Where to Buy Dresses For an Event Near Me
Having trouble finding formal dresses or wedding gowns for your big event? We have an extensive directory of bridal boutiques and dress shops that accommodate everything from mother-of-the-bride and prom dresses to custom-made bridesmaid and cocktail attire. You can submit a
quote request with your info and we’ll match you to the best tailor at no extra charge!
How Much Are Wedding Dress Alterations?
So you’ve bought your wedding dress and now it is time to get it altered. So, how much does it cost to get your dress altered? On average, alterations can cost anywhere from $50-$700. This price depends on whether your dress needs; hem fixed, sleeves altered, dress taken in, and any details or embellishments you will be adding or taking away. The hem costs about $100-$200, side seams are $30-$100, and the bustle is $50-$150. When you go for your alteration, expect to visit 2-3 times, once when you first get the dress, another time 8-12 weeks before the wedding, and finally 1-2 weeks before the wedding. Keep in mind how much weight you plan on gaining or losing, and bring all your accessories with you to each alteration, so you know how your shoes, veil, and other accessories will fit with your dress. You can either expect to be helped by an in-house tailor or given recommendations to outside tailors. Take the time to find a tailor that is going to fit with you and your vision, and make sure that you are staying true to your dream dress.
How Much Does a Wedding Dress Cost?
When planning your budget for your wedding dress, consider saving anywhere from $500-$2,000, depending on what you are looking for. This price can vary depending on what region of the country you are in. Some factors that can increase the price of your dress are the types of fabrics that you use, which designer or store you buy from, how intricate and embellished the dress is, how many accessories you are going to buy, the number of alterations, and whether or not you choose to preserve and clean the dress afterward. For some cheaper alternatives, you can consider looking for a polyester dress from a larger brand or consider checking out trunk shows, shop for last-season dresses, rent your dress or buy a second-hand dress, if you are not adamant about owning a new dress. You can also consider buying a simple and cheaper dress and incorporating your style with accessories. Your wedding dress can be as cheap or as expensive as you desire. Find what works best for you. As long as you feel comfortable and beautiful on your wedding day!
How to Pick a Wedding Dress
Picking your wedding dress is a huge decision, and it can feel really daunting. Here are some of the best tips on how to pick your wedding dress. First, make sure you do some research before you try on dresses. Find what style you like and don’t like, and have a few sample photos to bring with you as inspiration. Second, make appointments. Having a professional help you pick out a dress. Consultants know what is in style, what will fit your body type, and how to help you find the dress of your dreams. Third, bring a couple of the closest people with you and let them help you through the process. Fourth, trust your gut. If your heart keeps pulling you back to one dress, then you know what to do. Lastly, make sure you are considering the wear time when you pick a dress. You’re going to have to spend a lot of time in that wedding dress, so you want it to be comfortable. Ultimately, no matter what you do, follow your heart. Focus on the positives of wedding dress shopping, and soak up every second of this wonderful experience!
What to Wear Wedding Dress Shopping
There are a handful of ways to prepare for wedding dress shopping. Before your wedding dress try-on appointments be sure to eat. Try to stay away from greasy, junk food as you want to feel good. There’s nothing worse than feeling hangry as you try to find your dream dress. Doing research before is very important as well. Looking at different dress styles will help generate ideas and the dress search will go much quicker. Establishing a budget will help cut down on the number of dresses you try on and speed up the process. This way you can be sure not to fall in love with a dress you cannot afford. Wearing the proper undergarments and shoes is essential. It’s important to get as close to the real deal as possible, and wearing at least close approximations to these items will help complete the image and point out any red flags. Wearing minimal makeup will ensure you don't ruin a dress you don't love and add to the imagination of what the whole outfit will look like. Limit your entourage to two to three friends or family. Having too many people can do more harm than good when receiving advice to make a decision. You should also make sure to book an appointment beforehand. Doing this instead of walking in will ensure you have the resources, time, and help needed to search for the perfect dress. Many people go into their appointments expecting to find their perfect dress on the first try, but this doesn’t always happen. Don't let it discourage you, and be sure to take advice from the experts helping you.
What to Wear Under a Wedding Dress
There are many options in regards to what to wear under your wedding dress. Slips, bras, and shapewear are the most common undergarments. These categories themselves have many different styles and brands. There are mermaid or trumpet slips, A-line slips, ball gown slips, tea-length slips, and more. While similar, they are all suited for different dresses. Adhesive bras and strapless bras are common bra choices. You may even have a dress that allows you to skip a bra completely, like a gown with a structured top. This should be consulted with a seamstress first. Shapewear is best when a bra doesn’t work and to ensure there won’t be bunching, clinging, or underwear lines. For most fitted gowns, a bodysuit can smooth you out from the bust to the hips. For the bottom half, briefs, shorts, half-slips, and legging in all shapes and sizes can work as well. Every dress is different and may require a different kind of undergarment, so be sure to keep it in mind when purchasing undergarments.
Why Are Wedding Dresses White?
There are no clear origins as to why wedding dresses are white. One story attributes it to women and the Roman Empire. When brides in the Roman Republic were married they wore a white tunic. It symbolized both a woman's chastity and her transition to a married Roman matron. Sadly, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the tradition fell as well. Queen Victoria is also attributed to starting the trend of white wedding dresses. British Royals were supposed to wear red coronation robes when getting married. Queen Victoria chose to forgo this tradition and wore a white silk-spun gown at her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. At the time, the Royals were not happy, but since then it has become the most common color for wedding dresses around the world. Mary Queen of Scots also wore a white gown at her wedding in 1558 and Princess Philippa of England wore a white dress to her wedding in 1406 yet neither woman made the trend take off quite like Queen Victoria did.
