Hey beautiful brides-to-be! Are you dreaming of that perfect wedding dress, tailored just for you? Special ordering your gown is an exciting part of the journey, but there are a few "behind-the-seams" truths that might surprise you! At Mary's Designer Bridal Boutique, we're all about making sure you're fully informed and stress-free. So, let's chat about some unexpected things you should know when special ordering your wedding dress.
Your Dress Might Look Different Than the Sample (And That's Okay!
A common surprise for brides is how their dress looks once it's hemmed. For instance, a bride might fall in love with a long, elegant sheath wedding dress when trying on the sample. However, samples are often too long, making it difficult to visualize the final look. When the actual dress arrives and is hemmed to the correct length, many brides are surprised to see their feet show when they walk. This is a natural occurrence, much like with any evening gown - feet will appear with each step. It's simply not something many anticipate!
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This experience highlights a valuable lesson. We always ask our brides: "Do you want your feet to show when you walk?" If the answer is no, we can explore dresses with more layers that gracefully fall over your feet as you move, ensuring a continuous silhouette.
Beyond the hem, your dress might appear different from the sample you tried on. Samples, especially those with intricate details like crystals, can oxidize over time. Those silver settings might look darker, almost antique, on the sample. But your new dress will arrive sparkling and bright! |
The "Same" Dress Can Have Slight Variations
"Wait," you might be thinking, "I bought that dress, why would it be different?" This is where the magic of the industry comes in, and it's completely normal!
Think of it like this: fabric is ordered in large rolls. Our sample dress was made from one roll, and your special order, placed months later, will likely be crafted from a different roll. This can lead to minor variations in color. We're talking subtle shifts, not drastic changes! It's similar to ordering bridesmaid dresses: you want them all ordered at the same time and from the same manufacturer and color so they come from the same fabric lot, ensuring a consistent shade across all your bridesmaids. We do this every day, and our brides are always thrilled with their beautiful gowns!
Another factor? Sparkle! If your dream dress has a little (or a lot!) of sparkle, expect some variation. As stylists, we're not part of the manufacturing team, so while we can guide you, we can't guarantee every single sequin will be identical to the sample.
Proportions and Fullness Matter
When you're trying on samples, we often place you on a pedestal to give you a better idea of the dress's flow. But it's essential to visualize how the dress will look on your unique proportions once it's hemmed. We often tuck in excess fabric and have brides stand in their planned heel height so they can get a more realistic feel.
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So, please, always ask your stylist: "What will this dress look like in my proportions when it's hemmed? How will the bustle look?" We're used to these questions, but for you, it's often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we want you to be fully prepared! You might also notice a difference in fullness or "crispness" when your new dress arrives. Samples hang in our boutique, sometimes for months, and gravity does its thing. Your brand-new dress will be fresh, often appearing a bit fuller and with more body - which is a wonderful thing! |
Zoom Out, Not In
Brides often tend to "zoom in" on tiny details, nitpicking a single strap or a small section of lace. We encourage you to step away and zoom out! Look at the full picture of your gown. When you focus too intensely on minor details, you can lose sight of the overall vision and accidentally mess with the magnificent full look of your dress.
Handmade Beauty & Why Alterations are Key
Finally, remember that most wedding dresses are handmade works of art! This means slight variations in lace placement or floral appliqués are completely normal. You'd only notice under a microscope. It's like buying a beautiful handmade leather bag - each one has its unique character.
This is exactly why alterations are such a crucial part of the process. They allow us to customize your dress to fit your body beautifully, addressing any minor variations and ensuring it's absolutely perfect for your big day.
When you’re ready to find the perfect wedding dress, book your appointment with us!