How to Find the Perfect Wedding Dress

Shopping for your wedding dress should be a fun and memorable experience. Unfortunately, the amount of pressure and stress that a bride feels is very common. The wedding dress shopping experience can start with excitement and turn into exhaustion when you can't seem to find what you envision. Here are some tips that will help you find the perfect wedding dress:

1. Location

The venue you choose and the theme of your wedding serves as the foundation for your dress choice. If you are getting married on the beach, you can cross ball gowns and dramatic trains off your list. If you are getting married in a church, this eliminates shorter dresses and low-cut backs. The climate in your locale is also one to take into consideration. Warmer weather calls for linen and organdy while velvet and brocade are better suited for colder climates.

2. Set your budget and stick to it!

Trying on the perfect wedding dress that is way out of your price range is a surefire way to put a damper on the rest of your experience. Make sure you not only set a budget but also inform the salesperson before she starts bringing you your gowns when you go wedding dress shopping. The entire look can cost 10-15% of your wedding budget. Don't forget to consider alterations and shipping costs.

3. Start looking early

The perfect time to start looking for your perfect wedding dress is six to nine months before you say "I do." Once you pick the one it takes three to four months for it to be made and another to months for fittings and alterations. If you are picking a gown with a lot of detail it will take even longer. Some stores do offer rush orders, but your choices are limited and it will cost an additional fee.

4. Second Opinions

Making the decision alone can be difficult. Bringing a few close confidants whose opinions are trustworthy can help ease the decision. Invite people that know your taste and will respect your ultimate decision. The last thing you want is butting heads that can make the time spent shopping frustrating and tiring.

5. Choose the fit, not on the size

Many brides are discouraged when they find out their wedding dress size is four times bigger than what they typically wear. A bride that is normally an 8 may find that she fits better in a 12. Always get the size that fits best, even if you plan on losing weight before the big day. Gowns are always easier to take in!

Feel free to go through our collection to find a dress that may be perfect for your big day.

Hair and Makeup That Lasts on Your Wedding Day

Choosing the perfect hair and makeup look for your wedding day can be just as hard as picking the perfect dress. It is important to factor in the overall theme of your wedding. Your hair and makeup should follow the same feel and should be completely "you." Your hair and makeup should be similar to what you wear every day. Of course, turning up the drama and having a little fun is perfectly fine, it is your wedding day! Here are some other aspects to take into consideration:

1. Weather
The climate in your wedding location is one of the most important things to plan for when planning your big day. For a summer wedding, an undo hairstyle is best for comfort in the hot and humid weather. During the windier fall months, a look that keeps your hair away from you eyes and mouth is key for keeping your makeup pristine. When choosing the perfect lip look in the fall, opt for a jour matte look to avoid sticky lips. If your wedding is indoors you have many more options for your hair and makeup. Just be sure that the colors are vibrant enough to take on the harsh light from the camera's flash.

2. Time
How much time are you giving yourself between getting ready and taking the first steps down the aisle? This is important to think about because makeup looks best within 3 hours of being applied. Try to schedule your makeup application time closer to the walk down the aisle so you can look fresh! Don't forget to use a primer and a setting spray after the look is complete.
If you have a longer day ahead of you, plan for styles and looks that have staying power. Braids and tight curls will hold all day, while big loose curls will start to fall out after a few hours. If you are changing to a more dance-friendly dress for the reception, you can use that time to freshen up and add a more practical style for your party. A little spritz of rose water to the face can bring back the glow.

3. Costume Changes
You may be planning for the dress change between the ceremony and the reception. Plan ahead so this transition is completely flawless. For the first dress, wear the appropriate lingerie from the start that way you aren't messing up your makeup by removing a sports bra. While applying makeup and perfecting your hair, where a robe or button down that will be easy to take off without having to be pulled over your head. If you are wearing a veil, practice putting it on so it is comfortable and secure and won't mess up your hair.

If you have already chosen your wedding dress, make sure that you let your makeup artist know what it looks like. If this is something you still haven’t discovered, feel free to go through our collection to find a dress that may be perfect for your big day.

How to Make Your Trial Wedding Makeup a Success

On your wedding day, you need to make sure that you look your best. One way you can achieve this is by having the right type of makeup on your face. If you have already chosen your makeup artist, it is important that you schedule a test look before your big day. With this, you can decide what type of look you would like for your wedding.

Here are some tips on how to have a successful makeup trial session with your makeup artist:

• Schedule your makeup trial at least three to five weeks before your wedding day. This will give you enough time to make the necessary arrangements to have your wedding day makeup look great.
• If you are planning on using a fake tan, make sure you get a test run for it before the makeup trial. This is so your makeup artist will have an idea on which colors to use for your new skin tone. 
• If you have a particular look in mind, make sure that you bring the photos with you during the trial session. This will give your makeup artist an idea of the particular look that you wish to have on your wedding day.
• Make sure that you choose a professional artist who only makes use of the best products. This way, you can ensure that your makeup will stay on your face for a long period of time.

If you have already chosen your wedding dress, make sure that you let your makeup artist know what it looks like. If this is something you still haven’t discovered, feel free to go through our collection to find a dress that may be perfect for your big day.