Wedding Dress Tips and Advice for The Bride
Depending on the designer, couture wedding gowns normally take six to twelve months to arrive. Allow at least one and half to two months before your wedding date for fittings.
A bride should try on and select a headpiece while making her gown decision. This will ensure a complete look.
It is a nice idea to accessorize at the time of your gown purchase when the style of your dress is fresh in your mind. Bridal accessories can include a headpiece, veil, jewelry and handbag.
It is not a bad idea to wear your hair in the style you think you want to have on your wedding day. Doing so will help give you an idea of how the wedding veil and headpiece will look on you.
You might want to bring shoes with a comfortable heel height. This will help you determine the proper the length of your gown.
If you are planning on losing weight before your wedding, do not hesitate in ordering the designer wedding dress because of the length of time needed. Perhaps give yourself a goal and discuss it with your consultant. Proper arrangements can then be made.
A bride should come to the bridal salon with no more than two to three people who are instrumental in helping with her decision. She should not bring the entire bridal party or she will lose focus.
Always be open-minded and allow your knowledgeable bridal consultant to show you fashion. Don’t just say no – try it on. You have nothing to lose and may unexpectedly find your perfect wedding dress.
Bridesmaid Tips
If you are concerned with varying sizes in your bridal party, you may want to consider picking only a color or designer. The bridesmaids can then each pick a dress that will best accommodate their figure.
Don’t be afraid to consider two-tone bridesmaid dresses, stripes, prints, plaids, or t-length dresses for your girls. You can create a look that is most unique.
If you are looking for a way to have your maid of honor(s) stand out, they can wear a different dress or the same dress in a different color. You may also want to consider the use of a custom shawl or belt. A larger and/or unique bouquet is another option.
Bringing pictures of bridesmaid dresses can be helpful in finding the best style for your party. However, we recommend keeping an open mind and allowing our consultants to suggest styles you may not have otherwise considered.
We offer a wide variety of junior bridesmaids dresses, as well as flowergirl dresses, to complement either the bridal or bridesmaids gowns. The Showroom at Bridal Reflections also offers communion dresses, as well!
When the bridesmaids come in for their fittings, make sure they have the proper undergarments and shoes. This will save time and potentially unnecessary alterations.
Remember: shawls, straps, and/or jackets can be added to all dresses to accommodate religious or stylistic needs.
Mother of the Bride/Groom Tips
When mothers are looking for a gown, they should not limit themselves to traditional styles. Mothers do commonly wear black or champagne, two colors that were once considered taboo.
Beading and embellishments can be added or subtracted to most outfits. Many styles can be modified based on formality of affair or time of day.
Not all outfits have to be matronly. We love to dress mothers in the most current looks and colors. Many styles we have are both flattering and youthful.
You want to allow four to six months for delivery of your Mother of the Bride or Groom gown. You must also consider that evening wear alterations require at least two fittings.
Wedding Dress FAQs
Do I need an appointment?
Bridal consultations are by appointment only, please contact us via the website or call 212.764.3040. We also require an appointment for bridesmaids. Please note bridesmaids are carried at our bridesmaids showroom in Massapequa, The Showroom at Bridal Reflections. We also sell the Jessica Angel Collection at our Fifth Avenue salon. Our trunk shows are by appointment only and fill up quickly.
How long does a bridal gown take to come in?
Depending on the designer it can take anywhere from 6-12 months.
Can I get a gown on a rush?
Absolutely, most designers will special cut a gown for Bridal Reflections to accommodate a shorter time frame.
Can gowns be shipped?
We will ship anywhere in the world.
Can you service my bridal gown after the wedding?
We offer a professional dry cleaning and wedding gown preservation service. Our brides receive a discount on this service, and the gown is directly shipped to the bride’s home.
Do you sell samples or have gowns in stock?
Yes, our samples can be purchased and we also carry certain gowns in stock for brides that do not have time to wait for an order.
What do I need for my first bridal fitting?
You will need to have shoes, undergarments, and slips. We sell undergarments and slips to accommodate our brides.
What types of gowns do you sell?
Bridal, Bridesmaids, Mother of the bride/groom, Flower girls, Communion Dresses, Maid and matron of honor, Pageants, Proms, Elegant evening wear, Mother of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
Do you have plus size samples?
We have a selection of plus sizes in all departments. In addition, any of our gowns can be ordered in a plus size.
Do you sell accessories?
Yes, we carry undergarments, lingerie and designer robes. We also carry designer accessories such as: jewelry, pocketbooks, flower girl baskets, moneybags, pillows, garters and much more.
Do you have special events?
Yes, we have bridal fashion shows and trunk shows scheduled on many weekends throughout the year. Please see our online schedule for further information.
How much do your gowns cost?
For your convenience Bridal Reflections has three locations, all of which carry different designers and styles to offer you more of a selection. We also have different price points between salons as follows:
Massapequa Salon: $1,500 to $7,000
Carle Place | Westbury Salon: $1,800 to $10,000
Fifth Avenue | New York City Salon: $4,000 to over $20,000
Do you have headpieces?
Yes, we have an amazing selection of tiaras, headbands, hairpins, and specialty veiling.
We also have Headpiece, Veil & Accessories trunk shows, which you can find here!