Wed NI - the Wedding Directory

Wed-NI is your resource for all things wedding in Northern Ireland- from bridal shops in Ballymena, to photographers in Portadown

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Finding the Ideal Wedding Dress

Shopping
Searching out the ideal wedding gown can be a demanding task, because there is so much to choose from. It’s best to have some idea what you are looking for before you begin to shop. Wedding magazines are a good source of ideas.

Preference
This is YOUR day. Do it YOUR way.  Interference from friends and family members may lead you to buying a dress that you don’t like.  It doesn’t matter if they don’t like your choice – they aren’t going to hold it against you.  However if YOU end up buying a dress you don’t like you will most probably regret it.

Where To Look?
At all costs avoid purchasing your dress over the internet.  This may have worked for people before but there is always the chance of not receiving your dress, receiving the wrong dress or getting a fake.  There are professional bridal salons out there who will give you full support and advice whilst ensuring a pleasant, fun and memorable experience.

Reputable Source
It is not difficult to imagine the chaos that can result if, on the appointed day for delivery of your gown, you discover that the person or firm with whom you are dealing is no longer in business. The best protection is afforded by dealing with a firm which has long been established in the community.  The reliability of the merchant with whom you are dealing is particularly important in the field of specially manufactured wedding gowns, because a non refundable deposit is almost always required at the time the gown is ordered.

Ask Questions
Do not allow yourself to be intimidated by the salesperson that is assisting you. Feel free to ask questions about anything you are unsure of. Be sure to satisfy yourself that there are no additional or hidden costs, such as for steaming or final alterations.

Put It In Writing
Insist that all of the essential terms of your agreement with the salesperson be in writing. Do not proceed on the basis of an oral agreement or understanding.  Most reputable business owners will prefer to work in this way anyhow, to protect themselves and their customers.

When Choosing Your Gown
There are thousands of gown fashions to choose from. Whatever you may decide, you will eventually have to visit some type of wedding gown dealer.  Let the dealer know immediately what your budget is and the theme of your wedding.  Bring any pictures you may have kept to give the dealer an idea of the style of dress you prefer.  Take advantage of the advice you receive. The consultant will be able to offer suggestions on fit and style based on your age and body type. A gown may look wonderful in a magazine (and most do), but it may not look good on you.

The Costs
Don't purchase a gown that is out of your price range. Bridal gowns can range in price from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds. Take some time to think about your selection. Remember that bridal gowns come with many unforeseen expenses. Don't spend all of your allotted money on the gown itself. Save a little for alterations and accessories.  Veils, tiaras, shoes, bags, cloaks, boleros and jewellery all add to the cost.

Get Fitted For Your Gown

When you go to get fitted for your gown, make sure that you bring a friend with you. If nothing else, this friend can provide some moral support if you are in doubt. You should plan on at least six months to decide on and fit your gown. It will take at least three months for your order to be placed and your gown to be made by the manufacturer. Then you can plan on three fittings. The first when your gown arrives. The second to correct any mistakes, and the third to verify that everything is perfect. You should expect your gown to be perfect. After all, you will only wear this gown once.