Jenny Packham wedding gowns, Spring/Summer 2013 Collection
You got the gal, now you just need the dress. Whether you dream of a frothy ball gown or a delicate lace sheath, many brides excitedly anticipate the shopping experience. Unfortunately, between rushing to appointments, not being fully prepared and working with rude customer service, the dream can quickly become a nightmare. We asked Gabriella Risatti, owner of Gabriella New York Bridal Salon, to share her expert tips for wedding dress shopping.
1. Do your homework: This is a really exciting step toward your happily ever after, so do a bit of research beforehand. First and foremost, make sure that the store you’re going to is LGBT-friendly—nothing is worse than finding The Dress followed by a rude remark when you mention your bride.
Also, Gabriella recommends taking some time to look through magazines and online to get an idea of what types of gowns you are most attracted to and excited about.
2. Don’t go to more than three shops in one day: “Trying on wedding dresses can be exhausting!” exclaims Gabriella. “Going to more than three shops in a day will just exhaust you and make the experience feel like work instead of fun.”
3. Go alone the first time: Gabriella recommends doing a scouting trip first, sans the friends and family, to prevent opinions from clouding your judgment. “This way, when your loved ones come back with you, they will know that they are only seeing gowns that you already like.”
4. Keep an open mind: Even if you think you know exactly what you like, take the advice of your bridal consultant and try on additional gowns. “They are experts and you may just be surprised at how beautiful you look in a different silhouette!” she notes.
5. Do your hair and makeup before gown shopping so you feel like your best self: Try to plan your hair and/or makeup trial before your dress shopping so you get a sneak peek at the complete look. “You want to look your very best when you put on a wedding gown. Even if that just means putting on a little lipstick, do it!”
6. Bring similar shoes: Whether you’re wearing stilettos or sneakers, wear the same type of shoe while shopping so you can ensure the length will be the same.
7. Don’t wait for tears: “People often think they should have an out-of-body experience when they find ‘the one,’” explains Gabriella. “The reality is, that doesn’t happen to most women. So, when you find the wedding dress that you love, go for it, whether you get emotional or not.”
8. Sleep on it: If you aren’t 100 percent sure about the dress, Gabriella recommends taking a night to think about it. “It’s a big decision and if you wake up still thinking about it, then you can be rest assured it’s the right dress for you.”
9. Allot enough time per store: Most bridal appointments are between 60 and 90 minutes, so make sure you schedule accordingly. You don’t want to be rushed because you have to be at your next appointment.
10. Have Fun: Above anything else, make sure to keep the dress shopping experience fun. “It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of planning a wedding, but try to stay focused on the fact that gown shopping is really just like playing dress-up with beautiful gowns,” she says. “Regardless of which dress you select, after it’s all over, you will be married to the person you love, and that is the most important part of it all.”
For more wedding fashion advice and ideas, follow Equally Wed, the world’s leading gay and lesbian wedding magazine, on Twitter and Facebook.
