The food that is served at your wedding has an important role in determining the overall wedding experience. Most of the guests, if not all, will look forward to the food that is provided on your wedding day. So, you do not want them to be unhappy with the meal offered while everything else was done to perfection.
Most wedding vendors offer a wedding tasting session before you book your order. With this option, you can actually see, taste, and experience the food that will be served on your wedding day. We suggest that you take your caterer up on this offer of wedding food tasting and make sure everything is just right, so there are no regrets later.
As with anything wedding-related – from the bridal shower gifts to choosing the perfect ring, there is a catering tasting etiquette that you should adhere to. We will be looking at the do’s and don’ts of wedding food tasting etiquette. But before we move to this list, let us first try to understand what you can expect at your tasting session.
Wedding dress shopping is one of the most anticipated wedding planning tasks. It is supposed to be an exciting and interesting experience for brides who get to choose one of the most important, and not to mention expensive, dresses that they will ever wear.
While all this sounds really exciting, it is quite often that we see brides who feel overwhelmed and confused with the entire process. As a bridal shop, we understand how the strain of deciding what you should go with for your big celebration, can really get to you. There is nothing unusual about it, as there are so many choices to look at. It is only human to wonder if you actually made the right decision or if you have considered all that you ought to have.
In this way, wedding dress shopping can get stressful, instead of being fun. We do not want that to happen to you. At Best for Bride, we like to do everything to make sure that every bride has a fantastic wedding shopping experience. So, this article is dedicated to helping you beautiful brides overcome the stress of wedding shopping, and here is how you can do it right.
#1 Fix your budget and the upper limit you can stretch to
This is an essential part of wedding dress shopping, as it sets a benchmark for you when you start looking for wedding gowns. There are dresses in all price ranges. Also, apart from the standard gown price, you will be spending extra on accessories and dress alterations. So, you should know how much you can afford to spend on all this in total, before you even begin looking at dresses.
Whether you visit a bridal shop, or choose to do your shopping online, you will only look at gowns you can afford, when you have a price in mind. This can save you the disappointment of falling in love with a dress that you just cannot afford. So, when you walk in the door and your bridal consultant asks you for your budget, make sure you give her the base price you’ve put aside for the gown, and not the total price you intend to set aside for the wedding gown to be ready to wear. If you are lucky, you will find a gown that requires minimum gown alterations to fit your size and vision perfectly. In this case, you can splurge on accessories or divert the remaining funds to another aspect. Otherwise, you will be glad to have set a reasonable expectation for the price, so that your wedding dress stays within budget.
#2 Research before you go shopping, but don’t get too worried if it has your head in a tizzy
Just check our website and you will quickly realize that there are several thousands of wedding dresses. Even more annoying is the fact that many of them look the same in pictures. So, how do you choose?
Don’t worry, you aren’t the only one feeling this way! The hundreds of choices in wedding dresses can really have you worried about what is right and what isn’t. But, look at the bright side. With so many choices, you are bound to find the right fit for your budget, that will also look like you want it to be. So, if you are brand new to the world of wedding dresses, don’t over-saturate yourself with too much information at once. First start off with fixing your budget. Then, analyze the various features that look good on you. Finally, check out dresses that have these features and appeal to you. We say this because it is more important to look at a dress for what it looks in reality, rather than for how it looks on the model in the picture. Remember that it needn’t look the same way on you, unless you look exactly like the lady in the picture! And, if you think you are still too confused, this is what wedding dress consultants are there to help you with. So, pop that stress bubble, will you?
#3 Familiarize yourself with wedding dress lingo
When you enter a bridal boutique, your consultant will ask you what you are looking at. It will save you time and energy if you have at least a general idea of few of the wedding dress terms that are floated around a lot. We suggest you take a quick look at this article that guides you through the most popular wedding dress silhouettes, and you will understand what your consultant means when she says “fit and flare” or “A-line.”
Although you needn’t know the technical terms for every single detail that you can expect to see on a wedding dress, a general idea of the popularly used wedding dress lingo will help you. If you know this you can easily convey the idea to your consultant. The other option you can consider is to take pictures of the dresses you like or those with features you have shortlisted, if you don’t know the actual names. This will save you a lot of trouble. #4 Choose a shop with a good reputation
There may be hundreds of wedding dress shops if you look around, but not all of them will be equally good. The benefit of choosing a good bridal boutique is that the bridal consultants there will be experienced and well-trained to help you make the best choices. So, don’t discount the reputation of the bridal salon, when you start looking at options. When you are in the hands of a good bridal consultant, they will guide you to the best possible choices in wedding dresses.
They know how to pamper you and reduce your stress, so that the shopping experience is exciting and memorable. So, look around and go shopping at a wedding shop that has earned its reputation of being customer-friendly and delivering good quality service.
#5 Browse around by yourself first
This bride, in this article on the Huff Post, mentions that the best thing she did to alleviate the stress associated with wedding dress shopping was to go shopping by herself the first time around. This sounds like a great idea, as it will allow you to find things out for yourself, without having to seek approval from the people who accompany you.
Since you will be interacting with the bridal consultant all by yourself, you can really use this opportunity to understand what you favor and what you think would be the best. Let the entourage join you the second time, when you have a clearer idea of what you would like to wear. Just make sure that you use the first appointment to really look at all the choices available to you, and narrow down the list to what really appeals to you. Being in the salon and in the midst of real wedding dresses will also help you understand how the different styles look and feel, rather than judging by what you see in a picture. It will tell you how the fabric and structure of the gown are different from what you expect based on a photograph. When you don’t have to listen to another person’s opinion on it, it will give you a clearer perspective of what you actually want. #6 Don’t bring a big entourage
Since we’re talking about the different ways in which you can cut down on wedding dress shopping, this has to be in the list. I’ve probably lost count of the times I’ve repeated this fact on our blog, but yes, it is only because this is very important. If there is one thing that is real from what you see on the various bridal shows on TV, it is the fact that you can have a tough time choosing your wedding dress if your entourage isn’t supportive.
Don’t feel obliged to invite everyone who wants to go gown shopping with you, or you will only be ruining your chances of finding the right dress for yourself. Choose just one or two people, and do so wisely. Make sure that these are people who know your personal style best and can give you honest opinions. More importantly, they should share your taste. Ultimately, your gown should reflect your personality, and only you know what you favor when you look in the mirror. Unless the person who goes shopping with you shares your idea of fashion, you will simply disagree and not have a productive shopping session.
#7 Be flexible with your ideas
After hours of researching online, you may have convinced yourself that you will settle for none other than just one silhouette or style. Don’t make this mistake! Especially when you have a seasoned expert in wedding gowns, in the form of your bridal consultant, to assist you with your choice. Wedding gowns are surprising in that way, you may find that the thing you least expected looks best on you. And bridal consultants have often seen this magic happening on their shop floor. So, they may be the best judge of what would look best on you, once you share your vision with them.
Our suggestion is to keep your mind open to ideas, and accept it when your bridal consultant suggests a dress for you. What is the harm in trying it on? It’ll be just a matter of minutes, but you always have a good chance of finding a fabulous gown when you least expected it. Although it may be different from what you ever expected, who is to complain if it makes up for this difference in how well it suits you?
#8 Don’t worry if you can’t decide on a single dress
Confusion is a given, when you consider that the dresses you look are all equally attractive and beautiful in their own way. We have seen brides who shortlist five or sometimes even more dresses and look at each of them longingly, unable to decide which one they should go with. This is why we suggest you start your gown shopping well ahead of time, so you have enough time to go back and make a choice.
If you find yourself in a situation where you are totally confused between two or more gowns, our suggestion is to click a few photographs of yourself in the gowns you love and go home and sleep over it. Wedding dress decisions should never be hastened, unless you are really pressed for time. Spend time looking at your pictures in each of the dresses and keep the focus on finding out which dress highlights your best features. This will help you decide which dress will be right for you. Once you make your decision, return to the boutique and purchase the gown you think has to be right. Let us just warn you of one small thing though! Don’t ever make the mistake of taking a look at any more gowns on this visit. It will only make the process more exhausting, and not to mention confusing too!
#9 Don’t second guess your decision
Once you choose your wedding dress and pay the bill for it, don’t ever second-guess your choice. The decision is made, and it isn’t worthwhile going back to it. Remember how certain you and all those around you were, when you stepped out in it? So, stick with it. Plus, think of the huge amount you’ve already spent on your wedding dress! It just doesn’t make sense to go back on your decision and go through the whole process all over.
We suggest that you immediately cross wedding dress shopping off the list and not pay too much attention to any of the new trends that you may later come across. Now, all you need to do is attend your alteration sessions and have the dress that you chose fitted to your measurements. Preoccupy yourself with the rest of the wedding choices like cake tastings and venue décor. These are also important facets that should be considered, and you should engage yourself in it whole-heartedly, now that the major part of your wedding shopping is already taken care of.
Bridal consultants are seasoned experts who are the best people to advise and help you with your wedding dress decision. Their years of working in the field enable them to identify what a bride wants and how to get her the right dress that fulfills her vision.
Their job is difficult, as they come across hundreds of different brides: different in their attitudes, preferences, likes and dislikes. Scouring through thousands of wedding dresses to find the one right gown that will make a bride’s wedding dreams come true is no easy feat. Bridal consultants have to consider several factors when suggesting dresses for brides; this includes the budget, fabric, style of wedding, personal preferences and style of the bride, the opinions of her entourage and much more.
Although they will ultimately guide you to the wedding gown of your dreams, a few things can make your wedding shopping more enjoyable. Here is a list of ten things bridal consultants wish their customers would be aware of. These factors will not only allow them to help you find your dress a lot easier but will also help you make the most of your shopping session. Let us find out what they are.
1.Bring along a small group of helpful people
Many brides make the cardinal mistake of inviting too many people to their dress appointments. Well, most of the people you invite would like to have a say in what you wear on your wedding day, and you may be too kind to deny them the opportunity. But we say, just don’t do it! More people mean more opinions, and this can get too confusing. It will only ruin your chances of finding a dress that you truly like.
Our bridal consultants think that you should restrict your entourage to no more than three people, and they should be able to help you make the right decision. If you aren’t certain whether you should invite a certain person, think of whether the person on your mind shares your taste for fashion. Remember that your wedding dress should be an extension of who you are. So, you need people who understand you and know what looks best on you. Well, if someone like your mother or grandmother will be paying for the wedding dress, you may feel obliged to bring her along. Nevertheless, decide where you draw the line on going with what they say is the dress. Also be ready to step and let them know when you cannot accept certain suggestions if you both don’t agree on what is good on you.
2.Do your research first
If you just scroll through our bridal section, you will see the variety in gowns available today. Our store is simply an extension of the same. So, you can easily drown yourself in the hundreds of choices if you do no know what you want. Rather than going in for your session with absolutely no idea in mind, it will be better if you do your research and gather an idea of what you want before you go shopping. You must consider where the wedding will be held, the time of year when it is planned and the style. Additionally, you should also have a general idea of what dress silhouettes will suit you, as well as the necklines you favor and whether you would prefer a sleeveless dress or one with sleeves. This will give you a starting point for the fabric and styles. For example, if you have a beach wedding, you should consider what dresses will be practical and convenient in an outdoor location and start your search with this idea in mind.
Your bridal consultant will be able to help you identify the best style and pattern for your figure, based on the inputs you provide about the wedding you have in mind. Nonetheless, it is much easier if you have a few ideas than just trying on several dresses and then determining what you would like. Our previous articles can guide you in this direction. Check it out here and here.
3.Be open to ideas
Although you should attend your appointment with a general idea of what you want to see in your wedding dress, don’t be too fixated on definite patterns or designs. Remember that what you see in pictures may not translate well, when you wear it. On the other hand, there are also dresses that may not have hanger appeal—they do not look good on the hanger or mannequin—but can transform you into a ravishing bride when you put them on. Your bridal consultant is the best judge on this. They know a dress for how it looks on the hanger and how it will look on you. Since they’ve worked with hundreds of brides before, they will also know what you may choose to overlook but will end up loving when you try it on.
So, go for your wedding dress appointment with an open mind. Allow your bridal consultant to suggest dresses that may not really match the idea in your mind. You never know, but you may be pleasantly surprised with the results. One of our customers Melissa Filice had such an experience. She wasn’t sure when our sales consultant asked her to try on a certain dress, but our consultant was certain this was the dress. She was right! The minute Melissa saw herself in the mirror, she knew she had found the dress. So, just trust your consultant and she is bound to get you what you want.
4.Be honest and open about what you feel
Be honest about your feelings when your consultant asks you for feedback after trying on a dress. It is your feedback and concerns about the dress that will help them direct you towards the right one. You do not have to hold your feelings in if you don’t like what you see, just because your consultant asked you to try on a dress. Through trial and error, you will finally arrive at a dress you love. Your consultant is banking on your opinion. Tell her what you like and what you don’t, about the dresses you try on. Also, don’t feel obliged to agree with the opinions of your entourage. If they think that a dress feature you love isn’t right, think objectively and decide whether you would like to see the same feature on another dress instead. It could be that the same translates into a beautiful feature on another dress, and everyone will actually love it.
When you try on a dress, you will know if it is “The Dress”. If you have your doubts, go with your intuition. Your consultant will mostly ask you to specify what you like about the dress and what you prefer to be different. Depending on your answer, she will seek out another gown that will be one step closer to the dream gown you had in mind. But all this is possible only if you are open and certain about what you want.
5.Wear the right undergarments
Most bridal stores carry undergarments and shapewear to go under the gown. Nevertheless, it is always best that you are prepared for your wedding dress appointment wearing your own innerwear. Since your wedding dress will most likely be white, nude-coloured undergarments are ideal. These will be concealed under the white, allowing you to visualize the dress’s appearance. So, put the pink and yellow undergarments aside and wear a nude bra instead.
Although you needn’t wear shapewear with all gowns, you may prefer to do so. If you already have purchased it, it is a good idea to wear it when you go wedding shopping. This will give you a better idea of how the dress will drape around you when you wear it and help you decide better.
6.Restrain yourself from trying on too many options
Many brides make the mistake of trying on too many dresses and simply confusing themselves in the process. This is especially true if their entourage is very active and takes the initiative in pulling off dresses off the racks to try on. It is not necessary that you should find your dress at your first appointment. Attend your session with this in mind; it will be much easier.
Our bridal consultants suggest that if you reach a point where you are no longer sure of what you want, it is time to stop looking. Go home and sleep over it, and go back for another appointment. You will hopefully have gained some clarity by then. This will save you from making a mistake that you may later regret.
7.Attend your appointment with a relaxed mind and make sure you have fun
Many brides walk in the door all excited, but if they can’t find a dress soon, they begin to panic. We want this to be a fun experience; the only way a bride can enjoy the process is if she relaxes. For this, she should come in with a clear mind and not be worried about anything else during her session. So, our suggestion is that you make your appointment with the bridal salon well ahead of time, and on a day when you are free and have no other tensions. This way you can communicate your vision better, and we will be able to help you find your dress easily. You should have sufficient time to shop around and get your fitting sessions completed on time, if you start gown shopping six to nine months ahead of the wedding.
A bride with a general idea of what she wants and is open to ideas will most likely enjoy the shopping experience. Don’t be pressured into making a choice that you don’t like. Make sure you are certain that the dress you pick deserves to be the one you wear on your wedding day. Once again, remember that your entourage also has a huge role in helping you arrive at a decision. So, invite-only the right people to come along.
8.Always go with your current size
Most of the brides we see are sure they will be two sizes smaller than they currently are, on their wedding day. If you do manage to achieve this target, good for you. But trust us, it isn’t easy getting into a dress that is too small for you, if your workout plans fail to Work Out! Although most bridal gowns are available in all sizes, your best option is to buy one that fits you now. You can always take out extra fabric during your fitting sessions, but it is nearly impossible to add extra inches to a gown. So, don’t take a risk. If you are pretty certain that your dress size will change drastically in the coming months, we suggest that you schedule your alteration sessions closer to the wedding, instead of getting it done right away. This way, you can still achieve the right dress size in time for your wedding.
And don’t be worried if your wedding dress size is greater than the size you normally buy your clothes in. It is only because wedding gowns are sized differently; your actual dress size may correspond to a higher number on this scale.
Now that you have all the expert advice you need, you can begin preparations for your bridal salon appointment and make the most of it. To look at the different wedding gowns we have in-store, we suggest you visit our online bridal gallery at Best for Bride and shortlist your favorites. We can also help you find your bridesmaids dresses, wedding accessories and more, all at our Best for Bride stores. Fix your appointment with us by either calling your nearest shop or by booking it online at this link. Get ready for the experience of your lifetime, as our trusted bridal consultants will make sure that you have the best time possible when you come to us to shop for your dream dress.
The wedding dress is usually one of the most important things that reminds a bride of her wedding day. Nonetheless, it is a dress that is seldom worn more than once. Unless you plan to have a vow renewal ceremony wearing your original wedding dress years later, or wish to hand it down as an heirloom for the future generations, it will usually just be boxed and sit in your closet in the years to come.
Although most brides aren’t too eager to sell off their wedding dresses soon after they are married, many decide to let it go after a while. When you think that you’ve spent a huge amount of money on it, it is pretty sensible to recoup some of that amount by selling it. This money could be used to celebrate a honeymoon, or it could go into the family’s financial budget, wedding day debt or a similar need. Then there are also those dresses that are sold for other reasons. It could be that the marriage didn’t work out and the bride decides to give up everything that reminds her of it. Or, it could be that the bride wasn’t sure she wanted to wear the dress she bought, and so decided to sell it and buy another.
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