Choosing the Right Gown in PA
As residents of Pennsylvania know, the seasons can bring extreme weather. If you are to marry in the spring or summer, you might go with a knee- or calf-length gown with a slightly longer bridal train so that you can stay cool. If you are to marry in the fall or winter, a long gown and train will ensure warmth and beauty. Silk, satin, and velvet are wonderful for the winter months, as they will keep you warm and comfortable as you stand at the altar indoors. Linen, cotton, and lightweight silk will suit warm, humid PA summers, and will keep you cool and fresh. The right fit for your body cannot be overemphasized. Do not settle for any pokes or pulls in your dress, as you will be annoyed by them on your wedding day.Ensuring a Well-Made Dress
If you decide to order a gown online, be very careful, and make sure that satisfaction is guaranteed by the company. See if the company offers a "satisfaction guaranteed" policy in writing. Also, leave at least 3 weeks for adjustments to be made at a local tailor, and never send away your gown for adjustments. If any shop seems uncaring about your wishes or alteration concerns, continue searching for another person or shop. If you are not able to have your dress in-hand and ready to wear three weeks before your wedding day, you will leave yourself open to delay and stress.Find a tailor close to your wedding location, and bring a sewing kit with the correct thread color to your dressing room on your wedding day. If needed, bring some extra sequins or lace as well. Don't forget a tested spot remover for unexpected spills or makeup smudges. You might find an extra swatch of your gown material to do some testing on for stains and sewing fixes.
Add Style to Your Bridal Outfit with Accessories
Depending on your wedding theme and style, consider complementing your gown with something unique and fashionable. A princess-style headband, a gorgeous veil, or a delicate tiara are always beautiful touches, but be careful not to add too much weight to your head and shoulders. You want to be comfortable all day, and you might want a versatile piece that you can remove for the reception. Look through catalogs and websites for ideas, as you can usually find a tailor who will alter any piece of your bridal outfit. The Pennsylvania state flower, the Mountain Laurel, or a firefly accent in your headpiece might add a fun touch to your PA wedding look. If you are going with a country-western theme, consider a matching western-style hat.Your Wedding Shoes
The comfort of your feet are vital on your wedding day, as you will be standing for most of the ceremony and reception. When choosing shoes, keep in mind the length of your dress and train, and practice walking in them for at least a couple of hours before your wedding day. You don't want to end up with blisters or sore legs after the ceremony and reception. If you are to marry in the summer or spring, consider going with a very slight one-inch kitten heel, or even beautiful flats. With a shorter wedding gown, low heels will keep you looking classy and comfortable all day. Again, wear your shoes in advance to make sure you will be able to stay in them throughout your ceremony and reception, and to ensure that you do not take an unexpected fall as you walk down the aisle.Many bridal companies will rent you shoes that will be worth the extra fee for comfort. If you are planning to wed indoors, and will not be traveling far to your reception, renting shoes is a great option. If your wedding is outdoors, or you will be outdoors for more than 30 minutes at any point in the day, purchase shoes that can withstand heavy wear and tear.
