POST-IT NOTE FIVE: Wedding Dress Shopping. Discuss.

Hello. Today's topic is wedding dress shopping. Easily the highlight of the planning process. Who watches "Say Yes to The Dress"? Basically, that is exactly what it's like. There's the over-opinionated aunt, the quiet and reserved sister (and in S1's case, the sister with Swine Flu), the emotional Mom, the ever loyal Maid of Honor, the "I love everything" bridesmaid and lastly but not least, the hater (maybe she hates the dresses but maybe...she just hates you). Whoa, wait a second, we're getting ahead of ourselves...let's take it nice and slow.

Step 1:
Start perusing bridal magazines, The Knot, and more importantly designers' websites (Jim Heljm, Pronovias, La Sposa, Watters, Amsale...among a gillion others. Let us know if you want more info). Get an idea of what you like and what you absolutely cannot see yourself in (for S2 this includes a strapless dress). Check out this nifty tool on the Kleinfeld Bridal website, http://www.kleinfeldbridal.com/index.cfm?pid=50&title=weddinggown.

Step2:
Start figuring out which stores carry the designer you like.
**NOTEBOOK NOTE**
Not all stores that carry a designer's line will have every style of dress so if you find a particular dress you like and the store doesn't have it, try to be conscience of what you like about it. Elements of the dress can be found in other styles or even other designers.

Step 3 (it's just you and meeee, sorry NKOTB reference):
Assemble your team. When S1 was trying to determine who to bring, she really just wanted a small group. With 3 sisters, 2 Maid of Honors, 1 Bridesmaid, 1 Mom and 1 Mother of the Groom and a partridge in a pear tree, this was not likely. They say small groups are better because you don't have to deal with too many opinions. However, you could also have a group like S1's where everyone was entirely respectful of the process and wanted to hear the bride's opinion before expressing their own. A helpful aspect to this is the consultant assigned to you that day. S1 went to Creations Vezina in Ste-Dorothee (a little off the beaten St Hubert path but totally worth it) and had a consultant (thanks Genevieve!) who knew how to handle the group and make it a great experience for all.
**NOTEBOOK NOTE**
Stay tuned for a post devoted to some of our favorite wedding dress shops!

Step 4:
Make your appointment. Ensure you're booking this on a day where you have nothing else to do, you're relaxed and you aren't rushed to get through it. Oh, and don't eat a huge meal before you go. You'll want to feel and look your best. Do your hair, put on some makeup (easy on the foundation), and even wear earrings or underwear that make you feel great.

Step 5:
Time to talk money. Set a budget with whoever is paying for the dress and be respectful of the limit. You might love Vera Wang but if Auntie Bess says you have $2,000 to spend, hello Pronovias. Don't eliminate the option of renting a dress or buying one second hand. Once Wed is a good resource for second hand dresses.

Things to Remember
-Expect to have to put down a deposit of at least $500.
-You could find the perfect dress after trying on 2 or 22 dresses. Don't be discouraged if nothing works the first time around.
-You will feel ownership over your dress. When you try it on, everything becomes a little more real and a lot more emotional. S1 was surprised at how constant the thoughts were of Mr. HFH during the process. No wonder we all cry! Bring Kleenex
-You might have a specific dress in mind but be open to all possibilities. The consultant will have a good opinion about what suits your body type so you might be surprised at what you end up choosing (ah hem, S2...strapless? Haha, we'll see).
-Take the opportunity to make a day of it. Go out for lunch with your "team". Trying on your wedding dress is an experience you will never forget and won't be able to really explain so soak it all in. Plus, in light of your 24 hour fast you'll be starving.

Good luck and remember, have fun!

Next Post-It Note: Engagement parties. Prime Importance or Unnecessary Luxury. Discuss.