The hardest part is over... you and your dream wedding dress have found each other! Once it is ordered and arrives at our bridal boutique in Miami, we want to make sure that it fits you perfectly. There are a few things that you can do to help make that happen, and Brides of America has those tips for you below.
Time It Right
We recommend that your first bridal gown fitting for alterations happens about one month before the wedding. This is close enough to the wedding that your weight should not fluctuate too much, and it still gives the seamstress enough time to make any necessary alterations. It varies for every person, but there will normally be 3-4 fittings before everything is done.
Bring Shoes, Accessories, and Undergarments
Having your dress fitted while you are wearing the same shoes you'll be walking down the aisle in is an absolute must! If you don't have your shoes at the first fitting, put hemming the dress off until you have them with you. This is the only way to insure that the length is where you want it.
Also bring your jewelry, veil, and any other accessories that you will wear with your bridal gown to make sure that everything works together. Brides of America's wedding gowns are so well made that 90% of the time our brides do not need a bra. If you decide that you do need a bra with your wedding dress, then you need to have that on at your fitting. The seamstress will be able to help you make that decision.
Move Around
Once you have the dress to the point that you are comfortable with the fit, move around in it to make sure. You will be doing a lot of sitting, standing, walking, dancing, etc... on your wedding day. Make sure that the fit works well for all of that. Let the seamstress know if anything doesn't feel quite right when you move around.
Get Bustle Lessons
If you decide on a long wedding dress that will need to be bustled for the reception, do not leave your final fitting without learning how to do it properly. You should also bring along your mother, maid of honor, or someone else that will actually be bustling the gown on the wedding day so that you aren't trying to explain the process to a person while you're in it.
Don't Be Shy
Be very honest with the seamstress about how the dress feels, and also how you feel about the way the fit looks. We want the gown to fit you as perfectly as possible. Ask questions if you are unsure about anything. Speak up so that it can all be taken care of and you get the look you absolutely love.
You can expect to pick your fabulously fitted bridal gown up the week of the wedding. It will be pressed and steamed right before you pick it up so that it can be perfect for the wedding.
When you order your gown from our Miami wedding dress store, the consultant will take precise measurements so that your bridal gown will hopefully need very few alterations. Every body is different though, and you may not be the exact weight during your fitting that you were when you ordered the dress from Brides of America. A proper fitting insures that the final look you get for the wedding day makes that bridal gown look as if it was created especially for your body!
Everyone in the wedding party has their wedding fashions picked out for them, so there is never any question as to what they should wear. Wedding guests, on the other hand, aren't always given a lot of guidance in this area.
There are common wedding phrases that can be included on the invitation to let guests know what type of clothing is expected at the ceremony and reception. Unfortunately, many people do not know exactly what is considered "Beach Formal" or "Black Tie Optional."
Never fear. Brides of America has put together a quick summary of what each of the most popular wedding looks entails. Feel free to share this blog with your wedding guests to help them easily pick out their outfits for your special day.
Casual
Guests are still expected to look their best, but in a more relaxed way. A casual ceremony usually takes place during the day. Gentlemen can wear a nice pair of dress pants and a dress shirt, but they can probably skip the tie. The ladies should wear a pretty skirt or pants with a nice top, or a sweet sundress is also welcome. If the ceremony will be an evening affair, upgrade your wardrobe to a more business-casual type of look.
Semi-formal
This style is also often referred to as "Dressy Casual." Still relaxed, but a little bit fancier. A dressy skirt and top or a cocktail dress is perfect for women to wear. The men should don a suit and tie in this case. Treat it like a very special evening out with a special date.
Beach Formal
A ceremony in the sand calls for special clothing. You will want to wear something that is sensible in the current weather situation, plus shoes that are easy to walk a beach in. In other words, something comfortable, but dressier than a regular day at the beach. A formal summer sundress and some sandals will work for the ladies. Men should look for a lightweight suit, like linen, or khakis and a linen shirt.
Black Tie Optional
Some couples may simply call this "Formal" also. Refined fashions in darker shades are generally expected. The gentlemen are welcome to dress in a tuxedo if they wish, but a dark suit and tie will work just fine. Women may wear a formal cocktail-length gown, long dress, or even a dressy suit.
Black Tie
This type of wedding almost always takes place in the evening. Imagine you will be attending a formal gala or walking the red carpet. Men are expected to dress in a tuxedo with, as stated in the title, a black bow tie, plus a cummerbund. The ladies should put on a stunning cocktail dress or a beautiful full-length evening gown.
White Tie
This is as formal as any wedding can get. A long, formal ball gown in a dark, neutral shade is perfect for the female guests. Fabulous hairstyles, dramatic makeup, and magnificent jewelry complete the look. The men should wear a long black tuxedo with tails, plus a white vest and bow tie. White gloves for dancing are even acceptable.
As a wedding guest, if you are not sure what type of clothing you should wear, it never hurts to simply ask. The bride will be happy that you cared to find out instead of showing up in the wrong thing.
If you will be needing an evening gown for a wedding, our special occasion dresses in Miami will outfit you perfectly. Brides of America will make sure that you are dressed correctly and look amazing at any wedding or other special event that you will be attending.
