The Wedding Dress

When most ladies get engaged, the first thing they do is go dress shopping. Sometimes they buy bridal magazines and cut out pictures of certain styles they like, but for the most part, they go in to a shop with no real idea of how much the dresses cost.

Bridal gowns run the gamut in price from $99 to several thousand. I remember viewing a few gowns at a bridal show last year and one in particular caught my attention because it was encrusted with diamonds and had a pricetag of $40,000.

Atlanta has a large number of bridal shops from the warehouse to the haute couture and everything in between. For the most part, you can get a dress in just about any price range you desire. In some boutiques, you are paying for their pricey address and numerous sales people. If you go to a bridal warehouse, you might get a low price but you won't get a warm and inviting atmosphere or the same customer service. Trying on bridal gowns is a two person job, they are heavy and bulky. You need someone to help you.

If you have been dreaming of your wedding since you were a little girl, you are putty in the hand of an experienced bridal salesperson. All they have to do is play into your fantasy and you will walk out of there with the fantasy dress and a big credit card charge.

The best thing you can do when hunting for the perfect dress is set a budget and stick to it. If you can only spend $500 on a dress, don't go to the couture boutique. Look for stores that sell "sample dresses" off the rack or look for a shop that sells preowned gowns. Be ready to buy the dress when you find the one that fits you. Going from store to store trying on dresses might sound like fun, but it will end up confusing you and might cost you the dress that you really liked. Alterations can be extremely expensive, so if you don't have them in the budget, then make sure you get the dress that fits you the best right off the rack. Take a pair of heels and a strapless bra with you shopping.

Planning a wedding is just like any other major purchase. It is important to have a written plan, a budget, and a list of priorities. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

What is the most important thing about my wedding day?

If you answered , having a "rockin" party, then you will want to allocate more money for the band and the venue then you do the dress.

Who do I want present at my wedding?

If you plan on inviting everyone you know, then you will have to budget for a larger venue and all that goes with having a large wedding.

What time of day do I want to get married?

You can save a bundle of money by getting married in the morning or early afternoon.

Believe it or not, the answers to these questions also help determine what type of dress you will wear. Are you getting married outside in the middle of June? Then you might want a short casual dress. Getting married on the beach at sundown? A dress with a long train will not be conducive for walking on the sand.  Is your ceremony taking place in an old catherdral? The church might require you to have your arms covered.

Wherever you get married and whatever you wear, I hope it is everything you dreamed it would be.

Champagne Wishes,

Rachel Broach

Bridal Concierge

www.NotableWeddings.com

Notable Weddings & Events sells new, preowned, and sample bridal gowns at amazing prices. It would be our priviledge to help you find your perfect gown.