6 Tips On Bridal Gown Shopping

A couple of my brides went bridal gown shopping and it was the most exciting day for them.  Can you imagine shopping for the dress of your dreams so you can marry the man of your dreams. The thought of your groom seeing you in that bridal gown for the first time while walking down the aisle has to be so exciting. 

Choosing a bridal gown is a unique experience, one you might want to share with a close friend or your mother.  Usually, they can provide valuable input, and honesty.  Before you begin shopping imagine yourself walking down the aisle. Will you have a formal church wedding, an intimate garden ceremony, or an informal ceremony on the beach.  You should choose a dress that fits the formality of your ceremony.  Below are six gown-shopping tips on what to wear and bring when shopping for your bridal gown.

• A strapless bra ~ to give you the versatility to try on all gown styles.
• Sheer control-top panty-hose or regular sheer panty-hose.
• Shoes the same heel height you'll wear on your BIG day.
• The hairstyle you plan on wearing on your wedding day.
• Photos or tearsheets of dress styles you like.
• Photos and/or descriptions of ceremony and reception site.

Ask Beverly: Who Should I Bring With Me To Look For My Wedding Gown?

Photo found at http://newandblue.com

This is the first time I've ever been asked this question, but I'm glad you did.  There is no doubt about it: shopping for a wedding gown is one of the best parts of being a bride. Nothing is quite as fun as getting to try on all of those fabulous dresses in your search for the one dress that will truly make you feel like a bride. In the excitement, many brides will want to invite everyone they know to join them for the adventure. But before you do, stop and think carefully about who you should bring wedding gown shopping.

You may be surprised to hear that when it comes to finding your dream gown, having more people does not mean having more help. Did you ever hear the old expression, "Too many chiefs and not enough Indians"? This is exactly what usually happens when a bride brings along a whole entourage. Everyone will have a different opinion, and in all of those voices, it is often the bride's that gets drowned out. Forget about picking a wedding dress by committee or trying to please everyone: it doesn't work.

The ideal number of friends or relatives to bring gown shopping is one to three. (And three can even be pushing it if they are all highly opinionated ladies!) Although it can be fun to try on gowns for all six of your bridesmaids and have them ooh and aah over you, remember that the point is to find your wedding gown, not just to try on lots of dresses. You are better off choosing a couple of friends who will be able to remain focused on you and on what you really want.

The obvious choice for a person to bring gown shopping is the mother of the bride. For many mothers and daughters, it is an experience they have dreamed about sharing for years. If this sounds like you, then by all means, bring your mother. Make a whole mother-daughter day of it with lunch in a nice restaurant after the appointment (hopefully it will be a lunch to celebrate finding your dream dress!).

Not all mothers and daughter see eye to eye, however. If you know that your mother will not be able to keep your personal taste in mind, then you would be better off doing your gown shopping with one of your bridesmaids. You need someone who you can really trust to help you make the right choice. After you have chosen your gown, you can invite your mother to help you pick out your veil and bridal jewelry. Shopping for jewelry and other bridal accessories can also be a good way to involve your future mother-in-law.

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Renée Strauss "For The Bride" ~ Beverly Hills Bridal Salon

An internationally renowned bridal stylist, Renée Strauss - Beverly Hills, CA

Me and Renee playing photo shoot.

Looking for a wedding gown that I wish I wore when I got married, now divorced.

Thank you Renée  for the bottle of champagne.

Let me introduce you to the classy, sassy and ever so kind, Renée Strauss. Last week I had the pleasure of spending time at Renée's salon in Beverly Hills.   Renée has been headquartered in Beverly Hills, California for more than 30 years. Renée provides a full range of wedding wardrobe to a discerning clientele. Renée showcases exquisite wedding gowns, masterfully produced and distinctively designed. Defined by grace and impeccable attention to detail, the company has garnered widespread praise from media, industry experts and high-profile clients.

Renée's innate sense of style and ability to translate concept into reality have elevated her to the top of her field. Highly knowledgeable and possessing an extraordinary commitment to excellence, Renée shops the world bringing the best to Beverly Hills.

Repeatedly acknowledged by her peers and the press as an initiator of industry trends, Renée and her staff take pride in intently listening to each client and providing the perfect wardrobe that underscores their taste and individuality. 

If you’re looking for a wedding gown, Renée Strauss' bridal salon is the place to go! 

Contact her today for an appointment.

Renée Strauss

8692 Wilshire Blvd.

Beverly Hills, CA 90211

(310) 657-1700

http://reneestrauss.com

http://blog.reneestrauss.com

Hear What Expert Julie Jones of Encore Bridal Has To Say

Before you walk into that bridal salon looking for your "dream" wedding dress, you may want to hear Julie Jones, Bridal Expert of Encore Bridal Do's and Don'ts.

Do know your wedding date and location prior to dress shopping	The location and date will determine to large degree the style and fabric of gown you choose. If you know these things prior to your dress hunt, you can then focus on finding the right dress, not just a dress.
Don’t wait to think about and discuss your wedding dress budget to the minute you walk in the bridal salon.	Gowns can cost as little as $100 to as much as $20-30k.  Before you shop, determine how much you want to spend, and can spend, on your gown.  Remember that the cost of the gown is only a portion of the cost of your complete look.  You’ll also need alterations and accessories (shoes, jewelry, headpiece, veil etc…).   If you’re not paying, make sure that you’ve discussed the budget clearly with the person who is purchasing your gown.  Do this prior to shopping.  Also make sure everyone shopping knows your budget so you don’t get talked into trying on gowns that are more than you want to spend.
Do limit the number of people involved	The more people, the more opinions, the more confusion.  Limit the number of people you bring with you to 3 or less.  Bring the person who is paying (if not you), a good friend who knows your style well, and possibly your wedding consultant.
Don’t try on just one style of gown	You might be surprised at how different silhouettes, fabrics, and necklines look on you.  Be open to trying on multiple different styles and to the suggestions of your styling consultant.
Do be informed about where you can shop for your gown search	Gone are the days when the local bridal salon was the only dress shopping option.  Nowadays you can find wedding dresses at large retailers and department stores (J. Crew, Nordstrom’s); local and online consignment stores (Encore Bridal.com, White Chicago.com); peer to peer listing sites (Craigslist, OnceWed.com); and online discounters (Netbride.com, House of Brides.com).  These salon-alternatives often have quality dresses at more affordable prices, but there can also be some drawbacks.  Find the option that is best for you.

Photos provided by Encore Bridal

Julie Jones

Founder & President

Encore Bridal LLC

Shop: EncoreBridal.com

Call: 310.545.1409

Tweet: @encorebridal

Like: facebook.com/EncoreBridalFanPage

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Vera Wang's Fall 2011 Bridal Collection