Tips to Finding Your Dream Dress

Q: How much time am I allowed during my appointment and how many people can I bring with me to try on dresses?

A: The typical appointment at Ivory & Lace takes 2 hours. However, we will never rush you. If your appointment takes longer, then so be it. You only have this appointment once and we don’t want it to end before you want it to. As for how many people to bring, I always recommend that less is more. Too many people equal too many opinions and I highly doubt that you have the exact same fashion sense and style as all of your bridesmaids. Sometimes it is hard to narrow down through who to invite and who not to, therefore we allow as many people as the bride would like. We are an intimate shop though, so after 10 guests space gets a little cozy.

Q: How much such I expect for alterations to cost?

A: Every gown is different. Therefore, every alteration invoice will be different. The cost completely depends on the amount of work that needs to be done on the dress. Small things such as bra cups, bustles or custom straps all can add up. Even as the owner, I never quote an alteration price. Sewing is not my profession. That is what the seamstress is there to do. So make sure that your budget allows room to tailor the gown exactly to your needs.

Q: I am in love with a dress but it doesn’t match the style of my wedding venue – what do I do?

A: Don’t try on a dress just because it isn’t “rustic” or “glam” enough. You are going to look gorgeous in your venue no matter what style of gown you choose to wear that day. Choose a dress you feel your best self in, not something that you feel you should get just because it matches the space.

Q: Should I feel like I have to wear a white dress?

A: Our main goal at the boutique is to make the bride look her absolute best. And that includes a gown that accents her personal skin tone. As a fashion major, I can tell you that white does not look good on every bride. We sell mainly ivory gowns but new colored dresses (pearl, champagne, light gold, and blush) have been growing in popularity. Sometimes the hue in the fabric can really make a bride glow.

Q: How far in advance should I order my gown?

A: The ideal timeline for ordering a gown is seven to eight months before your big day. Most brides don’t realize how long it takes for a gown to be made just for them. The order process is typically four months and then we advise starting alterations about two months before the wedding. And that doesn’t include the Chinese New Year (which is in February) when a lot of the factories are shut down for a good span of time. If you order eight months in advance we have a nice cushion and there is no stressing!

Q: How do I make a final decision on a dress?

A: As a newlywed myself, I had a difficult time making the final decision to say “yes to my dress”. I had two gowns that I loved. However, when it came right down to it, I chose the gown that would make my fiance’s jaw drop just a little bit more. After all, the entire day is about the love you have for each other and his opinion is the most important one.

About Rachel Simmons:

Rachel is the owner of Ivory & Lace Bridal Boutique in Warrensburg, Missouri. The boutique specializes in wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos and bridal accessories. Along with new wedding gowns, Ivory & Lace also features a private collection of over 50 vintage wedding gowns that have been restored and re-purposed into new and one-of-a-kind styles that are available nowhere else.