Pages

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Interview- Bridal Gown Shop

We're interviewing some popular wedding vendors this month.  Our first comes from Emily Reynolds, owner of From This Day Forward Bridal, Formal, and Pageant Wear in Farina, Illinois.  Here are some of the most popular questions brides have about their gowns.  You can learn more about her business here:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/From-This-Day-Forward-Bridal-Formal-Pageant-Wear/111643118846687?v=wall


~ How long before the wedding day should a bride have her dress ordered? The bridesmaids' and flowergirl's?
- The best time to order your bridal gown is 6-9 months before the wedding. Most manufacturers take 8 to 20 weeks. Then you want to allow at least a month for alterations. The bridesmaid dresses take 8-12 weeks and flower girls take 4-12 weeks. Most manufacturers do offer a rush of some sort but this will be an extra fee.

sweet flower girl dress from Sweet Beginnings found on brides.com
http://www.brides.com/wedding-dresses-style/wedding-party-flowergirl-dresses/gallery/flowergirl-dresses/vendor/designer/sweetbeginnings/detail/2000000000988680?docPos=23&designer=sweetbeginnings&
~ Should the bride schedule an appointment to try on gowns?
- Before going to a bridal salon, a bride should call and inquire on the policy for trying on gowns there. Most salons will require appointments to better serve the bride and her party.
Also, note that if the bride is going to try on, limit the number of people going with you. This will allow for you to have a better experience, be less confused and be happy with your choice. Before going to a salon also talk with the paying party(ies) on the budget that is set.


~ How many people do you recommend a bride bring with her to shop for her gown? Also, what are some things she needs to have with her?
-  As I stated before, the bride should keep the number as low as possible. I strongly suggest 2-4 people come for an appointment. The bride should mainly bring a strapless bra and heels. Most salons will provide these items for the bride if she does not bring them.

~ What is an average price a bride can expect to pay for a designer gown?
-  The average price of a gown really depends on the designer label that you're wanting. Be prepared to spend $1000 to $4000 on the gown. Designer gowns should always be purchased at respectable bridal salons. If you choose to purchase using an online auction site, purchase at a secondhand store or over the internet please beware that these may not actually be the designer gown but a copy.

~ How many fittings should a bride expect to have between order the gown and her wedding day?
- The number of fittings will all depend on the seamstress that is used.

~ What is your most common style of wedding gown? What body types does it look best on?
-  Right now we sell the most of a modified a-line. This style looks good on almost everyone. Because it flatters the bust, waist and hips.
~ In this economy everyone is trying to save a few bucks. How can a bride save a little without compromising on quality in her fashion?
- Everyone wants to save money on their wedding nowadays, but your attire is not the place to cut. There are so many areas to cut cost. The food you serve, having a cash bar not an open bar, go for a morning wedding, or serve a brunch. This has become very popular for those that don't care about having a beer bash that goes late into the night. There are always areas to cut cost, if you must cut it on the attire, see about buying your attire off the rack. Most salons are going to offer a discount if you buy samples so that they can bring new merchandise in.

Before you go to your appointment at a bridal salon, ask them what designers they carry.  You can check out the designers' websites and get an idea of styles you like or love or don't love.  You may be lucky and the shop will have the exact gown you are dying to try on!  Trying on wedding gowns is a very special experience, enjoy every minute of it!

You can leave your comments or additional questions here and we will have Emily answer them for you!

No comments:

Post a Comment