The journey you begin when finding your wedding gown can be one of the best parts of planning your wedding.  It can be exciting, fun-filled and full of wonderful memories.  Your choice of wedding gown will speak volumes about your entire wedding.  The special treatment and lavish pampering that you recieve will truly make you feel that you are being transformed into a beautiful bride.  But before you begin that journey, here are ten things that you need to know and do.

1. Discover your vision of what you want your gown to look like.
Envision yourself as a bride.  What do you see when you close your eyes?  Are you getting married in a beautiful church lit by candlelight?  On a beach with the sand between your toes?  Do you see yourself in a traditional gown with a long train and beautiful flowing veil?  Are you in a lovely fitted gown that accentuates your feminine curves?  Write down the six things that best describe how you want to look and feel about your gown or your wedding day. 
For example, you could put words like: elegant, traditional, chic, alluring, romantic, fairytale, etc.

2. Try on different silhouettes to find out what looks best on your body.
Wedding gowns are based on four different silhouettes.  These are: the A-line or princess (features are vertical seams that are fitted at the upper torso and flare out into a full A-shaped skirt).  The ball gown (features are a fitted bodice that often comes into a point at the waistline and has a full, often mutli-layered skirt).  The Mermaid and Sheath (both feature a very form fitting shape that shows off the figure).  (The Mermaid has a flared skirt that starts mid-thigh or below while the Sheath has a straight fitted skirt).  The Empire (features a high waistline that fits directly below the bust and falls into either a straight or flared skirt).  Your stylist can point out these differences.  You should also let your stylist know what you like about each silhouette as well.

3. Choose the color and fabric of your gown.
The same style of gown can appear quite different when you change the color and it can also feel that way when you change to a different fabric.  While the traditional color is white, many gowns are being designed with color details.  Ivory and champagne are great complexion boosting colors that really compliment most skin tones.  Your fabric and color should reflect the mood that you are trying to create at your wedding.  Keep in mind that your choice of fabric will be at the center of the overall look and feel of your gown.  It will also have the most influence in terms of cost.  There are many things that can be used to give you a one of kind look: overlays of chiffon, tulle and organza and textured materials name just a few.

4. Decide which features you want on your gown.
When you have decided on which silhouette you want for your dress, you should think about the other features you want: will your dress have sleeves, straps or will it be strapless?  Do you want beadwork or lace on the bodice or skirt?  Do you want a certain neckline or waistline?
Your stylist should have you try on a variety of different styles to find your likes and dislikes. 
Also make sure that you share your likes and your dislikes with your stylist so that they can get a clearer image of your vision.

5. Accept your professional stylist's helpful knowledge and guidance.
Your stylist should ask you many questions to get more information about your special day.  Experienced stylists have seen many different gowns on a variety of body types.  They will be able to guide you and recommend gowns that will look great on your body.  Your stylist may also suggest some styles and shapes that you might not have thought of before.
However, your stylist  should always make you feel comfortable about sharing your opinion.
After all, it is your opinion that counts most.

6. Be mindful of any religious or traditional influences that may affect how your gown should look.
Different cultural, traditional or religious ceremonies may require that you have your legs, arms and/or head covered during the wedding.  You should check with the officiant of your ceremony to find out if there are any guidelines that should be followed.  This will help you in choosing your attire and your bridesmaid's attire as well.  It may also save you from embarrassment later.

7. Have the person whose opinion you value most come along to help you choose your gown.  A second opinion from someone you trust can be helpful in the search to find your "perfect gown".  In contrast, too many opinions can make your experience frustrating and confusing.  Input from a trusted friend or relative can be invaluable, but remember that this is your day and your opinion is the one that matters most.

8. Deciding on your gown.
When the time comes to make your final decision, it doesn't have to be stressful.  You have your stylist's guidance and your friend or relative's opinion to help you.  Look at all of your different options and give yourself a chance to try several of those options before making your purchase.  Let your instincts guide you.  You may have been dreaming of this day for a long time now.  Here are three questions to ask of the dresses that you are seriously considering in your final cut: 1. Which gown makes me feel the most beautiful?  2. Which gown accentuates my best features?  3. Which gown fits my vision, my personality and my style?  Ask these questions of each of your final selections until you have eliminated all but the one.  When you have found the "perfect gown" that you've been envisioning, take a deep breath and smile--you did it!

9. Have our in house professionals alter your dress to fit your figure.
Each individual is just that, a unique person with their own unique shape.  Although a fortunate few will fit perfectly into the dress of their dreams, most will need professional alterations to make their gown fit correctly on their unique figure.  Wedding gowns are designed to be fitted to your unique shape.  This includes making sure that your bustline, neckline, waistline and hips as well as your gown's length are all fitted properly.  A properly fitted gown will enhance your beauty on your special day, while an improperly fitted gown can detract from your beauty as well as the beauty of the gown itself.  It is extremely important to have your alterations done by a seamtress experienced in working on wedding gowns and all of their delicate fabrics and intricate details as well as their complicated interior construction. 

10. Complete your look with the special touches that will bring your vision to life.
A matching veil and/or headpiece will compliment your gown and other matching elements such as shoes, gloves and bridal jewelry will complete your vision.  Your bridal stylist can also give you suggestions for these final touches. 
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                       We hope that these 10 suggestions help you to have wonderful experience
Ten things you must know and do before purchasing your wedding gown.
16 E. Chambers St. Cleburne, TX 76031