DREAM WEDDING DRESS

Your Dream Wedding Dress for your Dream Wedding Day

Found that perfect wedding dress yet? 

Don't make the mistake thinking that buying a cheap wedding dress means not looking stunning at the altar. The internet has opened up the world to many undiscovered wedding dress designers and with so many around now it has made it one of the best times to source cheap wedding dresses at a much lower price than was possible ever before. 

Finding your dream wedding dress is pretty high up on the agenda of things to do.  There are a few tips you should follow to ensure selecting your dress is stress free and you feel confident.  Buy every wedding magazine you can get your hands on!!  You will see a vast number of dresses and outfits and more than likely will stumble across one or two designs that are to die for and make it difficult to make a decision over.  When something catches your eye, cut it out and start a scrap book of ideas. You don't have to like the whole look, but something, a part of it could inspire your overall look. 

Wear your best underwear when you go to try on your wedding outfit, you will need to ensure that the look you have in the changing rooms will be the look you have at the alter. When you go to look at wedding outfits, only take one or two people with you.  An honest opinion will be required, but too many opinions can be annoying.  Take your scrap book with you to the bridal shops to help you translate the effect that you are after.  Be warned that the dream wedding dress that you love on the hanger may not look as good once it is on you, know your shape and what suits you

You should not expect to find the perfect dream wedding dress during your first shopping trip, you may need to travel further afield.  Try and make note of the things you do not like about the outfits that you have tried on and this should help you when looking at the next batch.  The fabric should be considered at an early stage.  Duchess Satin is one of the most heaviest but although it might have the fabulous rich finish, it might be slightly too heavy for a hot summers day. Dupion and Thai silks are both beautiful and ideal for the summer.  Dupion has a heavier texture than the Thai.  Silk Georgette is a light floaty slightly transparant material and is usually added as a top layer.  It is sensual to touch and softens the silhouette of the wedding dress.  Chiffon is a lighter fabric than the Georgette and has a transulcent appearance and is used to softly craft or accent sleeves or drapes that elegantly covers arms or necklines.  Italian satin or a mix of satin and silk is not completely natural fabric and developed to give a different texture or quality that natural fabrics are unable to harness. 

Before you visit the bridal store, check that they have your size in their 'sample gowns' range.  Remember that most suppliers will require approx twelve weeks lead time on making your gown.  If you require a dress quicker, this can be done but an additional cost will probably be incurred.  If you are made to read a disclaimer, ensure that you read it very carefully before signing.  Do not go on any crash diets or suddenly hit the gym or take up running as your size and shape will change drastically and affect the fitting of your dream wedding dress.  Make sure that you visit as many wedding dress shops as you can, and you may find that visiting during the week in their less busier times will help ensure that you get more attention.  Take a list of questions with you, just in case your mind goes blank once you are there.

If you were to buy a Mercedes for £90,000 and own it for 1 year, the cost would break down to 17p a minute. 

If you were to buy a wedding dress for £5,000 and wear it for 5 hours, the cost would break down to £16.67 a minute.

Buying a preowned wedding dress (or selling your dress after the wedding to recoup some money) is an idea that just makes good sense.  If you are smartly thinking about buying or selling, here are our tips and tricks for a successful transaction.

Tips when buying a your Dream Wedding Dress:

• Research the wedding deress retail price online and in bridal boutiques.  Knowing a dress’ market value will help you in your negotiations.
• Whenever possible, try on the wedding dress at a local store (Many pre-owned wedding dresses are still available at retail) so can see how it fits/flatters your figure.
• Ask detailed questions: when and where the wedding dress was purchased, the fabric, detailing, alterations, flaws, cleaning and storage. 
• If your dream wedding dress is over 2 years old, ask about yellowing of the lace or other fine fabric.
• Ask to see photographs of the wedding dress from all angles, including details.
• If applicable, confirm if the wedding dress is authentic to the designer and not a copy. A certificate of authenticity, a photo of the label, or a copy of the original store receipt are some ways to confirm this.

Tips when selling a Wedding Dress:

• Provide as much detail as possible about the fabric, the detailing, the fit/alterations, etc.
• Offer a copy of your original receipt.
• Provide photographs from different angles, including full-length shots of the wedding dress front and back. 
• Include photos of any detailing like beading or trim, how the train looks down and bustled. Photos taken in natural light are best.
• Be honest, accurate and complete about any flaws to the wedding dress. If the wedding dress is new and unworn, flaws are typically not an issue.  But if the dress was a sample or used in a wedding, provide detail about the amount of wear and any marks, pulls, tears or stains. 
• Have a reasonable price expectation. 

Tips when selling or buying a Wedding Dress:

Protect yourself in any online transaction.  Get the buyer’s/seller’s full name, address and phone number.  Use a protected payment service so you have recourse if an issue arises

Guest Article By : Josie Daga, Founder PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com UK and US Market