Through it all I've ended up with a gigantic binder full of crap and a lot of stuff to take down to the recycling bin. It's been a bit of a headache really. But out of it I have some great tips!
First off, the best tip I have for the first few times trying on dresses is to take your maid of honor or sister or whatever - but that one person who you're close to who shares your style... even if it's your fiance. I know it's "against the rules" but I've been asking his opinion though he won't see me in the dress until the day I think. Superstitions seem silly when you've been through so much with a chronic illness progressing and this man (or woman) in your life. Then again, so do normal "for better or worse, in sickness and health" vows but that's an issue for another day.
I took my MOH Katy these first two times trying on dresses and it has significantly reduced my crazy dress issues. And she can try on bridesmaid dresses and help with colors as well as styles!
 |
| Also, she's there to look fabulous! |
Second, take pictures! You're never going to see the dress from all the angles someone else would.
 |
| Empire waist |
 |
| I found out I hate the front of this dress |
 |
| Oh, but I love the back of it so! |
Third? Make sure you're not wearing zebra print panties when you try dresses on. White would be a really good idea.
Oops.
Look online for inspiration and bring in pictures. Also learn wedding dress terminology like mermaid, sheath, sweetheart neckline, etc. For big chain stores or ones that carry certain designers you can definitely (AND SHOULD) look at styles online and go in with a style number or picture that you'd like to try. I have a HUGE list right now - gulp!
And don't be afraid to revisit a dress that you loved instantly but dumped because it didn't have lace (satin, rouching, beads, etc). I put on this dress right away and fell in love but have since dumped it because it isn't lacy. However, I'm not entirely pleased with the two above and I'm convinced this may end up being THE dress.
Definitely don't limit yourself to one big chain of wedding stores. So far that's all I've tried (you know the one) but I have appointments at some local boutiques set up and am definitely looking into booking a few more with all those coupons I got at those wedding expos!
(Nice segue, right?)
 |
| Zoinks |
Okay, it's overwhelming and it'll be like walking past all the kiosk people in the mall but you've practiced the ignoring skills there right? Truth be told you may not want to employ those ignoring skills at expos (unless you don't want to rent - and I'm serious - a Bucky Badger fancy trailer bathroom).
First tip here - if you eat before, only eat a little. There WILL be cake.
 |
| Mmmmmmmmm cake |
That said, if you end up at an expo where they make you do crazy things for prizes, walk out immediately.
 |
| My dignity has to be somewhere in here. |
The truth is there will be lots of ways at classy expos for you to win free stuff - some of which you may even get there! I got free fake lashes put on and ended up looking AMAZING.
 |
| My Still's rash was cooperating YAY |
Visit all the booths you want to and if a booth is too busy come back. One I wanted to visit was too busy to talk to someone every time we walked past but I grabbed their handout stuff anyway. Also make sure you ask questions for any accommodations you may need. There were really only two bakers between both expos that have multiple gluten free options so I'm definitely glad I asked before thinking about booking a tasting!
Make sure you sign up for free shit but remember these people will actually follow up. It would be good to have a separate email address for wedding things or at least a folder in your inbox dedicated to the big day. This may also be the time to remove the crazy ringtone from your phone and explore how to set it on silent.
I found this tip from Pinterest I think and it has REALLY helped me at both expos - get address labels (or create your own) so you don't have to fill out as much on forms. It was a godsend, especially with fibro phoebe and Arthur-itis being active lately.
It would also be good to at least have a rough idea of what you want for decorations and such, as well as (at the bare minimum) the month and year of your big day.
Oh, and definitely make sure to hit up the fashion shows! There are usually two per day - typically noon and three for an expo running from 10am to 5pm.
 |
| I do my little turn on the catwalk. On the catwalk, yea! |
Afterwards, go through all the take homes and recycle (please!) the things you decide not to look further into and compile the keep things into a binder. I keep my things separated with those divider tabs I bought in college and never used.
Now I do have another tip to share right now while we're on the subject:
Enter every damn contest and get all the free things you can girl! Many of the expo booths will have freebees and contests but then the expos themselves many times have a contest to win things donated by the different companies and such. There are also a few good websites out there, like Wedding Vibe, with getaways and giveaways done like every damn day. And many places will allow you to get samples for free. One great place I found was Exclusively Weddings, where you can get free invitation samples. If you have to pay to enter a contest, just shut down the page and throw that junk mail away.
Speaking of contests...
Please forgive me, but from the 17th-30th of January I'll be using the blog and the facebook page to pimp myself out. No, I haven't magically turned into a car, but I am trying to win a David's Bridal contest worth $2500 towards my wedding - which I desperately need! I would very much appreciate it if you'd come vote for me and share the link with your friends!
