 Wedding Gown shopping tips for Indianapolis brides -- All you really need to know:
- When to shop for your wedding dress may be as important as where you shop.
- What you should expect from a bridal salon.
- A guide to making the right decision.
Everyone knows (or should know) that you can't start shopping too early for your wedding gown. Twelve months before your wedding is ideal, certainly no later than nine months. Some gowns take six months to make after you order them, and you want to allow time for alterations after you receive the dress. Wedding gowns can only be ordered in a size closest to yours. If a new gown fits correctly at all points you probably have the same body type as the "fit model" that the designer used. This doesn't happen very often.
 First, consider how formal your ceremony will be and where it will be held. A large church demands a cathedral-length veil with a long train. A long train must be bustled after the ceremony. A chapel-length train is more appropriate for smaller, more intimate surroundings. If you want just a touch of tradition without all the problems of yards and yards of fabric, consider a simple sweep. Whatever you choose, rest assured that a train or long veil will enhance the look of your gown and provide an absolutely regal effect to the whole ceremony.
Fact: Nine out of ten brides who go into a salon with a photo of their "dream gown" end up ordering something else. Don't get too attached to that dress in the magazine. Unless you have the identical body type, skin and hair coloring to the model in the dress, it probably won't look as good on you. Depending on your body type or coloring, you should be able to find a dress that makes you look better than you ever have in your life. Trust the judgement of the experts in bridal salons to help pick the most flattering and most beautiful gown. They've been doing it for years and know their stuff.
 Fact: Bridal gowns are expensive. If traditional gowns are out of your range, try a bridal outlet or bridal discount store. Most of these stores handle manufacturer's overstock, discontinued styles, samples--all brand new, never worn gowns--at a fraction of the cost of a gown you have to order. A big plus is that you get to take it home with you the same day and start working on your hair style, flowers, and accessories.
Find a location that offers several bridal shops grouped together so you can compare prices and gowns in each one. There are several cities that have bridal centers where you can do this. The nearest one to Indianapolis is just ten minutes north of Cincinnati. See Reading, Ohio, for the most amazing and complete collection of bridal businesses in one location--37 in all!
Fact: Full service bridal salons are definitely worth the small extra cost for the incredible service that they provide. These days, many of the salons don't cost much more because they have become competitive with prices on the Internet. Before you even think about buying on the 'net, read some of the horror stories from brides who have, as well as some excellent reasons for shopping in a full service salon at The Smarter Bride.com.
 From the moment you enter a bridal salon, you will know that you've gone to the right place. You will be asked what type of wedding you will be having, where and when it will be. You will be asked how you envision yourself on that day, and what kinds of dresses you have been looking at.
Fact: A good salesperson will be able to make some recommendations based on your height, coloring, and body type. Take advantage of her expertise. She has dressed women for their special day many times, and will have some serious wisdom to impart to you.
One such salon is the wonderful European Bridal in Cincinnati, Ohio, offering dresses from the finest American, Canadian and European designers. Last year European Bridal won "Best of Cincinnati" from no less than Vogue magazine!
All gowns on this page are from the award-winning Belissima Collection.
Don't forget bridal accessories! See Princess Bride Tiaras, our
favorite site for bridal tiaras, veils, jewelry and accessories.
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