Recently, I went to my first dress fitting. I’d been looking forward to it ever since I bought the dress—I’d got it on sale last fall, and had been advised to come early to be fitted before the summer rush.  I knew I was going to have trouble finding anything in a Size 2, and having bought it off the rack in a Size 10, there were probably going to have to be some major alterations! So, with my maid of honour in tow, we headed over to get it sized down, in the hopes of no longer looking like I’d be attending a toga party on my wedding day.

The story of why I bought this dress was, at the time, quite the ordeal. Several years ago, in post-university naivety, I’d become engaged to a chap that ended up being responsible for pretty much the worst year of my life, emotionally, financially, and sad to say, physically. It was a tough period, but I look back on it as a growth experience, and ultimately it led me to where I am today. Thankfully, I made a lucky escape, but it did leave me with several wedding-related items, including a dress! Never worn, I kept it in its bag for years, and only took it out again a few months ago, not long after David’s beautiful proposal. I was horrified to see a BIG YELLOW STAIN on the front of the dress, in prime full-frontal positioning. I was mortified, and proceeded to phone a series of dry cleaners immediately, who all informed me of a case of “oxidization”: the result of fabric being enclosed in an airtight bag and not being able to ‘recycle’ the air – kind of like rust. I had no idea about dress preservation, but this was definitely a lesson: ladies, take note, and be sure to properly preserve in order to avoid embarrassing stains!

All cleaners quoted me exorbitant figures and none were able to guarantee the stain would even come out—so I was faced with a dilemma. Find a couple of hundred dollars I didn’t have and spend it on a gamble, or simply buy a new dress.  I decided on the latter, and luckily it was late fall, so all the bridal shops were having big sales.  I immediately found something lovely on sale for $200!  The only trouble was that it was off the rack (so slightly grubby from handling), and four sizes too big.  The saleslady assured me they could alter and clean it, and recently, I got to see what it was really going to look like on.  Seeing it on filled me with butterflies—this year, I will be marrying the man who’s changed my life, and who’s shown me a love I never thought existed in the real world—and I was filled with excitement, and a feeling of deep appreciation.

I did learn quite a few lessons from my dress-buying experience, and I’d definitely like to share.  Firstly: take your wedding shoes.  I had to make two trips so they could hem it properly, because I hadn’t even thought to bring them the first time.  Secondly: try and score something off the rack instead of ordering it in.  You won’t have to worry about delivery deadlines, plus it’ll probably be cheaper (try and go in the off-season) —and any alteration is possible! Thirdly: veils and headpieces on sale in bridal shops are very expensive.  I found both mine on eBay, and they look just as good!  And lastly—think about undergarments.  I sure didn’t, and all my dress gitting photos have two big white bra straps showing—not quite the scrapbook-worthy elegance I was hoping for!

So now I have my dress—it’s A-line, white, strapless and train less (best to avoid even trying to keep it snow-free)—next step is to plan on how to wear my hair with it, and how to accessorize! What do you feel works best with this type of dress, and have you learned any valuable lessons while dress shopping?

Photography courtesy Christina Gapic Photography.

At SmartBride Boutique, we’re all about helping you find designer names and fabulous style for your wedding, without paying those designer prices.  This week we are sharing five Save Tips to help you get the look you want (high style!) at the price you want.

1. Loose the Extras

Sometimes you try on the dress of your dreams, only to find out the deco belt around your waist, or the beautiful shoulder sash are extra!  A friend of mine, who is getting married next year, found her dream dress and was ready to purchase, and then discovered the price increased by another $1,200 because of extra trimmings. Be aware and avoid the extra costs.

2. Avoid custom alterations

It’s no question that unless you’re lucky enough to buy off the rack there will be alterations involved.  However, there are regular alterations and then there are custom.  If you want to add/alter a sleeve or change a neckline, you could be looking at significant cost additions. Perhaps you can find another dress that has the elements you want already included.

3. Look for simple silhouettes

Unless you’ve got your heart set on a princess gown, remember that the more fabric used in a dress, the more it will cost. Gowns with layers of tulle and organza will cost significantly more than a simple sheath in the same material.  Remain open to options and you just might surprise yourself!  I thought I wanted a flowing Grecian gown, but ended up in a curve hugging silhouette.

4. Shop Sample Sales, Trunk Shows and Evening Gowns

Sample sales at bridal shops generally happen in summer and winter as retailers look to clear out old inventory at reduced prices.  Remember to factor in the cost of alterations and/or dry cleaning because these dresses have often been tried on numerous times.  Bridal boutiques also hold Trunk Shows for specific designers throughout the year. During these events, savings abound.  If you live in Ontario and love Sophia Tolli, Amanda-Lina’s Sposa Boutique is having a Sophia Tolli Trunk Show from November 5 to 15, 2009.  Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to look at evening gowns!  I ended up going to Holt Renfrew and found a white evening gown (pictured) for less than the cost of any of the wedding dresses I was trying on.

5. Go online!

This one certainly isn’t rocket science for all of you smart brides out there, but after you’ve found some favourites at the boutiques, it might be worthwhile to search online to find the dress at a reduced price.  As a note of caution, if you do find your dress online, it’s best to deal locally if at all possible.  This allows you to meet the seller to inspect and try on your dress before purchase and protects you from fraud.  We’ve put together some handy tips to help keep you protected while shopping online for your wedding.

Happy hunting!  Find more tips and resources to plan a smart and savvy wedding, plus local wedding classifieds, including gowns, bridesmaid dresses, shoes and accessories at SmartBride Boutique.

A. Any skilled seamstress should be able to make the necessary alterations. Taking a dress down a size is much easier than trying to bring it up one. Be sure your seamstress has altered wedding gowns before as there is often a lot more work involved than say altering a little black dress. Reducing beading shouldn’t be an issue. At your fitting be sure to explain how you’d like the beading to look once your dress size has been reduced. Remember that some beading will ultimately have to be taken off.

A: An experienced seamstress should have no problem altering a dress down a size. Make sure you hire someone who specializes in bridal, and be prepared to spend a little extra money on a wedding gown seamstress. Complex alterations do take a significant amount of time, so be certain to plan ahead, and remember that June, July and August are the busiest months for weddings. With a little bit of planning and the help of an expert, your perfect dress will fit you perfectly just in time for your special day!

A:

Like any other type of shopping, it’s best to explore and compare prices before making any decisions. Shop for petite lines of bridal wear, which could fit perfectly from the get-go. If you have your heart set on a regular designer gown, you’ll have no choice but to pay the extra cost for alterations. Something like a simple hem might not break the bank but it ultimately depends on the extent to which your dress is altered.