GOWN SHOPPING primer

SizingOnce you're ready to order your dress, you may be in for a surprise when you hear the size your consultant recommends. The size charts for bridal apparel don’t necessarily match the size charts for the clothes you wear every day; they also fluctuate from one designer to another, so don't expect consistency. Consultants at full-service bridal stores and salons will help you to identify the size that most closely matches your measurements from the size chart for the designer you’ve selected. If her recommendation shocks you, it's reasonable to ask to see the chart yourself. It's unlikely that your measurements will perfectly match the chart; the goal is to order the dress as close to right as possible and then make alterations to adjust it perfectly.
Virtually any dress can be made smaller but few can be expanded an entire size, so never order a size smaller in anticipating of losing weight. Also, your consultant will warn you that you shouldn’t custom-order a gown based upon the way a sample gown fits. Sample gowns are tried on so often that a size 10 can stretch to fit a size 12 or even a size 14.
Custom-Ordered GownsCustom-ordered gowns are ordered by the store from the designer as soon as the sale is completed. Many but not all custom-ordered gowns are available with custom change possibilities – you might choose to change the sleeves, the neckline, the fabric or lace. These changes can completely modify the overall appearance of the gown. Naturally, the bridal store will establish a fee for each change. These fees should be indicated on your contract with the store and, like the gown itself, usually require a 50% deposit when the gown is ordered.
A tentative delivery date will be scheduled for your custom-ordered gown. The delivery date should be specified on your contract or receipt when the gown is purchased. It’s a good idea to specify a date after which delivery isn’t acceptable to you. If the gown isn’t delivered by then, you have an option to arrange for the purchase of another gown from the store.
It’s important to note that bridal stores aren’t necessarily in complete control of delivery dates. In some instances, a designer may postpone a delivery date depending upon production demands. Therefore, it’s imperative that you follow up on the specified date. Keep communication open with the store to avoid last minute surprises.