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Bridal
Gowns and More
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How To Choose Your Dress?
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Many of
us dream of the perfect wedding gown from early childhood. As we grow, our
dreams mature, and when it is indeed time to find the dress to be worn on the
most important day of our lives, we have a pretty clear idea of what will make
us feel just perfect.
Listen
to these instincts, and find -- within your budget, of course -- the one gown
that you know is yours.
Consider,
however, the time and place of your nuptials. If you are to have a formal
candlelit ceremony, a short sundress will not do. An afternoon garden
party is not the place for a long veil, and if your party is planned in a proper
reception hall, a classic look may be the best choice.
In
addition, if your ceremony will take place in a synagogue, inquire about the s
bridal attire requirements. In general the three major denominations of
Judaism -- Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox -- have different standards.
Reform Judaism has few, if any, restrictions on dress. Conservative synagogues
usually require that a bride's shoulders be covered, while Orthodoxy customarily
places several restrictions on attire. Brides may be required to wear dresses
with full or three-quarter length sleeves, high-cut necklines, ankle-length
skirts, and covered backs. It is best to check with the rabbi. Rules regarding
bridal attire vary even among synagogues within the same denomination.
Regardless
of your choice, make sure you feel COMFORTABLE in your dress.
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Where To Look For the Perfect
Dress
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- Log on to the Jewish
Celebrations Directory and look for Bridal Salons in your area, and
Bridal Gown outlets.
- Independently
Owned Bridal Shops - many of which offer a range
of services to the bride and bride's party. Bridal shops often carry
many of the other accessories you may need, such as shoes, veils,
undergarments, and more. Bridal shops usually sell the nationally
advertised gowns, and have an in-house seamstress whose counsel is often
valuable.
- Discount Outlets - in these stores
you'll find a mix of well-known designer dresses and imports at reduced
prices. More often than not, these outlets sell the gowns "as
is" or off-the-rack, and do not offer in-store seamstress services.
- Bridal Chain Stores - there store carry a
limited line of gowns produced for the chain exclusively. Like
Discount Outlets, the Bridal Chain Stores sell their dresses off the rack,
though services such as alterations vary from chain to chain. Prices,
however, are more reasonable.
- Direct From Designers - the majority of
wedding gown designers and manufactures are based in New York City.
(Check out 1385 Broadway, in the Garment District.)
- Rentals - If your budget does not
include the thousands for a designer's dress - but your heart is set on one,
a wedding-gown rental shop may be the answer. The selections are often
more limited, but good rental establishment maintain their dress is mint
condition.
- Hand-Me-Downs - not necessarily a
negative notion. If you are sentimental, you may feel most special in
a dress your mom, a favorite aunt, or a vintage gown found in a thrift shop.
- Custom-Made Dress - If the dress you
desire costs more than $5000, you may be better off hiring a dressmaker who
would create another in its image for a small fraction of the cost.
Good silk, enough for a bridal gown will cost between $400-$500.
Including the services of a talented professional, you may shell out no more
than $1500 for a perfect fit.
- Gemachs - lending organizations.
Jewish tradition encourages helping brides and grooms achieve supreme
happiness on the day of their nuptials. In an effort to help those who
need financial assistance, Jewish organizations around the U.S.A. collect
wedding gowns, care for them, and provide them to brides. Generally, a
nominal fee is charged; the money is used to maintain the dresses for future
use.
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Practical Advice
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Remember
your budget. Try and stick with it, but don't settle for a dress that you do not
feel happy with. Also remember...
Don't
be afraid to ask questions. Ask away...
here are some examples --
- Are alterations included in the price
- Deposit Amount
- When is the final balance due
- Which credit cards are accepted
- Cancellation policies
Make
sure your contract lists the designer's name, size, price, color, fabric,
manufacturer, style number, and delivery date.
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