Knowing the location and time of the wedding will help focus your search. Are you having a daytime ceremony on the beach? You should rule out ball gowns with long trains and dramatic embellishments. Exchanging vows in a cathedral by candlelight? Avoid short slip dresses or anything that looks like it could be worn to a cocktail party. Most fabrics are suitable year-round, but some, such as linen and organza, are better suited to warm weather, while velvet and brocade are best left for winter.
Set a budget
Decide how much you want to spend and tell the seller before he starts bringing in dresses. This way you won't be upset about a dress you can't afford. Typically, the wedding ensemble, including the veil, lingerie and any other accessories, accounts for 10 to 15 percent of the total cost of the wedding.
Consider additional costs such as rework, which can cost anywhere from several hundred rubles depending on how necessary it is, as well as shipping costs.Once the dress is delivered, it may require professional dry cleaning or steaming, which can cost RUB 500 or more.
Start early
Start shopping six to nine months before your wedding. It takes the manufacturer about four months to make a dress and another two months to alter it. Very complex dresses require more time. Not enough time? Many stores offer rush orders for an additional fee, but your selection will likely be limited. Additionally, they may have a clearance section with samples you can buy off the rack. If you're lucky, you'll be able to buy a dress that only needs minor alterations.
Do your research
It's not every day that you come across terms like "peplum waist" or "Watteau train" or try to differentiate between three shades of white. Study bridal magazines, books and websites to learn about fabrics, silhouettes and lingo so you can better convey what you're looking for. Keep a folder with photos of dresses or details that attract you and take it with you to the store.
Make an action plan
Decide where you want to go and call stores in advance to find out what designers they carry, what the price range of their dresses is, and whether they sell accessories and do alterations. Most salons require an appointment in advance. If possible, shop on a weekday, but not during your lunch hour when you'll be in a rush. Don't shop until you drop - limit yourself to two stores a day so as not to get exhausted and forget what you saw.
Take spare items with you
Take anything you know you want to wear, like a special necklace or grandma's veil.Boutiques often provide bustiers, strapless bras, and shoes, but you may want to bring your own. You'll also need the advice of a few trusted people, but not too many: people around you with different opinions can be confusing and frustrating. Invite one or two people who know your taste, will be honest with you, and whose opinion you trust.
Find a cheaper dress
You don't have to spend a million dollars to get the perfect dress. Many salons hold large sales once or twice a year to get rid of “lightly worn” or discontinued samples. To find out when they are available, call stores, visit designer websites, and sign up for mailing lists. Also register for exhibitions where designers present new lines. Sometimes boutiques offer discounts if you buy on the day of the exhibition.
Keep an open mind
This is a mantra that wedding consultants repeat over and over again. So listen to their advice, even if what they tell you to try on doesn't seem right to you. Some dresses don't look right on a hanger, but they look great on you. On the other hand, never let yourself be talked into buying a dress you're not in love with.
Get everything in writing
Before paying a deposit (usually 50 percent), review the contract with the bride's consultant. Find out when the dress will be ready, what the approximate cost of alterations is, whether out-of-state (or country) shipping is possible, what the order cancellation policy is, and what your remedies are if the dress is damaged or arrives without the required alterations. Finally, check that the manufacturer's name, style number, size and color are correct.
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