Of course there are a lot of things to get done before you big day, but the important thing is to remain calm throughout the entire process. It may seem like everyone is demanding your attention on a twenty-four hour basis, but the reality of the situation is that you are in control. In light of which, be sure to take your time and ensure you are putting 100% attention and effort into each aspect of your wedding. If you are planning a more elaborate wedding, a good rule of thumb is to book your venue about 15 months ahead of time, start planning your wedding shortly after that and start booking entertainment, photography and designing invitations about 12 months ahead of time. As for the dress, start scouting 12 months ahead of time and make your final selection about nine months ahead of time – this ensures the appropriate amount of time needed for fittings, tailoring and finishing touches.
Bridal lingerie should also be considered when you go in for any of the wedding gown fittings. The seamstress will want to tailor the dress while you are wearing exactly what you will be wearing on your wedding day. That way, there are no surprises. That goes for the shoes, hair accessories and veil, as well. You want to try all of these on together at least twice before your wedding to ensure that everything looks the way that you dreamed it to look. Doing this all on the days of your gown fittings is the most convenient time to get all-dolled up with bridal lingerie, make-up, high heels, veil and anything else you intend on wearing down the aisle.
If you hire a wedding consultant, you should make sure that she is at the fitting with you. Your bridal consultant has been to a lot of fittings in her time – hopefully – and she will know what to do, what to look for and when to say “no” to the salesperson. Keep in mind that boutique bridal shops go through great lengths to make you feel at home, comfortable and in the mood for spending a lot of money. They may offer you Champaign, food or cocktails in their efforts to win you over. Remember that your mission is clear: to find the dress that you absolutely love. With that being said, don’t be sucked into the luxurious ways of the boutique bridal shop.
Furthermore, bridal shops tend to make most of their money not off the dress that they sell, but off the in-house alternations. Alterations for a bridal gown are very expensive, since it all must be sewn by hand for customization. It is customary to order your bridal gown at least two or three sizes bigger so that there is room for customization and, if necessary, there is extra fabric to play with. Some brides have their veil created from the lace of their gown while others wrap the stem of their bouquet in their bridal fabric. Watch out for boutique bridal staff and salespeople who coax you into ordering an outrageously large bridal gown. The larger the gown is, the more alterations must be done and the more money the bridal shop is out to make. With this sneaky sales tactic, you will want your wedding consultant around to give you advice, say “no” to any shady offerings and keep your feet on the ground. Your wedding consultant will not let you get swept off your feet with luxury items and, instead, keep your mind focused on the gown of your dreams – which you and your consultant should discuss ahead of time.
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