5 Tips For Buying Bridal Gown Dresses

As soon as a couple becomes engaged most brides-to-be start thinking about bridal gown dresses. The search for just the right gown can be a stressful event but it doesn't have to be.

Buying a wedding dress can be a pleasant occasion with some advanced planning and research. If the dress will be custom made you should start about six or seven months in advance. If you'll be shopping for a gown allow enough time for alterations to be made at least two times before the wedding date. Now let's get started.

1. Research

First you have to have an idea of what you want. Unless you already know you will need to research online, in bridal magazines or by shopping locally. It's so easy to shop online there is no need to drive all over town during your research phase. Often local retailers have web sites where you can look at a photo gallery online before visiting the store.

2. Time to Go Shopping

Take your Mom, future mother-in-law or a friend for a second opinion. Shop at a bridal gown boutique you can trust. Take shoes you plan to wear or at least one with the same height heel you plan to wear at the wedding.

3. Try on Plenty of Bridal Gown Dresses

Bridal stores generally have a good selection so try on as many as you can. You should start to get an idea of what types of gowns you like or dislike. Even if you plan to have one made at least trying some on will help you get an idea of what you want. If you need a dressmaker ask friends and family for a recommendation.

4. After you Choose Your Dress

Discuss the time schedule for alterations and cost whether you're purchasing from a retail store or from someone who will be making your gown for you.

5. Be Prepared to Pay a Deposit

Many stores require you to pay about half the cost of the dress as a deposit. Dressmakers may have similar fee schedules. In either case ask about terms before making a deposit. Most of the time deposits are not refundable.

Once the bridal gown has been chosen get a fabric swatch if possible and start shopping for your shoes and accessories. Lastly be careful not to overspend on a dress you can't afford.

Of course you want to look gorgeous but there are a lot of bridal gown dresses to choose from that will help you do so and still stay within a budget. Buy the best bridal gown you can afford but don't spend so much that you have to short change other parts of your wedding. The key to saving? Shop around!

Looking for savings and need help with planning? Go here for a FREE: WEDDING PLANNING CALENDAR

Looking for savings and need help with planning? Go here for a FREE: WEDDING PLANNING CALENDAR

by Frances Robinson -

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Source: http://weddingplanningcalendar.com