GOWN SHOPPING primer

Where you shop and the gown you select is impacted not only by personal style preferences and financial choices but also by time considerations. Custom-ordered gowns (a popular option for many brides-to-be) require from six weeks to six months for delivery, depending upon the designer. On top of that add an additional month for alterations. If you'll have a wedding portrait taken in the weeks before your wedding, be sure to use that photography date as your deadline rather than your wedding date, to make sure your alterations are complete in time to wear the dress for the portrait. If time is an issue, consider purchasing a formal gown off-the-rack – available through many full service bridal and department stores.
Your BudgetThe average bride spends about $700 on her gown. Remember, this is the average. Many engaged women spend less – many spend significantly more. A limited budget increases the challenge of your gown search but won’t decrease the satisfaction you’ll feel when you find the perfect dress at a price you can afford.
Whatever your budget, spending hours or days of your time going from store to store to save $50 or even $100 on your gown purchase may not necessarily be worth the frustration or the time you invest. Your time and energy have a price tag too, after all. First and foremost, you should select a store where you feel comfortable, one with an excellent reputation for service which will provide you with a stress-free shopping experience.
To this end, there are pros and cons to each of the three major types of bridal stores.
Full-Service Bridal StoresApproximately 75% of Bridal Guide readers purchase their gowns at a full service bridal store or salon. (Roughly 12% purchase their gown at a department store, and the rest wear an heirloom, sew their own or have their gown custom made.)