If on the other hand you don’t like a dress, but your mom or friend loves it , again wait 24 hours and then go back for another look. If you still hate it don’t buy it. It is your wedding and you won’t be happy if you don’t feel beautiful. After you have chosen the dress, the seamstress will measure your bust, waist hips and waist to floor length, and then will let you know what alterations will be needed. Just about every dress needs some alterations. You will need to go in for fittings at least two or three times.

If alterations are needed, what is the cost? Ask for a written estimate for the alterations. If a shop wont give you an estimate, run don’t walk to another shop. Also ask if you buy the bridesmaids dresses there, will they give you free or discounted alterations. Also find out if you can get a rush on the dress if necessary. You will also want to know if the dress is in stock or does it have to be ordered? Can you “borrow” your dress for a formal portrait and then bring it back for a final pressing? Pay with a credit card, that way you can dispute the charges, if a problem arises.

Next you have to choose the headpiece and veil to go with your dress. The type of veil you depends on the style of your dress. Veils come in several styles and lengths. You wouldn’t want a Cathedral veil if you are wearing a simple street length dress. By the same token, you won’t want a shoulder length, fly away wispy veil if you are wearing a formal gown with a long train.

When the wedding is over, what do you do with that beautiful expensive dress? Ask the bridal shop or wedding consultant, for the name of a reliable gown preservationist. The preservationist will clean the gown, then wrap it in acid-free tissue paper, or white cotton muslin and then place it in an acid free box. You can expect to pay between 200
and 400 dollars for this service. Be wary of someone who asks you to sign a disclaimer, saying they are not responsible for damage done to the dress during cleaning. Only place your dress in the hands of a preservationist who will give you a written guarantee.