Like so many wedding-related decisions, choosing the perfect bridal gown can seem daunting. As you walk down the aisle to meet your groom, all eyes will be on you and your dress. You will remember this dress for the rest of your life. It has to be perfect.
"The style of the dress, how it accentuates (a bride's) figure and how the dress makes her feel is essential to a memorable wedding experience," says Ina Cruz, owner of Budget Bridal Boutique in Mangilao.
Your budget
Although a gown can easily cost thousands of dollars, Cruz says there are plenty of budget-conscious options available in every style.
Before you create a budget, it's important to remember the price tag on the dress is not the only cost you'll need to consider. According to seamstress Deedee Vicory, on her website theweddingseamstress.com, basic dress alterations typically cost between $250 and $450, depending on what needs to be done to ensure it fits properly.
In addition to alterations, leave room in your budget for accessories -- shoes, veil, undergarments, jewelry, etc.
Once you have your budget nailed down, it's time to start looking for a dress in your price range. Bride Tamie Cheever, who married husband Joshua Cheever in December 2013, turned to Cruz to help her find an affordable gown.
"I always dreamed of getting married in a wedding dress with a train, but with the cost of putting a wedding together, I didn't think it was possible until I met (Cruz)," she says. "I was able to wear the dress of my dreams."
Cruz specializes in buying sample dresses and selling them at affordable prices. All the dresses at Budget Bridal Boutique sell for less than $399 -- proof that even the most frugal bride can find the perfect dress.
Your entourage
You may have seen the reality TV shows where a bride brings her bridesmaids, mother, aunts, cousins, family friends and the groom's mother along to the bridal appointment. Although this makes for great entertainment as the drama between clashing tastes unfolds, it's not something you want to emulate. Instead, Cruz recommends keeping the entourage small.
"Purchasing your wedding gown should be an intimate affair. It's an opportunity for the bride to bond with her bridal party and is a milestone that should be shared with her mother, close family or friends," Cruz advises.
Vera Metra purchased her dress from Budget Bridal Boutique for her December 2013 wedding to Raul Metra. She echoed Cruz's advice to keep onlookers to a minimum.
"One person's opinion may be all you need," she says.
Choose loved ones who will support you and offer sound advice.
"Beware of overly opinionated guests," Cruz says. "Everyone should remember that this is a special moment for every bride and her opinion matters most."
Picking a style
Surrounded by a sea of delicate lace and fluffy tulle, you might not know where to start. But don't worry -- there are styles that will fit and flatter every body type.
The key to finding the right dress is to try on a wide range of silhouettes and necklines, from strapless to cap sleeves, ball gown to sheath.
"Women are flocking to anything with a sweetheart neckline. Mermaid or trumpet-style skirts," says Cruz. "A-line gowns are classic, so are any gowns adorned with lace."
"Be open to trying on different styles," recommends Metra. Even if you have your heart set on a blinged-out ball gown, let your stylist pick out a few other styles as well. Keeping an open mind and a positive attitude is key."
Decisions
How will you know when you've found "the one?" It comes down to a gut feeling.
"They just know," explained Cruz. "When a bride finds the right dress, there is nothing keeping her from purchasing the gown. Sometimes, the room just gets quiet and everyone just can't take their eyes off of the dress."
For some brides, it can take multiple appointments and many dresses before they find the perfect gown. Others get lucky on the first try.
"It really does depend on the bride," says Cruz. "Believe it or not, I've had many brides pull eight to 10 dresses and then, after trying the first dress on, they find 'the one' and just are not interested in trying any others on."
For brides who need to deliberate a little longer, it's important not to get discouraged.
"I've also had some indecisive brides who try on as many as 16 or 17 gowns, sleep on it and come back in a couple days to pick up the gown of their choice," Cruz says.
"When I tried on the dress, I felt comfortable in it," says Metra, who wore a strapless A-line gown for her wedding. "It fit just right and I knew it was the one."
Perfect fit
You've finally found the dress of your dreams, but the hem is about a foot too long and there's a flower on the bodice that you can't stand. Cruz says not to worry.
"Almost all brides will have to alter their dress in some way," she says. "This should not hinder you from purchasing your dress. On Guam we have very skilled tailors and seamstresses, so altering a wedding gown here is a piece of cake."
To make sure your dress fits just right, head to a reputable tailor or seamstress two weeks prior to the wedding, says Cruz. "As much as you may want to get it out of the way, you should wait because your weight may fluctuate by a few pounds while planning your big day," she adds.
"When getting fitted for alterations, make sure to bring your shoes and undergarments for the fitting. Then, during your final fitting, try sitting down and standing up several times to make sure your gown fits just right."
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