White? Ivory? Champagne? Emerald green? Your call, really. I know that last option sounds strange, but a girl I know is determined to get married in a dress that looks just like Kiera's dress from Atonement. (And I think that's rockin' awesome.) After a brief two-week hiatus from this blog, I'm back in action. (Did you miss me?!?) I've been up to my ears in work and cleaning, and haven't had much spare time whatsoever. But never fear...
If you're so lucky as to have a rather short engagement, you'd better get crackin' on finding your dress; here's why: any bigger chain store (such as David's Bridal, Impression Bridal, Group USA, Alfred Angelo, etc.) will more than likely have to order your dream dress. (This is, of course, after you've tried it on in a four-sizes-too-big version to see what you'd look like. Never order a wedding dress that you haven't been able to visualize ON you. Bad idea.) At best, it will take 16-18 weeks to get your dress in. Yes... that's right. At least four months. After that four months, you'll then have to sit for primary and secondary alterations (and possibly even tertiary) in addition to bustle consultations. In short, the alteration process alone can take another three or four months in the 'busy season', so it's best to get your dress as soon as you possibly can. (Within reason, of course... if you haven't found the groom yet, don't buy the dress!)
Of course, if you're lucky enough to find your perfect dress off-the-rack, you're in good shape! This can be somewhat difficult if you're picky, but is definitely an option. There a few things to keep in mind when you're dress shopping; I'll go over a few of my most enlightening tips: 1) First and foremost, don't take twelve of your closest friends shopping with you. Take your mother and your maid of honor, or the friend you must trust to give you her honest opinion. Every woman you know will have a different opinion or a different favorite, and too many on-lookers will only confuse you. That's the last thing you need. 2) Remember that ultimately, the only opinion that really matters is yours. If you love a dress that no one else does, perhaps it's just because you have better style than they do. If you feel great about a certain dress, you won't be happy without it, and it's your day, so do it your way! 3) I think that ivory looks best on people with fair-toned skin. White tends to wash people out, and no one wants to look sick or ghostly on their wedding day. (Yes, brides have traditionally worn pure white to symbolize their chastity and purity, but let's be honest- most of us, in that respect, are really closer to a taupe color. Haha.) Chances are, no one will notice the color difference anyway! 4) Even if you're sure a certain dress is the one, try on a few more that interest you just to make sure. If you keep comparing them to the one you love and they pale in comparison, great! You've just found the best dress of your life.
No matter what, dress shopping is never easy. It's a bit stressful to have to choose an outfit several months in advance, and it can be tricky to find one that fits your personality and unique style. But don't settle for anything less than something that you feel like a princess in! When you're trying on dresses, picture yourself on your wedding day. (Envision the bouquet, put yourself in your venue, and smile at your groom.) It'll help you decide the dress you'll feel most gorgeous in on that day. You should, of course, try to stick within your budget, but don't sell yourself short on something that you 'simply can't get married without'!
Once you finally decide on the dress that sets the mood for your wedding-day look, consider your other 'bridal attire'. Do you want a tiara, a classicly-elegant blusher veil, or a longer veil that's more traditional? Will you be wearing heels or flats? (How tall is your groom? Haha!) Do you want petticoats under your dress, or do you like it better without? Are you one of those people who love the look of elbow-length gloves? The little details about your bridal 'look' are the ones that set you apart from other brides, so keep your personal style in mind with every detail of your planning for this particular aspect of your day. Keep it... well, keep it you.
