Ok, two months ago your best friend told you she was getting married. You've never been so excited for her, and when she asked you to light the candles at the ceremony you immediately said ,"Yes"! And you were honored by her request. But now it hits you, "What am I going to wear?" You don't want to look like a bridesmaid, but you want to wear something a little more special than you can find at the local mall. But your in no hurry right? Because the wedding is not for another six months. So you wait until a month before the event to start shopping for that perfect dress. You go from bridal shop to bridal shop only to be informed that it takes a average of 12 weeks to get a gown. Panic sets in, 'What am I going to do!' Then you frantically run from dress shop to dress shop trying to simply find a dress that fits and you don't hate! I have seen this scenario play out over and over again in my bridal shop. And honestly, I feel bad for the ladies that are frantically shopping. This is why I am writing this article, and hopefully it will help someone out there skip the frantic desperate shopping trips. Special occasions gowns are 'special' because you usually have to go to a local bridal shop to order them, and they often come in a variety of around 60+ colors. Once you order the gown, the order is sent to the manufacturer and the dress is cut in your custom color and size. In our society, we have been so trained to just run in last minute and buy something off the rack. And of course, then you risk seeing 9 other people at the wedding wearing the same dress you are. All of this can be avoided with one simple word, "Time". All you need to get that special dress in that special color is time. 12 weeks is the average time that bridal shops and manufacturers need to create a dress for you. Some shops can do rush orders which can cost you up to $30 more for the dress. So how can this be avoided. Simple, as soon as your friend asks you to be a part of her wedding, it's time to go to the store, find the gown you want, choose the color you want, and order the gown. Now the gown is ordered, it's the color you want, and the size you want, and there was NO STRESS! So the next time you hear of a friend who is in 'panic shopping' mode, let them know. Knowledge is power, and the average dress order take about 12 weeks.
Good luck & happy shopping.
Dawn Marie Huddleston
Elegant Occasions Bridal by Dawn Marie
846 South Main Jacksonville, Il 62650
(217) 719-0291