your dress and understand better the theme of your wedding. From 4 weeks, have a trial run with your hair and make-up with headpiece, followed by your final fitting for yourself and attendees.

Keep an open mind
You will be amazed when you start to try all the fabulous different shapes, fabrics, colours and designs available to you, how your ideas might start to develop into something completely different. Some brides-to-be can find what they are looking for in their first visit to a boutique and others like to try 4 or 5 different places before they start to narrow down their search. If you have the time and energy to visit many places then do so, you will soon get a good feeling as to what you do like and what you do not like.

What to take along with you to your appointments
Take a strapless bra with you and shoes if necessary. Also take any pictures or things that inspire you to give the consultant a good idea of your personal style and ideas. If you have a digital camera, make sure someone takes pictures of you in the gowns from all angles. It gives you a really good idea of what you will look like on your wedding photos. Also take along any items that you have set your heart on wearing on the day, for example, family jewellery, so you can make sure your overall requirements are not compromised.

Choosing your Gown
Remember to ask about the cost of alterations especially if you are working to a strict budget. The costs can vary widely between boutiques. All good boutiques will give you a detailed quotation and if you have taken pictures, you have everything you need to make decisions for your next visit. The timing of fittings is something to ask about as you want this to be relatively close to the big day to ensure a good fit.

Fittings
The number of fittings will vary depending on the gown and whether you have opted for a made to measure, toile fitting or standard size dress. The minimum number of fittings should be two.

Quick check list of things to take for fittings:

Shoes - to ensure the right length of your gown

Underwear - that you intend to wear on the day

Bra - with straps to correctly position the bust line .

On your Big Day
Your gown should be the last thing you put on. Give yourself at least 15 minutes with your gown and all your accessories on to relax and appreciate just how stunning you look. All that time spent on your search for the perfect wedding dress will definitely have been worth it!