Attire
Every young girl dreams of the day she will walk down the aisle in the most beautiful wedding gown of all. Now that day is at hand and the gown is yours for the choosing.
Selecting Your Gown
The decision of which gown is best for you, and the fitting process itself, requires time and patience. Begin your search at least six months before your wedding day. In most cases, a gown is not purchased directly from the rack. Therefore you need to allow time for ordering, delivery, alterations and any possible delays.
You can start your selection process by looking through bridal magazines and by going to bridal salons. Consultants there can help you select the style best suited for your figure and one that is appropriate for the style of your wedding. Once you have an idea of color, fabric and style, begin to try on dresses. Go with your instincts. You'll know when you have found the perfect gown for you.
If you choose to have a custom-made dress, find a reputable dressmaker or designer who will help you create the look you want. To be assured of top quality and proper fit, allow your dressmaker sufficient time. Many dressmakers will have requests for wedding gowns well over a year in advance.
Whether you purchase your gown from a retailer or have your gown made, you will want to do everything you can to assure your gown looks just right on you. To help you get that perfect fit make sure the lingerie you wear to each fitting is the same type you will wear on your wedding day. It is also important that you wear the same style and height shoes as your bridal shoes. To top off the perfect look, see that your veil complements your facial features and consists of lace or fabric that will go with the dress you have chosen.
Attendants' Attire
Your bridesmaids will prepare the way for your entrance, so you will want their dresses to complement your wedding gown style and yet be different enough to ensure that your gown stands out. Once you have chosen your wedding gown, begin the search for your bridesmaids' dresses, allowing no less than twelve weeks for delivery. If possible, all bridesmaids' dresses should be purchased from the same shop. When choosing the style of the dresses, keep in mind your attendants' shapes and sizes, and also stay within a reasonable budget.
The flower girl and ring bearer can add delight to any wedding. They should wear attire that complements the wedding party, but perhaps more importantly, they should be dressed so that they feel comfortable.
The last word on finding your perfect gown
For a dress as important as your wedding gown, you want to do all you can to ensure you find exactly what you want, and visiting a full-service salon is a great way to get off on the right foot. At one of these elegant shops you can expect to find a good selection of quality gowns, along with a full line of accessories, including veils, shoes, jewelry — even guest books and other incidentals. And all products are guaranteed — just in case there is a problem. Seamstresses are available to do alterations on site, and your dress will be pressed at least once, sometimes twice, before the day of your wedding.
Store consultants will give you personal attention and can advise you not only on your own gown, but also on bridesmaids' dresses and other details. Many salons offer Web sites for your convenience — great for research, but we recommend that you not purchase your gown through the Internet. For something this special, you don't want to take any chances, and nothing can replace that face-to-face service-with-a-smile and genuine concern for your happiness and satisfaction that bridal professionals will show you.
Some helpful hints for when you're ready to start the quest for your dream dress:
• Don't shop yourself into confusion.
While you will want to try on several different styles of dresses, don't try on every gown in town! If you try on a dress and you think it's beautiful, then buy it!
• Consider shopping on your own.
At least initially. Later, you can show your mom or best friend your two favorite dresses and see what they think.
• Wear the proper undergarments and shoes.
When trying on gowns. Bring a strapless bra, petticoat, and heels when you shop.
• Ask if your dress can be customized.
For instance, some dresses can be ordered with a different sleeve or train.
• Expect alterations.
They are almost always necessary and there usually is an additional charge.
• Consider your budget.
Wedding dresses in the greater Fresno area vary from several hundred dollars to several thousand. The fabric, ornamentation, and designer all affect the price. Ask your bridal consultant about samples and discontinued styles. They can be wonderful bargains for a fraction of the cost.
• Remember, you alone will wear this dress.
You have to look good in it and have confidence that you look good in it. After all, you are the star of the day — you want to shine!
• Finally, be happy with your selection.
When you find "the" gown, you'll know it — don't settle for less. And whatever your dream dress might be, you can be sure it will be ready and waiting just for you.
• Want a custom-made gown?
For a truly one-of-a-kind gown, a couturier is the way to go. She (or he) will take the time to talk with you about the style you have in mind, and can suggest fabrics and detailing that will work best to realize the gown you envision. You might want to bring photos - or sketches - of gowns that you've seen and like. But start your search early. Skilled dressmakers may be booked for well over a year in advance!
The well-dressed petal pusher
When it comes to finding just the right look for your flower girl, you have several options. Her dress need not be a mini replica of the bride's gown. It should, however, tie into something related to your wedding day.
You might choose a color or style similar to the bridesmaids' attire; or perhaps similar lace, beadwork, or designs pulled from the bride's dress can be incorporated into the flower girl's apparel. And of course, you'll want to make sure that she (and everyone in the wedding party) is dressed to reflect the formality, season, or setting of your big day.
Attendants' Duties
Maid/Matron of Honor
• Helps bride with wedding activities: assists in addressing invitations, schedules appointments for bridesmaids, helps select dresses, lends an ear to the bride.
• Attends pre-wedding festivities and showers, serves as hostess to bridal shower.
• Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
• Pays for her own gown, accessories, and travel if from out of town.
• Supervises the bridesmaids, coordinates fittings, and prepares them for the wedding day.
• Helps the bride dress before the ceremony and for departure from the reception.
• Checks bride's, bridesmaids' and flower girl's attire before ceremony.
• May supply "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue."
• Holds groom's ring until needed in the ceremony and exchanges for bridal bouquet.
• During ceremony lifts veil and arranges train at appropriate times.
• Signs wedding certificate as legal witness.
• Stands in receiving line and sits at bridal table at reception.
The Bridesmaids
• Assist the bride with wedding activities.
• Attend pre-wedding festivities and showers.
• Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
• Pay for their own gowns, accessories, and travel if from out of town.
• Help on wedding day with running errands, helping each other get ready, etc.
• May participate in the receiving line.
The Flower Girl
• Carries a basket of flowers to scatter down the aisle. If not allowed, she might carry individual flowers to give aisle-seat guests.
• Has gown and accessories paid for by her family.
• Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
Ring Bearer
• Carries the ring or rings tied with ribbons on a satin or lacy pillow. He/she may walk alone or with the flower girl.
• Attends the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
• Has outfit paid for by his/her family.
Mother of the Bride
• Assists in handling details of ceremony and reception.
• Assists with selection of the bride's gown, accessories, and attendants' attire.
• Helps develop guest list and assists in addressing invitations.
• Selects and purchases her own gown. Discusses color and style with groom's mother so dresses will complement each other.
• Attends pre-wedding festivities and showers.
• Is last to be seated before ceremony and is first to greet guests in receiving line.
• Serves as hostess of reception with father of the bride.
Father of the Bride
• Escorts his daughter to the ceremony and walks down the aisle with her.
• Serves as host of the reception.
• May stand in receiving line or mingle with guests.
Parents of the Groom
• Serve as host and hostess of the rehearsal dinner.
• Attend pre-wedding festivities.
• Mother stands in receiving line; father may if he wishes.
Custom Couture — for the Un-Custom Bride
Because looking absolutely stunning on her wedding day is the only option, every bride strives to find a gown in the color, style and perfect fit that will accentuate her best features. Whether you know the look you want, or have no idea where to start, having a dress custom made just for you can be the perfect solution!
A couturier can sit down with you and find out what your vision is, even if it is unclear to you in the beginning. These custom dress designers are very knowledgeable in determining what shapes will best suit your body type, and can further tailor them for that perfect fit. Many times a bride-to-be will discover that something besides her original idea works much better for her. If the style you had in mind can be outperformed by another, this professional will be the one to tell you - and the one to help you create it.
In addition, fitting adjustments and design changes can be made at the same location, assuring that your attire is flawless. And for the biggest day of your life, why would you settle for anything less?!!