Losing weight
Q – I’m going on a strict diet for the next six months. Should I order my gown one size smaller?
A – No. A gown can always be taken in but cannot be let out. Sometimes tension and all the extra social activities prior to the wedding make weight loss impossible.
Gown colour
Q – What influences the choice of white or ivory? Is it personal preference or skin colour?
A – White was once considered the traditional colour for all women, but now skin tones are paramount. Blondes with fair skin look best in white, but redheads and women with olive or darker complexions usually look best in ivory.
Footing the bill
Q – Who pays for the wedding gown? I want to approach this with sensitivity and avoid a family feud.
A – Once upon a time, it was the bride’s parents, but this is no longer taken for granted. Today, it may be the bride or a sharing of the cost with her parents. The older and more established the bride is, the greater the tendency for her to buy her own gown.
Plus-size dilemma
Q – I have visited several shops and can’t find one that has any samples in plus sizes. What can I do?
A – Many of the major lines now have plus sizes, but these are not often available as samples. Try phoning stores in your area that carry the gown you are interested in. Ask whether they have the gown you are interesting in. Ask whether they have the gown in plus-sizes or call the manufacturer and ask them if any stores in your area carry plus-size samples of their gowns. Don’t expect to find the exact gown. It will be close enough to try one or two basic cuts, such as a full skirted, A-line or sheath.
Timing is everything
Q – Is there a secret in getting the attention and service I would like to have?
A – Absolutely. Don’t walk in a store on a Saturday and expect attention. Book ahead and choose a mid-week appointment (during the day rather than in the evening, if this is possible.) With a weekday appointment, you should get all the attention you need.
