It’s the fabric of your life. So when it comes to shopping for your wedding gown, get seriously excited and seriously prepared. Because we love you, we asked our dear friends at Avenia Bridal to share their top five tips for brides on their wedding dress quest. Try them on for size, will ya?
P.S. When you’re done reading these tips, scroll through the gallery above of gorgeous gowns from Avenia Bridal. For the love it’s pretty up in here.
1. START EARLY
Utah Valley brides are not known for their long engagements — and that might be an understatement! The sooner you begin to look for your dream gown, the more options you’ll have. Utah Valley brides used to have few choices beyond off-the-rack wedding gowns. Today, brides can have that perfect designer gown — ordered and made just for them. They can have it in their preferred color and size. They can have it with gorgeous, unique customizations. But all this magic takes time! Most designers require anywhere from 12 to 20 weeks to produce and ship gown orders, although they can usually accommodate rush orders in as little as six weeks. That’s GREAT news for our Utah brides! So rather than think “rush fee,” think, “Hallelujah! I can get my dream gown in time for my wedding!” If rush options don’t work within your timeframe, sample gowns can sometimes be sold. Or you can always wait and set your wedding date AFTER you find your dream gown and know the alteration timeline. Custom gowns are a fabulous option for those seeking a truly unique wedding gown. Our designer and staff of expert dress makers frequently create custom gowns. As they are all produced in-house, they can be completed in two to three months, and rush orders can usually be accommodated.
2. SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Your wedding gown is a beautiful and pivotal part of your wedding, photos and memories. The experience of shopping for your wedding gown should be just that — an experience! It should be on a different level than stopping by Gap or J Crew at the mall. Most bridal stores prefer — if not require — appointments, and the primary consideration is to make the overall experience a positive one. Your bridal consultant can provide individual assistance and help you in and out of your gowns so that those who are with you can relax and watch you beautifully emerge from your dressing room. Your bridal consultant can also answer questions you may have regarding customizations and ordering time. Make sure and schedule enough time between appointments as well. Trying on multiple wedding gowns in multiple stores can become overwhelming, and you will want to pace yourself.
3. SET AND STICK TO A BUDGET
Unless your budget is flexible, stick to this tip. As tempting as it may seem, don’t torture yourself by trying on the most expensive gowns in the store “just for fun.” Chances are you may fall in love and then nothing else will compare during your search. So to save potential heartbreak, just don’t do it! Also remember that unless you are buying a custom gown, alterations will be essential to help a gown fit you and your body shape perfectly. Alterations are always an additional charge, so be sure to factor that potential into your gown budget. Excellent professional alterations are so important. When your wedding gown fits you well, it does not gap at the neckline or bag around your waist. Alterations are worth the extra time spent in fittings and worth the wages of expert tailors who can help you feel truly beautiful. Choose your seamstress carefully.
4. RESEARCH BEFORE SHOPPING
While looking online, consider your favorite silhouette, neckline, fabrics, dress details, etc. But also keep an open mind and be willing to try something new. Pinterest is an awesome source for ideas, but remember to be realistic! Gowns seen online may not always be in your price range, so decide what elements of those gowns appeal to you and then work with your bridal consultant to find gowns that incorporate those elements within the price point you are working. “Balance is beauty,” so balance your gown with a veil, jewelry, etc. This is not the place to minimalize. You are beautiful when the entire ensemble is fully balanced and enhances you!
5. PICK YOUR PEOPLE
Shows like “Say Yes to the Dress” make it seem as though everyone, including your fourth cousin-to-be, should be at your bridal appointment. That’s what makes good TV! We recommend bringing no more than three trusted loved ones to your appointment who will remember this experience is about YOU and YOUR wedding gown. Too many people often equal too many opinions, and that can be confusing and stressful for the bride.
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Meet Avenia Bridal
Founded in 2008, Avenía Bridal was started specifically for brides looking for fashion-forward yet customizable wedding gowns for their personal or religious preferences. We understand brides have other options for couture, but come to us for the “Avenía experience,” which consists of warm and attentive service, impeccable attention to detail, and the reputation of Nancy Barrus and her design staff. Our brides entrust us to help them create a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we make every effort to cause them to smile each time they reflect on their special day. With the option to customize almost all of our designer gowns, or custom design your own personal design along with our design team, we can help make your dream dress a reality! We love working with brides and helping them through this experience. Our bridal consultants love fashion, weddings and the marriage of the two that culminates with beautiful wedding gowns! They are trained to assist in the design, selection and customization of your wedding gown. Our artistic director, Nancy Barrus, has more than 20 years experience making sure a bride’s gown and accessories help her feel fabulously beautiful on her wedding day and ever after as she looks back through her wedding images.
