Now that you’ve said “YES” when he
popped the question, it’s time for the most
important shopping trip of your life.
Take time to fantasize about the perfect
wedding gown.
Once you’ve returned to Earth, here are
some questions to think about before you
embark on your shopping expedition.
“What are three words
that sum up my style?”
The avalanche of bridal gown information
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can be overwhelming to a first-time
bride. Researching magazines, poring over
websites and dissecting social media can
turn into a never-ending quest for the
fairytale frock.
Along with taking a deep breath, brides
should consider their tastes and fashion
sense, bridal experts say.
For instance, are you an Audrey
Hepburn type? Elegant, classic, vintage-
inspired? Or do you love a polished,
glamorous style, à la Amal Alamuddin,
who wed George Clooney in 2014?
“Take some time to think of a handful
of key buzz words that capture the mood
of your wedding, your personal style,”
said San Francisco-based designer Amy
Kuschel. “These words can be very inspirational
and help narrow your choices.”
“Can I hit the dance floor
in my super-fitted, mermaid
gown?”
“Dancing is an issue,” said RoseLynn
Micari-Fiumara, co-owner of Bridal
Reflections, a bridal boutique with three
locations in New York. “Magazines show
airbrushed models that aren’t moving.”
That’s not exactly a realistic depiction of
your wedding day, which often flies by in
a blur. Brides will be getting in and out of
cars and limousines, they’ll be sitting and
standing, eating and drinking and most
definitely dancing the night away.
Micari-Fiumara suggests that when dress
shopping, put your whole body into the
experience. Raise your hands in the air.
Shake your derrière. Reach out and hug
someone. Sit in a chair. Stand up. See if
the dress follows or hinders you.
“Will you be comfortable in the dress
after eating your meal and cake?” asked
Krystel Tien, owner of San Diego-based
Elle Bridal Boutique.
“You want to be comfortable and not
have to be thinking about sucking it in
every moment.”