Dress to Impress- A guide to buying your Wedding gown
Buying A Wedding Gown in Maryland
Article By: Jessica Gardner
More than a fashion statement, the dress is the most memorable and emotional symbol to compliment your wedding. To keep the search fun without the frustration, forget web shopping and go local. From Vintage stores to Bridal shows, Maryland has all the resources for the gown you’ve always wanted. Classic, romantic, modern…there’s a dress for everyone and we‘ve included tips on style, saving money, Bridal shows and guides to the best boutiques.
- Preparation - Before you begin window-shopping, glance at a few magazines to familiarize yourself with companies and styles that you like. Some things to bring include: photos of your desired gown, color swatches, a digital camera so you can see yourself in your favorite styles after you’ve left the store, and a purse-sized pack of tissues (trust us, you’ll see why when you find the “one”) . Inviting a friend or family member can make the experience more enjoyable and be an extra set of hands with the pictures. Lastly, take a deep breath and don’t take it too seriously. Enjoy this time as a mini-vacation from the other wedding plans and a day spent on you.
- The Hunt - When you enter a store, pay attention to detail. A clean, well-managed store with a friendly, helpful staff is ideal. Also, be on the look out for other services inside. Travel agencies, gift-shops, florists, photographers and wedding planners can make a bridal business a one stop shop and less hassle for you. There are often discounts when taking advantage of stores with multiple services. A staff that is experienced and has an understanding of body-type and fit will be an important asset later on when you return for fittings for the rest of the party. Some stores put only display gowns on the sales floor and keep the new ones in the back while others have everything in front but use protective garment bags (be sure to ask which method each store is using to avoid any misunderstandings).
- The Decision - Ok, you’ve narrowed it down to two or three that you like, but which one do you choose? Comfort is top priority. How does it feel? Remember, you will be wearing it for quite a long time so if something itches or rubs now, the problem may not be resolved after the fitting either. Other things to consider: does it match your personality, wedding theme, body-type and skin/hair tone? If your unsure about any of these, ask someone who came with you or the sales associate for their opinion.
The Best Dress For your Shape
- Petite: a-line cuts, form fitting dresses elongate the body along with long trains, and vertical patterned beading
- Tall: Two-piece dresses and ball-gown shapes break up a tall, narrow silhouette.
- Curvy: wide-straps, gloves, stay away from too much beading or detail around the problem areas
- Boy shape: Gathered sides, mermaid cut or flared skirts create an hourglass figure.
- Large bust: Wide straps, wrap-overs, and detailing like beading, bands or ribbon under bust help minimize the top and define the waist.
- Small bust: Empire waists and halter-necks draw attention to the upper body and gives the
illusion of a full bust.
- Pear shape: strapless bodices draw the eye to upper body and flared skirts hide hips.
- Apple shape: Corseted bodices and full skirts balance out top and bottom
Money Saving Tips:
- Look for discontinued styles. Some stores offer dresses that are no longer made by the manufacturer thus they are sold at a discount.
- Shop around, don’t buy the first dress that you like; get the manufacturer’s name and a photograph and search for it in other stores to find it at a lower price.
- Ask about party discounts. If a group or wedding party is buying all together they will give a percentage off.
- Bridal Shows and Trunk Shows (see below)
Places To Shop:
Now to the best part…where should you shop? Maryland has a wealth of stores to choose from but to make it easier on you, we went to a few in person to compare.
Bridal And Trunk Shows- Prizes, designers and dresses, Oh my!
We’ve all heard about them but what exactly are they? Bridal Shows are events that showcase everything for weddings: cakes, planners, catering, gowns, and various other merchants depending on the location. This is for the Bride that is ready to plan it all in one day. See the dresses on the runway, taste the wedding cakes and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.
Trunk Shows are similar in that they display wedding merchandise and venders but what makes them different is that the designers are actually there selling their wares from (you guessed it) trunks! Here you’ll find one of a kind designer formal wear before it ever hit’s the shelves. Originally a way for designers to attract clientele to their company, it’s a win-win situation for them and you as much of the wares are discounted.
Our Boutique Spotlight:
Jacqueline’s Bridal & Tuxedo
1905 East Joppa Rd
Parkville, Md 21234
410-882-2888
Web Site: Jacqueline's Bridal & Tuxedo
By far one of the best non-advertised local stores, Jacqueline’s store is beautiful, customer-friendly and great for your budget. Don’t let the humble entrance fool you, this store is well-furnished and spacious once you step inside. Known for their 400 plus bridesmaids collection, it has quite a reputation in the area for only being in business for three years. And with the addition of the breath-taking new couture line in the front of the store, this small business is booming. Saturdays are now appointment only due to the high traffic on weekends so be sure call before walking in. Brides are given special attention by appointment with an assigned sales associate who will work with them exclusively through the entire process. Shopping with the fiancé and the kids? No problem. There’s a tuxedo department down the hall which offers designer labels at discounted prices and a playroom equipped with a TV, and a variety of toys. Because the prices are so low they don’t give discounts on the dresses-they offer something better, a surprise gift. The latest special was a free Swarovski jewelry set for each of the bridesmaids. Past specials have included free gloves, free shoes and free tiara and veil.
List of services:
Gowns: Bridal, Bridesmaid, Mother of the Bride, Flower girl, Prom
Tuxedos: Ranging from low-end to designer labels
Accessories: Shoes, Cd’s, gifts, jewelry, gloves, tiaras, robes, candles, etc.
An on-site Seamstress
Layaway
Rentals: candelabra, archways, decorations
Other Recommended Stores: For a complete list see our Bridal Gowns page
David’s Bridal
6322 Ritchie Hwy
Glen Burnie, MD 21061-1607
(410) 789-7308
With their famous $99 sales and commercial appeal, David’s is always a safe bet.
Premier Bridal Mall
62 Mountain Road - Southdale Shopping Center
Glen Burnie, MD
410.553.9336
Literally, this is the one-stop-shop you’ve been looking for!
Juliet’s Bridal Boutique
8724 Satyr Hill Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21234
410-882-0520
A team who understands what looks best on you.