GOWN  Q & A

I want to lose weight before my wedding. Should I order a smaller gown?  Not a good idea. Planning a wedding adds a lot of pressure and losing weight can be unnecessary added stress. It is difficult to make a smaller gown larger so play it safe and order the gown in your current size. If you do lose some weight, than you can have it altered. 

Is a chiffon gown worn for only a summer wedding or a winter wedding? Traditional chiffon was considered a summer-only wedding gown material but things have changed. Today brides wear a variety of different styles and fabrics. The most important factor is you and what you like to wear.

Where should I buy my bridal lingerie? Lingerie is critical in making your gown lay right. Bridal salons have an assortment of lingerie and can recommend what lingerie would work best for your gown. If your bridal salon doesn't carry lingerie, they should be able to direct you to a specialty store that does. Shop early for your lingerie because it may need to be custom-fitted. Make sure you bring all bridal lingerie with you to your final fitting.

When is it appropriate to wear a white gown or an ivory gown? What about pastel gowns? White is consider the most traditional color for a wedding gown where ivory is an appropriate choice for a very formal wedding. Pastel color gowns are becoming more popular. The color of your gown is not what's most important but that the style matches what type of wedding you are having. 

I've heard things can get hectic while shopping at a popular bridal salon. How can I  avoid the commotion? The best way to avoid the crowds is to shop on weekdays, this way you won't have to wait to try on gowns and your salesperson will be able to give you more individual attention. If you are still not able to shop on weekdays and have only the weekend, set your appointment to be the first one of the day. 

Being full-figured I have found it hard to find any gowns in my size. How can I find a gown I like if I can't see what it looks like on me first? Shop at a bridal salon that specializes in plus sizes. Check your Yellow Pages or Bridal manufacturers that advertise in Bridal Magazines. Call the stores listed in the ads that are in your area or call the manufacturers directly to find a salon near you. 

What is etiquette for who pays for the bride's gown? Traditionally the bride's family paid for it but today a bride may pay for the gown herself, she and her fiancé may share the cost, or she may split the cost with her parents. 

FITTING COUNTDOWN

6 to 9 Months: Choose your dress. Order your dress at least six months prior. Make sure you budget for the down payment, which could be 50%. Ask about policies, alteration fees, cancellation, free services and when your balance is due. Check on the delivery date of your gown also the fitting policy, such as how many you'll need, what to bring, how long each will last. 

3 to 6 Months: Three to four months after the order is placed your dress should arrive. At your first fitting bring your clothing that you'll wear on your wedding day, such as lingerie, heels, and style your hair similar to the way you'll wear it at your wedding. Order your headpiece and your shoes.

1 Month: Attend second fitting and make final alterations to your gown. Bring your shoes and your headpiece so any changes can be made. Hire a fitter, if needed, to assist you with your dress on your wedding day. Some fitters provide this service for a small charge.

2 Weeks: Attend the final fitting along with your mother or maid of honor so they can learn how to bustle your dress and secure your headpiece if you won't be hiring someone to assist you.

1 Week: Pick up your dress. Hang your dress unzipped while in its bag. Remove your dress on your wedding day, and lay it on a clean sheet or plastic. 

COORDINATING YOUR WEDDING PARTY

There are many styles to choose from but you want to choose a wedding party look to compliment your own. For the bridesmaids you want to choose a style that is similar to your own. For the groomsmen formal wear should be similar to the groom but the groom should stand out. Your selections should be based on what type, time and location of your wedding. You should also base your selection on what your wedding party would be comfortable and most attractive in. This guide and the section titled  "How to Flatter Your Figure" will assist you in choosing your wedding party attire. 

DAYTIME WEDDINGS

FORMAL:

Bridesmaid: Long or short dress with matching shoes. Gloves, jeweled combs are optional.

Groomsmen: (Traditional) A cutaway suit, striped trousers, wing collar shirt with vest and tie or cravat. Or a stroller, waistcoat, striped trousers, white shirt with a striped tie. (Contemporary) A long or short tuxedo, formal trousers and a wing collar shirt or a formal tuxedo, dress shirt, bow tie, vest or cummerbund.

SEMIFORMAL:

Bridesmaid: Long or short dresses with matching shoes. Gloves, jeweled combs are optional.

Groomsmen: (Traditional) Suit with white, colored or striped shirt. 

(Contemporary) Dinner jacket, or suit with a dress shirt, bow tie, vest or cummerbund.

INFORMAL:

Bridesmaid: Maid of honor in a short dress or suit to match the bride's gown. 

Groomsmen: (Traditional) Suit with a white, colored or striped shirt with a tie. (Contemporary) Dinner jacket or suit with a dress shirt, bow or tie, and vest. 

EVENING WEDDINGS

FORMAL:

Bridesmaid: Long dress or tea-length dress with matching shoes. Gloves and jeweled combs are optional. 

Groomsmen: (Traditional) Full-dress tailcoat, with matching trousers, white waistcoat with a white bow tie and wing-collar shirt or a waistcoat with striped trousers, white shirt and striped tie. (Contemporary) A long or short tuxedo with matching trousers, and a wing-collar shirt or a formal tuxedo with a dress shirt, bow or tie, vest or cummerbund. 

SEMIFORMAL:

Bridesmaid: Floor-length, tea-length or shorter dresses with matching shoes. Gloves or jeweled combs are optional. 

Groomsmen: (Traditional) White or colored suit with striped shirt and tie. (Contemporary) Dinner jacket or suit, with a dress shirt, bow or tie, vest or cummerbund.

INFORMAL:

Bridesmaid: Maid of honor can wear a short dress or suit to match the brides gown. Groomsmen: (Traditional) Suite with white, colored or striped shirt and tie. (Contemporary) Dinner jacket or suit with a dress shirt bow or tie, vest or cummerbund. 

THE WEDDING DAY

The big day has finally arrived. Planning ahead of time will make the day less  taxing on you. Here are some suggestions in making your day go as smooth as possible.

Take a beauty emergency kit with items such as: safety pins, needles, thread, scissors, Krazy Glue, nail polish, bobby pins, hairspray, deodorant, tissues, pantyhose and makeup. Have your maid of honor or your mother help you prepare this kit and be in charge of it for you. Four hours prior to your ceremony have your hair and nails done. You may want to put your first coat of nail polish on the night before. Ninety minutes before the ceremony put on your dress and all your accessories. Once dressed put on your headpiece. Thirty minute before the ceremony have your make up done. A helpful hint is to have all things ready the night before.

CLEANING YOUR GOWN

Have your dress professionally cleaned and preserved after the ceremony. Look for a dry cleaner that specializes in wedding dresses. Make sure you point out any stains to the cleaners. Pay close attention to the train of the dress since this tends to soil quickly. Always keep your gown in the box the cleaners has provided for you and in a cool dry place. Never store your gown in an attic or basement since these areas may be musty. A couple times a year you may want to check your gown for any discoloration, mildew or pest infestations. If this happens contact your dry cleaner or bridal shop for advice. 

We hope this has been informative to you. Relax, have fun, and enjoy your day for this is one day you will treasure the rest of your life.