My Wedding Dress
by Mariella Garofalo-Perna

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life.  Most women have dreamed of their wedding day since they were a little girls.  Take the time to enjoy this adventure and let it be a wonderful experience.

Select professionals who make you feel comfortable. Remember, they desire to make your wedding day run as smooth as possible.  Ask them for their recommendations. Try to stick to your budget. But at the same time, don't overlook quality and professional service when considering price. In the long run, "you get what you pay for".

Your Bridal Gown Shopping...

Call full-service bridal salons and make your appointments at least twelve months before your wedding.
Ask friends and family for referrals of vendors they have used and prefer. Check their websites.
Before your appointment, go through bridal magazines and visit websites to see what styles of bridal gowns you like. Visit Mywedding-planner.com to connect to nearly one hundred of the top designer's websites. Bring photos with you to your appointment.
Decide how formal your wedding will be.
Decide an approximate price range for your wedding dress.
Invite someone to come with you such as your mom, sisters, or close friends. Two or three people are more than enough. This is your day and too many people can confuse you.
     
A full-service salon will have a sales consultant assigned for you. It's best to be open-minded if this is your first time trying on gowns. So many times what brides think they wouldn't like, actually is what looks the best. Also, let the consultant make suggestions. They see the gowns all the time and may be able to help you determine styles that are the most flattering. They know all the details about the gowns, changes that can be made, ordering time, and colors that are available. Remember wedding dress sizes run smaller than normal dress sizes. Once you have chosen a wedding dress, ask your consultant to complete the look with a headpiece and veil. We all look forward to serving you and helping you find the perfect wedding dress!
 
Mariella Garofalo-Perna is the owner of Mariella Creations in Rocky Hill, CT. www.mariellacreations.com