As a little girl, you have always pictured what you will look like on your wedding day. Some girls see themselves in an elegant ballgown, some see themselves in dresses with lace and pearls, and some see themselves in a simple and classic wedding dress. Now as it is time to actually try on the dresses, here are a few tips for the future bride:

A recent survey revealed that for the bride, shopping for the wedding gown is the most terrifying part of planning a wedding.  While we agree that trying on dresses can be an intimidating experience, when you partner with a professional, caring, full service bridal salon you will not only have a less stressful experience but you will actually save time and money.


Shop early for your dress. Although national wedding magazines and professional planners tell you to buy your dress no later than 6 months before your wedding it is amazing how many brides tell us that well meaning friends and relatives tell them there's no hurry.  They mean well but have no idea what they are talking about.  So please listen to the professionals who know If you find the perfect gown but need a different size or color it must be ordered and that can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.  There are so many factors involved in getting a wedding dress, such as alterations, finding a veil, shoes and jewelry and shipment dates. The earlier you have your dress, the better off you'll be.

Make an appointment. Because you rarely shop for a wedding gown and because it takes a very special person to help you find the most important dress you will ever wear we only hire and train the very best consultants at The Gallery by Lynette.  Our suites are complimentary and well worth a little forethought and an appointment.  While we will be happy to accommodate you without an appointment, often there simply isn't an available consultant and our luxurious complimentary suites are only by appointment and book quickly.  A phone call will save you time and disappointment.
 

If you can't make your appointment.  We actually turn walk in customers away at the time just prior to your appointment if we don't have another available consultant and if you call to let us know you can't make it we can reschedule you and serve the walk in also.  Please call to let us know as soon as possible.  We also recommend that you don't buy elsewhere until you have shopped with us because not only do we have the largest selection of the most exclusive and exquisite gowns in the area but our after the purchase services are second to none.  Many of them are free.

No Pictures, Please.  Once you have money on your dress you are welcome to take all the pictures you like.  The reason for this is to make the most of your time in the store and to protect our designers from having their hard work taken from them without permission.

Be Ready to Disclose Your Budget. As your consultants, we want to help you find a dress within your budget. We will never take advantage and if your perfect gown is less than you expected, we will all be happy.  Our gowns range in price from a few hundred to around two thousand and it is easy to fall in love with a gown that is clearly out of your budget or waste time trying on gowns you won't be happy with.  We aren't mind readers and while the subject of money is often vague, it is important for us to know so that we aren't showing you dresses that don't work with the money you are willing to spend.

Nix the Children.   We love children.  We have children of our own.  However, children get bored easily.  Please, for the enjoyment of all of our guests and so that your consultant can focus entirely on you, no children.

Leave the Entourage at Home. I have been there before. Trying on dresses is one of the most exciting parts of getting married, so naturally you want to bring your 3 sisters, your 5 best friends, your roommate, and her cousin who has really great taste, and of course your mom to your appointment. While we understand that trying on dresses is extremely important to brides, it is strongly encouraged to bring one person who's opinion you trust. Your complimentary suite at The Gallery by Lynette will accommodate you and one additional person.   If you've watched any episode of "Say Yes to the Dress" you know that too many opinions only confuse and paralyze the selection process. This day is about you and everyone wants you to find a dress that you love. When deciding who to bring, it is helpful to bring someone who knows and understands your personal style and will be supportive and not controlling. The person who will pay is important if they will be intrinsic in the gown decision. Once you have made your choice you are welcome to schedule a revisit when you can put your gown on again in a place where you can show off to your besties.

Hygiene. Please arrive to your appointments clean. White dresses and dirt or oil of any kind do not go well together.

Get it Together. The first time I tried wedding dresses on, I had my hair up in a messy ponytail and no make up on. It was difficult for me to picture wearing the dresses on my wedding day when I didn't look or feel pretty. There is no need to wear more make up than you typically do, or style your hair for hours before your appointment, but it does help to have your everyday make up and hair done. On that note, please try to stay away from wearing excessive amounts of concealer, base or bronzer, as this type of face make up can easily get on the dresses.

Sizes Available: We carry hundreds of gowns sized 0 to 28 and if we don't have your perfect dress in your size and color we can usually get it provided you shop early.  If you aren't shopping early we can also be very creative. 

Alterations and Design Changes.  If it can be done in fabric our design/alterations department can do it.  Most gowns will need a little tweaking from a simple hem to converting a strapless to a full on temple ready version that looks like it came from the factory that way.  Don't fret.  We can do what we promise.

Be Prepared to Show a Little Skin. Your consultant will assist you in and out of your gown however, we have perfected the process and are considerate of your modesty.  Keep in mind that you are in an enclosed dressing room and will put on a bra and slip in privacy.  The consultant will assist you with your gowns in the privacy of your dressing suite.

Plan for Time. Make sure you have set aside about an hour and a half to try on wedding dresses.

Come Prepared to Buy.  A lot of brides come in just expecting to look and end up finding their dream dress. For this reason, we encourage brides to be ready to buy even if their wedding is far out.  Once you have money on your gown it can be ordered or a stock gown will go in the back where no one will have the opportunity to buy it out from under you.  Over the years we have seen many tears shed because a girl came back for a gown that someone else bought between the try on and the decision.  If you love it at first sight, make it yours now.

Be Open Minded.  Do a little research and tell your consultant what is most important to you.  However, if she suggests a gown you aren't crazy about on the hanger try it on anyway. Some of my favorite dresses that I tried on were dresses and styles that I didn't think I liked. You will be surprised by the dresses you fall in love with.

Keep your body shape in mind. If you are looking on the internet or in magazines and find dresses that you love, don’t be disappointed if they don’t flatter your body type. Allow the consultants to give you suggestions as they have worked with many brides with all kinds of body shapes.

Enjoy yourself. This is a time in your life that you have been looking forward to since you were a little girl. Have fun. Be open minded. And don't get caught up in the stress of the wedding quite yet.  It's a short trip from bride to bridezilla if you let too much stress into the equation :)  The sooner you have your gown purchased the easier all the other details will be.

Call for your appointment today 801-773-7435