Planning Pointers
 
 
  APPAREL

  
Wedding Apparel: Do Your Homework!
With regards to your wedding gown, the most important factor is choosing a reliable bridal shop. By homework we mean ask questions about a prospective bridal shop.

How long have they been in business? Check out the local Better Business Bureau to be sure there haven't been any complaints filed. Ask people you know where they went for their attire and what their experience was like.

Get ideas on what you like by reading books and going through the national bridal magazines and plan to be ready to do some serious dress shopping about seven to eight months before the wedding. Your final selection should be made no later than six months before the wedding.
Bridal Shops: How they work
Once you've done your research and have selected a few bridal shops to visit there are a few tips that will make the dress selection process easier on you.
  1. Make an appointment. This will ensure that you get the best service and the personal attention you deserve while making this important decision.

  2. Bring along a trusted friend or family member if you like. It always helps to have someone along whose opinion you trust and value. Bringing too many friends or relatives however can often become more confusing than helpful. Use your best judgement.

  3. Wear the type of lingerie that you'll wear on your wedding day to each fitting session. Of course if you are just beginning the selection process you may want to rely on the advice an experienced salesperson for determining the lingerie and undergarments your particular dress will require.

  4. If you decide to go through a discount bridal operation, be sure that you'll be able to secure a seamstress that is experienced in wedding apparel to do your alterations. Today's wedding gowns are very detailed and you should be sure to determine that they are experienced in bridal work. Someone who excels at tailored suits will not necessarily do his/her best work with laces, evening fabrics and hand-embellishments.

  5. Expect to pay 50% of the purchase price of the gown when you place your order with the remainder due upon delivery and fitting. Be very suspicious of any shop requiring the entire amount up front.
Menswear: Terrific Tuxes
Plan to select the tuxedo style after the level of formality of the event and final selection of the bride's gown has been made. Make your formal wear selection at least three months before the wedding. Your formal wear specialist will provide you will measurement cards to send to any men in the wedding party that may be from out-of-town. Be sure, however, that they get measured by a professional formal wear shop in their area.

The tuxes arrive a few days before the event and there should be enough time for any last minute alterations. Tuxes are usually picked up the day before the wedding and are then returned on the next business day by the best man.