Bridalwear - Retail

RETAIL THERAPY

Even for the inveterate shopper, buying a wedding dress is a very different experience. As shopping experiences go, this is a big one and it is best to be prepared in advance! Luckily, bridal retailers have done all they can to make this highly significant purchase an organised, supportive and enjoyable shopping experience.

When shopping for your wedding dress you will appreciate the undivided attention of an experienced sales assistant. For this reason, most bridal retailers work on an appointment-only system, so they can give each bride their full and unhurried attention. With most women working full-time nowadays, many shops accommodate this by having weekend and evening appointments. The professional and experienced sales assistants should ensure you receive good advice. The most common advice a bridal retailer will give to a bride beginning her search is to try on as many dresses as possible, in as many different styles, shapes, and even colours, as possible. Even if you have a good idea of what you want, it is best to keep an open mind until you have tried a few styles. The assistant has a practised eye and may have a suggestion you have not considered.

The number one piece of advice is: take your time. This is a decision that should not be hurried, but there are time factors you should be aware of. Ideally you need to choose your dress around six months before the wedding. This will allow for the average of twelve weeks it takes for the supplier to deliver the dress to your retailer, and the two fittings usually required for alterations. The first fitting will normally be six weeks before the wedding, and the second around two weeks before. This allows for any last-minute changes in your weight, quite a common occurrence for brides! Placing your order in good time is also useful in that it helps you spread the cost of the dress. Most retailers ask for a 50% deposit on ordering and many offer flexible payment plans. As with everything is life, you get what you pay for, and so it is with wedding gowns. Prices vary enormously, with little choice less than £400 and most falling into the £700 - £1200 bracket. While this is a very special dress for a very special day, it is a good idea to decide from the outset what you are prepared to spend, and to stick to it. Spending more than you can afford will not guarantee a happier wedding ....