Stop what you're doing! Alert the press! Pop open a bottle of Andre! It is official!
After more than 3 months of searching I have found THE perfect wedding dress for me. On Saturday, June 25, 2012 I finally got to say YES! It was such a relief to find the dress that I want to marry my best friend in, and an even bigger relief now that it has been purchased. Since I live in a different state from my mom, I did some of the initial research before asking her to fly up to see THE dress in person. I went to a fabulous bridal salon in Charlotte, NC called
Nitsa's Apparel. They were so amazing throughout my entire dress search; They really understood my vision and gave me great feedback. During an Amsale trunk show in May I found THE one... it was fate! The dress I had been drooling over for as long as I can remember was finally in my reach. Every bride needs to go to Amsale for their wedding dress! This designer knows how to dress a girl for her wedding day. She creates nothing but modern, unique gowns that are truly timeless. I must have tried on over 75 gowns (not kidding) but the moment I put on this gown my heart sank... finally a dress that made me feel special, beautiful, and one of a kind.
OK OK, I'll stop gushing about my wedding gown and my feelings.. blah, blah, blah. I want to discuss the next step in the process... what do you do AFTER you purchase your gown. Everyone talks about finding the gown, but what do you do AFTER you find the gown? There is so much to do, so where should you begin? So many questions, right? Well fear not... here are your answers:
1. Bridesmaids Dresses
Good news! Your dress search is not over. Now that you've found YOUR dress, you need to pick out your bridesmaid dresses. The brides gown really dictates the look and feel for your bridal party. If you have a formal dress, look for formal fabrics and/or luxurious colors. You don't have to mimic your dress completely, but try to match fabrics or design details so that the bridal party (and wedding photos) look pulled together.
2. Decide on your "Something Blue"
Did you know that 84% of Brides still participate in the age-old tradition: "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue"? So what will your something blue be? Many brides pin a blue ribbon to the side of their dress, or use blue thread to stitch their wedding date into their dress. Or maybe you want to wear blue shoes or accessorize under garments with blue gems. No matter what you choose, don't let this bridal lucky charm become a source of stress.
P.S. For all you royal wedding fans, Princess Kate Middleton went with a small blue ribbon pinned inside her gorgeous Alexander McQueen gown.
3. Pick out your wedding shoe
One of the most important things you need to focus on is which pair of shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day. You'll need to wear your shoes to all your fittings so the hem will be the appropriate length. Remember the wedding day is looooooooong! So if you are dying to wear pumps, make sure they're comfortable and wear them in beforehand.
4. The veil
Now that you know the style of your dress, you can start to pick out your wedding accessories. Either before or during your first fitting, you'll need select your veil and/or head piece. Some bridal salons can hand-make your veil, so check with your consultant. There are many different veil lengths, so try on different styles to decide which is most comfortable for you.
5. Wedding jewels
After you've purchased your dress, start to look at jewelry to compliment your gown. Bring any pieces along to fittings to try out the whole look. Be sure to keep the tags and receipts so you can return or exchange anything that doesn't go as you expected. You have some time to figure out the perfect jewels, but don't wait too long.
6. The Undergarments
Whether you want to go commando or spanx it up on your big day, decide on your undergarments before the fitting process. If you decide to change push up bras at the last minute it could change the entire fit of your dress.
7. Start shedding for the wedding
You've bought the dress... now you need to look hot! All eyes will be on you and your wedding dress, so kick up your exercise routine to ensure you'll look fabulous. Set a weight loss goal or tone up your arms and back. This is a great time reach your fitness goals before a memorable time in your life. Remember, your guy obviously loves you just the way you are, but a wedding is a great motivational tool. Take advantage of local bridal bootcamps, or grab a girlfriend and hit the gym. Don't worry... the seamstress will work with you to fit the dress to your shrinking body.
8. Find a tailor
If your bridal salon doesn't offer alterations, then be sure to find a skilled bridal tailor. Don't wait til your gown arrives to find a great tailor. Go to recently married friends and the bridal boutique where you purchased your gown for great suggestions. Alterations is a very very important part of the process, so be sure you find an experienced tailor to handle your dress.
9. Wedding rings
Next, you and your guy should talk about wedding rings. Figure out what style ring you each would like and begin your search. Make sure you have found and ordered the rings with plenty of time to spare. Wedding pros suggest having the rings at least 2 months prior to the exchange date.
10. Pick out a top notch hiding spot
Found your dress? Done with fittings? Now you need to figure out where you'll store the dress before the big day. Some bridal salons will hold the dress a few days prior to the wedding. If your salon doesn't offer that service, be sure to pick a safe place where a nosey groom can't steal a peek beforehand.
For more wedding planning tips and steps go to
The Knot.
