How to buy a Wedding Dress

Brides-to-be want to look fantastic on their wedding day, and, at Nell’Amore, we do our utmost to ensure they do.Proprietor Lauren Jeffs is passionate about customer care, building an enviable reputation for excellent service during her years in the bridal wear industry.From the moment a bride books an appointment to view our collection, she can expect the best. Clients and their entourage have the exclusive use of our boutique sitting room and changing facilities, enabling them to choose, in comfort, from our extensive range of beautiful gowns, must-have accessories and glittering tiaras and jewellery.Whatever your look – chic contemporary or embellished romantic – we have styles to suit you and your attendants.At Nell’Amore, in addition to the dress of your dreams, you will find free refreshments, parking, and, of course, that all-important one-to-one care and attention.

It’s the most important dress you will ever buy, so it’s no wonder that finding ‘The One’ can stress even the calmest of brides! Follow the tips below, and you’ll find that the path to sourcing your perfect wedding gown is smoother than you ever thought possible.

Before you attack the shops, it is helpful to gather ideas and inspiration giving you an idea about current fashions. This will help you decide your likes and dislikes regarding design, shape and fabrics.

Magazines are a good place to start. If a particular designer catches your eye, go to his or her website and view the whole collection. Taking pictures of the designs to the bridal wear shops can help the consultant with her recommendations.

Ask yourself: “What kind of dress can I picture myself wearing on my big day?”.Research will only take you so far, however. Make bookings at a few bridal boutiques and start trying on. There is a world of difference between how a dress looks on the hanger and how it is when worn. So be open-minded; try as many as you feel you need. After all, it’s the only way to eliminate the definite ‘no-no’s, and narrow your search to those with definite possibilities.

Strapless bras can help. Take one along to your appointments, and, if you are organised and have already bought your shoes, veil or tiara, take them too. Creating some idea of how you wish to look on your wedding day may make your dress decision easier.

Unless you are built like a model, in other words, six feet tall and very slim, chances are the gown won’t look the same on you as it does the mannequin. In lots of cases, you’ll probably look better. Dresses are designed to flatter a woman’s shape, and are so well structured these days, they shape you in all the right places.

Plus-sized women can face a tougher time. Not every bridal wear shop stocks larger sizes, and some designers add surcharges. On the shape front, generally speaking, very curvy women are discouraged from wearing fishtail styles. However, I believe if you love your figure, flaunt it. It’s all about confidence; as long as you love it, your fiancé will too, and that’s all that matters.

But whatever your height or shape, begin your search with a positive attitude. If you go into a shop thinking you won’t be able to afford or find the right dress, nothing will flatter. Truth is, there is a beautiful gown out there within any budget.

Your wedding day look – beautiful, naturally – is one thing, but it’s equally important to be comfortable. If you find yourself pulling the gown up or trying to prevent boning digging into your ribs, you’re going to remember the day for all the wrong reasons.It’s worth looking closely at the dress and checking you’re happy with the quality. Make sure you can see and feel that it is worth the price on the tag.

Give yourself ample time to plan. The general rule of thumb is you need to order your dress at least eight months before the wedding date. So, ideally, start shopping nine months or more before the big day. If you don’t have much time, consider allocating part of your budget to a ‘rush cut’ charge. This will ensure delivery of your dress usually within 8-10 weeks. If you’re lucky enough to fall in love with a sample dress which fits, or will do with slight alterations, the bridal shop owner may be willing to sell you if off the peg.

Looking for your wedding dress should be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and leave you with fabulous moments to cherish. Enjoy!!

If you would like speak with Lauren to find out more information then why not visit her shop at 14 High Street, Halstead, Essex, phone her on 01787 474923 or visit her web site at www.nellamore-bridalwear.co.uk