You’ve dreamed about your wedding day all your life; worked out all the details in your head. Maybe you’ve imagined the perfect gown and now it’s time to start the search for it. Or, possibly you have no idea what kind of gown to choose. Planning for a wedding is stressful enough, so choosing your wedding gown shouldn’t add to the stress. Consider the following tips to assure you choose a gown that is not only stunningly beautiful, but will fit like it was made just for you.

1) Your dress should be tailored, not just fitted. The helpful salespeople in the bridal wear shops may or may not have the experience to offer the best advice on the right style or the knowledge to decide if it can be tailored the fit properly. Before purchasing, take your gown to an expert bridal tailor.

2) Strapless may not be the best choice, depending on how well it fits your décolletage. Do you really want to spend your wedding day hoisting up the strapless bodice? You certainly don’t want your ‘girls’ to be falling out! If there isn’t any talking you out of strapless, consider having removable spaghetti straps custom made so that you can attach them at the reception, so there aren’t any ‘accidents’ while dancing and hugging folks. Also, if there is a little too much skin showing at the neckline, lace or silk can be added to raise the neckline just enough.

3) Be open-minded when trying on gowns. You want to find a dress that is the most appropriate for your body type. You will look so much more beautiful in a gown that is truly meant for you, as opposed to a gown that looks great on the rack, but doesn’t do you justice. Even try on gowns that aren’t on your wish list. You may be surprised!

4) Body tape, body tape, body tape! On the big day, have body tape on hand for any accidents that do occur. You can tape the gown to you at any spots that are not cooperating.

5) When you try on your gown, can you reach out to hug without tearing the gown? Can you reach down toward your toes without falling out of the bodice? Can you sit in a chair and breathe normally? Be sure to consider more than just how the dress looks.

6) Have you found a great gown on sale, but it’s too big? Don’t assume it can or cannot be altered. Tailoring involves more than just ‘taking up’ the extra fabric. Ask if you can check out the gown and make an appointment with an alteration shop that specializes in bridal tailoring.

At Sew4U, we offer free consultation by appointment. Please give us a call if you would like us to offer expert advice on choosing the right gown for your body type and expectations. Our Bridal Specialist, Sherry Sumner has been tailoring clothing for 31 years and specializing in bridal/formal wear for 26 years. Sherry has customers that she’s worked with throughout the years on their first prom gown through to their wedding gown and their children’s christening gowns!