Local dressmaker offers tips for stressed-out shoppers

By Sandra Gonzalez
Special to the News-Sentinel

The saying "shop 'til you drop" is a bride's mantra as she hunts for the perfect dress. Ramona Gonzalez, owner of Casa Gonzalez Bridal Boutique in Lodi, offers five expert tips to help save time, money and stress when shopping for a wedding gown.

• Search for your gown early. It generally takes four to six months for a gown to come in. Rush ordering a gown for a six-week to three-month turnaround will cost as much as $50 to $100 extra.

"We get many brides one to three months before their big day searching for a gown," Gonzalez said. "Luckily, we can help, but options are limited in those rush situations.

It is best to begin looking six months to one year in advance. The extra time will relieve stress, allow for alterations and eliminate additional rush charges.

• Be prepared to shop. On shopping day, make sure you are ready to try on dresses. Gonzalez suggests wearing a strapless bra, clothes that are easy to take off and put back on and heels in the same height you plan to wear on your wedding day. Bring water and snacks, such as trail mix and a granola or power bar to munch on between boutique visits.

"Brides need lots of energy to try on dresses and shop all day," Gonzalez said.

• Limit your company. You may want all your bridesmaids to be there when you choose your dress, but that will only create stress and confusion. Only ask one or two people whose opinion you trust to accompany you.

• Supersizing it. Are you shocked your size-six body only fits into size 10 dresses? Don't be.

"Each gown company has its own measurement criteria, so a size six in one company may be a four in another and yet 10 in the next."

When ordering your gown, let the boutique staff measure you to get the most appropriately fitted gown. You may still need alterations, but do not insist on getting that size six if the company's size chart calls for a size 10; otherwise, you could be doubling or tripling your alteration charges.

• Waiting for weight loss. Plan to lose 20 pounds before your walk down the aisle? Great! But don't hold up your dress order on account of the scale. And don't buy a dress based on the body you plan to have on your big day.

"Every bride wants to be as fit as she can for her wedding, but it's best to purchase your gown according to the size you are now," Gonzalez said.

To accommodate for weight loss, it is easier to have a dress taken in than to have a tight-fitting dress let out because some companies only have a two to four inch allowance on the gown.

By being prepared, all brides will save money, time and stress.

"Have fun shopping. It's your day, make the most of it," Gonzalez said.