Choosing your wedding gown
Shopping for your wedding gown should be a wonderful experience. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect gown and have fun doing it.
Where do I start?
Ethos Bridal Salon has a wide range of new designer gowns that you can purchase immediately. You can see the actual dress in your size and what it looks like on you. Or, gowns can be “special-ordered” from the manufacturer, in cases where a different size or colour is desired. Special orders usually take at least six months, as each gown is made to order and often has to be shipped from elsewhere.
After purchase, most gowns will require some alterations. Give yourself plenty of time for the fittings while you are dealing with the other final details before your important day. Remember that bridal seamstresses will be very busy at certain times of the year (especially the spring and summer) and you should reserve enough time to allow for this.
How do I go about it?
When you are ready, set aside a few hours to spend at Ethos Bridal Salon, so you are relaxed and have time to try on several gowns. If you can, the best time to visit the salon is on a weekday instead of a busy Saturday, so you can get the attention and service you need. You can also call ahead and set up an appointment. Bring a friend, but not the whole gang. Remember, it is your decision. Friends and family are there to share the fun and offer a second opinion. The more people you invite, the more opinions you will get.
What do I wear?
In preparation for your visit to Ethos, wear appropriate undergarments in light colors (perhaps bring along a strapless bra if you have one). Keep your hair simple and your makeup minimal, as you will be trying on white gowns. The salon will have shoes for you to try your dress with.
How do I choose the dress?
Keep in mind the kind of wedding you are planning: is it traditional church wedding in winter or a casual garden wedding in the middle of summer? Obviously the kind of dress you choose will depend on the circumstances. Before you come to Ethos, look through some wedding magazines to get ideas. Remember, what looks good in a magazine photo may look different in real life, so be open to suggestions from the experienced bridal consultants on staff.
Have some fun and experiment, until you know the kind of style suites you and your needs. Keep in mind you have to be comfortable for several hours in this gown, and you will be hugging people, dancing, etc. Discuss these details with the professional consultants at Ethos as they can provide advice, given their experience of the gowns.
But most important of all:
Relax and have fun – every bride looks beautiful on her wedding day!