This article is edited by a professional wedding consultant.

Brides and Grooms generally focus on different things in a wedding - and also throughout the marriage, however that is a whole separate article. The Bride will probably spend much more time shopping for and selecting her gown, than the Groom will. The Bride generally has many more design options from which to choose. However, both Bride and Groom attire should match, since the spotlight is directly on the couple throughout the entire day. Here are some guidelines for both Brides and Grooms to assist with this very important "match making" decision.

The Groom's and Bride's parties and attire will be determined by the theme / style of the wedding and the budget. After these are defined, it is time to get the clothes to match.

Things to Consider

The Bride's wedding gown is probably the most elegant and expensive gown a Bride will ever own - therefore it is a unique, once in a lifetime shopping experience. Take your time and enjoy the experience. You may want to take some family or girlfriends with you to share the experience.

Your two options are buying or renting. Define your gown budget and go shopping a few times to see what you can afford.

Dress Code - Some wedding venues have a dress code, so find out what is acceptable at your wedding location. This will help you choose whether to cover your shoulders and how much of your legs you should show.

Love It - You should love your gown and not need to have others convince you it is the one for you. Trust your internal instincts if you love it or not.

Fitting and Comfort - The hem of a full-length gown should just touch the top of your shoe toes. Wedding gowns tend to run small, so discuss the fitting with the salon vendor and make sure they take your best measurements for the specific gown designer. You should be able to move comfortably - walking, bending, squatting, and dancing. Practice all these things when doing your fitting. You should continue fittings until you are completely satisfied.

Maid of Honor - Try to include your maid of honor in your dress shopping adventure. If nothing else, try to have her there for the final wedding gown fitting so she can become familiar with any issues she may need to be aware of as your support during the wedding and reception.

Gown Options

These are descriptions of the basic clothing options. A reputable formalwear vendor can assist you with all the nuances and choices you have, making sure measurements and fit are comfortable so you look amazing as you walk down the isle to your Groom!

• The Gown - The gown is the most beautiful showpiece of your ensemble. It should be an expression of your dreams. Write down what you absolutely want and what you are willing to compromise on, and then look for your dream gown.
• Headpiece and Veil - The headpiece holds the veil and both should be comfortable. The headpiece should be simple in relation to the gown, so the gown is not overwhelmed. Consider the gown like the cake and the headpiece and veil like the cherry on top of the cake. The veil should complement both your body type and your dress. It should be easy to move aside and not cumbersome. The veil should not cover up your beauty or the beauty of the dress, but should compliment both.
• Jewelry - Your jewelry, like the headpiece and veil should be simple in relation to the gown, so the gown is not overwhelmed. As for rings, on this special day, wear only your engagement ring and new wedding band, when you receive it from your Groom. Earrings should not be very low profile and dangle very little. Your necklace choice will depend on your wedding theme, your neck, and the neckline of your wedding dress.
• Shoes - Shoes can make your break your comfort, especially if you want to be smiling all day. Generally, 2 and ½ inch heels are comfortable for an all day event that will include dancing, walking, and a moderate degree of standing. There are many stylish options such as satin, peau de soie, silk shantung, soft leather, and accents like lace, pearls, or crystals. The shoes and headpiece pairing should be opposite - a simple shoe with an extravagant dress and an opulent shoe with a minimalist gown and accessories.
• Lingerie - This is for you, and oh yes, for your Groom - foundational and sexy. For you since you want the smooth lines of your gown to appear beautiful. For the Groom, to enjoy during the honeymoon. Get fitted at a specialty lingerie store or department for an expert fit. For the best gown fitting, you should wear your lingerie under the gowns as you try them on - this prevents surprises.
• Gloves - Gloves can be an extraordinary elegant accent. Glove come in various lengths including opera-length (over the elbow), below elbow length, and wrist-length. Experiment with various gloves to see which fits your gown best. If you are not used to wearing any kind of gloves, consider of the wedding and reception environments and decide if you want to have the extra encumbrance of wearing and taking care of them.

Bridal Gown Vendor

Here are some things to consider for selecting a bridal gown vendor.

1. Select a vendor, your bridal dress, and get fitted at least six to twelve months before the wedding. Ask each vendor you interview the following questions:


• What is the total price including all accessories and fitting? - Get the total list of all items and accessories included in writing on the vendor letterhead.
• What is your quality and service guarantee? This is to ensure you have the right fit - if the hem is right, if adjustments are needed, and so on.
• May I pay by credit card or check? - This ensures you have a record in case there are any problems.
• May I see the fine print on the purchase agreement? - You want to read the fine print carefully, to make sure you understand exactly what you are getting.
• Can you borrow your gown ahead of time for pictures? - You may want to have some preliminary photos before the wedding.
2. Schedule your initial appointments and salon shopping with at least one hour of relaxed, unrushed time. This should not be at lunch time, or on a Saturday since these tend to be busy, high pressure times for both you and the vendors.
3. Get recommendations from your vendor to fit your body types (tall, short, stocky, thin, etc.). Each body type will require a different fit.
4. Schedule a final fitting about 1 week before the wedding and then if you are satisfied, bring your dress home. Before that time, you will probably sleep better knowing the dress is safely at the vendor's store. The last week, you can admire it as the excitement grows with the wedding just days away.

May your "match-making" of the Bride and Groom ensembles be wondrous as you explore the clothing extravaganza that makes your day memorable.

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