This
is the second installment of my column and as a wedding consultant
I normally would be going to the first most important item in
planning your wedding after establishing your budget which is
the location. But, I am going to skip to the dress selection
because that is fun and is usually one of the first things a
bride does…. goes shopping for THE DRESS! What other dress
can you spend hundreds of dollars on and still feel as if you
have found a bargain?
Remember
that as you begin the relentless search for the perfect dress
made for you, the style of your wedding gown will set the tone
for the wedding. It's the formality of your dress that assists
your mother and future mother-in-law in the selection of their
dresses and eventually your selection for your bridesmaids.
Number
one cost saver would be to borrow a dress. But if mom's dress
seems a little "outdated" and altering and updating
would be as costly as buying a new dress, consider renting a
dress or buying one from a consignment shop. If you prefer something
new, shop at the end of the season - late August or late March
- when season orders have gone out and the stores are making
room for upcoming seasons. Most bridal shops, however, will
have an ongoing markdown rack. Another option is to consider
a white bridesmaid dress as an alternative to a traditional
wedding gown or if you are in a larger city, keep an eye out
for sample sales.
Shopping
far ahead of the big day will make these suggestions more useful
and keep the pressure off to buy more gown than you can afford.
Good luck as you begin your quest and the first of many shopping
days to come!
Cheers!
Janet
