What happens when you order your wedding gown?
You’ve found the dress, it is available at your favourite
salon, and you are ready to order! Congratulations, this is a very exciting
step and after you will feel giddy and pleased. One of the questions I get
about this step is: what actually happens when you are at the salon, ready to
order your gown?
You will try on
the sample gown again
If the salon has a sample of the gown you are choosing, you will be asked to try it on for the last time. The attendant will measure how many inches too large or too small it is by pulling the fabric towards your back and using a measuring tape. Try to keep track how many times you try on the sample gown and your own gown before the wedding – it makes for a fun guessing game at the bridal shower!
If the salon has a sample of the gown you are choosing, you will be asked to try it on for the last time. The attendant will measure how many inches too large or too small it is by pulling the fabric towards your back and using a measuring tape. Try to keep track how many times you try on the sample gown and your own gown before the wedding – it makes for a fun guessing game at the bridal shower!
You will be
measured
Next, while in your own clothes, the attendant will measure your bust, waist and hips. These measurements along with the measurements taken while you were wearing the sample, she will look to her guide book and estimate the best size gown for your body.
Next, while in your own clothes, the attendant will measure your bust, waist and hips. These measurements along with the measurements taken while you were wearing the sample, she will look to her guide book and estimate the best size gown for your body.
You will be told
what size you are
With all these measurements, and the guidelines from the manufacturer, the attendant will tell you what size will best fit you. Keep in mind your gown will more than likely need to be altered anyways (it is easier to make a gown smaller than larger). When you are told the size of the gown being ordered, don’t freak out! I am typically a size 5 at most department stores, but my wedding gown is a size 8. The main point to remember is that size is just a number! You want your wedding gown to fit your body as perfectly as possible, and if that means a larger size than you are used to wearing – so be it. You will look beautiful wearing your gown, and no one will know what the tag said. Wedding dresses fit smaller than department store dresses, so pretty much anybody who wears a wedding gown is a size larger than expected.
With all these measurements, and the guidelines from the manufacturer, the attendant will tell you what size will best fit you. Keep in mind your gown will more than likely need to be altered anyways (it is easier to make a gown smaller than larger). When you are told the size of the gown being ordered, don’t freak out! I am typically a size 5 at most department stores, but my wedding gown is a size 8. The main point to remember is that size is just a number! You want your wedding gown to fit your body as perfectly as possible, and if that means a larger size than you are used to wearing – so be it. You will look beautiful wearing your gown, and no one will know what the tag said. Wedding dresses fit smaller than department store dresses, so pretty much anybody who wears a wedding gown is a size larger than expected.
You will pay a
deposit
The salon will order your gown and you will be required to pay a deposit. This could be around 50% of the gown price and is most likely non-refundable. The salon will give you an estimated date your gown will arrive. Mark it on your calendar with a smiley-face.
The salon will order your gown and you will be required to pay a deposit. This could be around 50% of the gown price and is most likely non-refundable. The salon will give you an estimated date your gown will arrive. Mark it on your calendar with a smiley-face.
You will double
check the details
Double check that the salon has the correct gown brand and style, size and colour, and that your name is written down correctly on the invoice. When I ordered my gown, I realized the attendant had written my last name incorrectly on the invoice! I had that fixed right away. Otherwise in 6-8 months when my gown arrived, the salon might take a few days to investigate if I actually paid my deposit. Have any mistakes corrected as soon as possible after your visit to the salon. If the salon said it is no tax month, make sure it is written on the invoice. You can also ask for extra information added to the invoice, such as “order extra organza for hairpiece” so no one forgets why there is extra fabric with your order. Make your own notes too, such as the name of the attendant who was assisting you.
Double check that the salon has the correct gown brand and style, size and colour, and that your name is written down correctly on the invoice. When I ordered my gown, I realized the attendant had written my last name incorrectly on the invoice! I had that fixed right away. Otherwise in 6-8 months when my gown arrived, the salon might take a few days to investigate if I actually paid my deposit. Have any mistakes corrected as soon as possible after your visit to the salon. If the salon said it is no tax month, make sure it is written on the invoice. You can also ask for extra information added to the invoice, such as “order extra organza for hairpiece” so no one forgets why there is extra fabric with your order. Make your own notes too, such as the name of the attendant who was assisting you.
You will go home
with instructions
The salon will give you a sheet of instructions which include information on alterations, when the balance of your gown purchase is due, the proper procedure for picking up your gown and more. Read these and keep them in a safe place. My instructions mention “a pick-up time for gowns must be booked 1 week in advance”! I’ll have to mark that on the calendar too so I don’t forget!
The salon will give you a sheet of instructions which include information on alterations, when the balance of your gown purchase is due, the proper procedure for picking up your gown and more. Read these and keep them in a safe place. My instructions mention “a pick-up time for gowns must be booked 1 week in advance”! I’ll have to mark that on the calendar too so I don’t forget!
You will leave feeling giddy and elated!
Pat yourself on the back – you’ve checked off another box on your to-do list and ordered one of the most important pieces of the wedding puzzle! Keep that huge smile on your face all day, update your social networking page and brag to all of your friends and family members. This is a big load off your back and you deserve to feel this happy!
Pat yourself on the back – you’ve checked off another box on your to-do list and ordered one of the most important pieces of the wedding puzzle! Keep that huge smile on your face all day, update your social networking page and brag to all of your friends and family members. This is a big load off your back and you deserve to feel this happy!
Questions for you:
How long did it take your gown to arrive at the salon after
you ordered it? How many times did you have to go in for alterations? How soon
in advance of the wedding date did you pick up your gown to take home? What
size are you normally, and what size gown did you order? Comment down below or
send me an email to tell me of your experience!
To have and to hold,
Elizabeth Honey
