Buying a Wedding Dress

Recent friends have been paying around $2k for their wedding dresses and they said that was cheap! Whilst we haven't got a budget, we usually ask for multiple quotes to get a reasonable and competitive price and we also do a lot of web hunting for the best deals so even setting a firm numerical budget isn't really that effective. Despite our budget being almost unlimited, neither my fiance nor I are lavish spenders and we are aiming for a simple, elegant wedding and not something overly elaborate and flamboyant.

Anyway, I've been reading up on wedding dresses and a few important notes that I wanted to remember when going wedding dress shopping:

* Can you raise your arms, walk, dance, hug and breath easily?
* Does it suit the season and formality of your wedding?
* Is it the right length? Will you require gown fittings?
* Does it look nice from behind?
* Will you need to wear special lingerie underneath?

Timeline for wedding gown shopping

TWELVE MONTHS
* Make a scrapbook out of your favourite dresses
* Formalise a budget

NINE TO SIX MONTHS TO THE WEDDING
* Gown hunting, book private appointments with boutiques and dressmakers, bring your mum or maid of honour along with you
* If you have found your dress- check that it fits with your veil, headpiece, shoes, lingerie and jewellery image
* Pay your deposit and ask for an invoice listing the size, style, inclusions and delivery/pick up details

SIX TO FOUR MONTHS TO THE WEDDING (This is where I'm at today with noneof the above yet accomplished! Panic panic!)
* Attend first fitting, bring accessories such as shoes, veils and lingerie
* Finalise accessories and ensure that your veil and headpiece complements the gown and bridal hairstyle

ONE MONTH
* Final fitting, ensure lingerie doesn't show and that the gown is comfortable (check weight loss or gain)

ONE WEEK
* The gown should be at your home. Store it securely away from odours and cooking smells. A steamer will remove any creases before the big day. Sandpaper the soles of your shoes and remove all price tags.