Happy Wednesday, Lovely Brides!

This week we’re into Part 2 of a 3 Part -13 Tip Series on how to find the perfect wedding gown. For our images this week, we’re highlighting a beautiful styled shoot planned by What A Day Weddings and photographed on location at the Chapel at the Farm is featuring a gown from the lovely Adore Bridal Boutique, a wedding gown consignment shop in Gilbert. When brand new doesn’t fit into the budget, or you have a decent budget but want a high-end designer gown; a sweet and gently used gown may be perfect! Plus, knowing you’re re-purposing a beautiful gown that’s sitting there just waiting for perfect you… it is a really great concept! 52% of all of our Dreamcicle brides have purchased gently used gowns and every one of them found that it was a great experience.

I’m unsure as to whom the designer is on this gorgeous sleeveless alternative, princess-styled gown; it’s full skirt and beautiful capped sleeves add a delightful feminine flair. The beading adds enough bling to make any bride feel special and beautiful on the most special day of all–Wedding Day! Modeled by the beautiful Molly Jane Carlson, this gown will fit the spectrum in themes–everything from vintage with lace to ballroom elegance. Also–if you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Decy Bebek at Adore Bridal Boutique in Gilbert,  you’re in for a real treat. Her quaint and precious boutique is a treasure and her personal service in helping you find the perfect gown is second to none. Decy makes every visit to her boutique memorable just by being herself! And.. the Chapel at the Farm–it’s just divine! But we’ll save that for another blog post. 🙂

13 Tips to Choose the Perfect Wedding Gown: Part 2 of 3

If you missed Part 1 from last week, you may view it here. Starting from Tip #5:

5. Be In The Know Before You Go!
Before you hit the shops, be sure to do some research on the options in your area. Whether you select your dress from a local boutique or a national chain, know who you’re dealing with. Sites like Wedding Wire and The Wedding Channel provide reviews of local vendors from actual brides. Read testimonials and visit Facebook pages before you ever make an appointment at a salon. If you have friends who have purchased their gowns in the area, ask for their opinions. Make sure the store fits with your style and your budget.

6. Keep An Open Mind From the Start!
Most brides end up purchasing a gown that is completely different from what they had in mind. Why? Because you really can’t know what a dress will look like until you try it on. It doesn’t hurt to try on a dress that your consultant, best friend, or even your mom recommends. Even if you think you will never like it, just try it on. A gown takes on a whole new look once it is on your body. And who knows…that light pink, ball gown with the huge flowers may just be the dress of your dreams!

7. Eat a Solid Breakfast and Be Well Nourished
Don’t forget to have a solid breakfast and pack a few snacks before you hit the stores! With those bright can lights overhead; it tends to get quite toasty in the changing rooms and you’re likely to be thirsty early on with all the talking, visiting and moving about you’ll be doing. Planning ahead and packing a bag with water bottles and having snacks on hand will stave away the hunger pangs until you break from all the fun of trying on those beautiful gowns.

8. Focus on the Details
Start with knowing what kind of silhouette flatters your figure the most—then look at the details. Try on as many gowns as you’d like or need to—there’s no stopping you! But…we don’t want you to go into wedding dress overload, so moderation is the key! As you go from gown to gown, view the gown on your body from all angles. While some shops and boutiques discourage the use of mobile devices to take photographs, call ahead and ask permission to have a friend or family member take images of you while you’re trying on gowns. Have them take a minimum of 3 images of you in gowns you love so you can see what it looks like (and how it photographs) from all sides. Do a front, side and back shot. Later when you’re back home, print out the images so you can lay them out to see what kind of silhouette that flatters you the most and focus on your personal style and comfort level. Also, don’t panic when it comes to wedding dress sizing as bridal gowns run 2-3 sizes larger than your actual size.

9. It’s Okay to Say “No!” To Tradition!

In this day and age it’s okay to throw out tradition and just go for what makes you happy, after all, this isn’t your mothers wedding. The dress you choose doesn’t have to have a long train, puffy sleeves or even be white for that matter. In fact, many brides are going for blush, soft pink, creams, baby blues, mint and even black gowns have floated the catwalks and runways in the spring 2014 bridal shows. There’s no rule (or any rules for that matter!) that says a wedding dress can’t be trendy, let your gown be a reflection of who you are and what your wedding day means to you.

I hope these tips are helpful to you so far, dear brides! Stay tuned for Part 3 next week, where we’ll take you through tip 13! We’re almost there!

Till then!

Kristi xoxo

Gown Provided by Adore Bridal Boutique, Decy Bebek (480) 244-6621 | Model: Molly Jane Carlson | Photography: Dreamcicle Studios Photography, Kristi Church 602-625-2006| Wedding Coordinator/Planner: What A Day Weddings , Denise Nicolette (602) 989-3173 | Venue: The Chapel at the Farm, Reverend Amy 480-752-3733 |

About Dreamcicle Studios Photography: We’re a madly in love husband and wife photography team in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area that loves capturing love more than anything! We photograph new beginnings and completed souls; faces of anticipation, happiness, love. It’s wedding photography designed uniquely for you. We’d love to speak to you about photographing your dream wedding day! Contact us by clicking here.