You are about to purchase the most important and expensive one time occasion dress you will ever wear! Why take a change and be unhappy with your purchase. These are some simple guidelines that can help you be very happy with your on-line bridal gown purchase.

If after reading this you found this guide  helpful,  vote Yes.

Know your body and style...............

Most brides that come into our bridal salon will purchase a gown that they would have never even tried on.  Bridal gowns do not fit like regular evening gowns, just because you look great in straight gowns, it might not be the best look for you in bridal wear. The best thing is to be open minded. Before making your online purchase, you should have tried on some bridal gowns . Take on afternoon and try gowns on. It will give you a great sense of what style looks best on you.

Know your color............

So many different colors in bridal gowns. Very important that you know wich color is best for your skin tone. White is the most traditional, however it is also the most difficult color to wear.

• White: very pure and stark
• Diamond white ( DMW): the color inbetween white and ivory. it is very soft and looks like white, it has a slight ivory tone to it.
• Silk white: Silk gowns only come in this color, it is the same as diamond white
• Ivory: Ivory gowns have more of a yellow tone
• Dark Ivory: A darker version of the regular Ivory
• Beige; New color this season that has a champagne look to it.

Get professional measured......

Bridal gowns sizes do not compare with street clothes sizes. It is very important that you have your self professionally measured.  Bust, Waist , Hips and hollow to hem ( lenght) are the measurements you would need to be able to determine your size. Hollow to hem is only important if you are taller than 5.9" and if you will be purchasing a gown already altered.

Store samples.......

Read the description well , most store samples have been tried on in a bridal salon and the dust/ dirt underneath the train can be easily cleaned. Underarm stains are harder to be removed this also means it is an old sample, newer samples have no time to get to this disgusting point.  The list price should be accordingly.  The same with gowns that have rips, be sure to read where the rips are , if it is on the train and you can make the train shorter, no problem,  if it is on the netting on the front of the skirt, well I can tell you as a professional, unless you put matching embroidery or appliques, that will not be fixable. You will be dissapointed. Most bridal gowns , unaltered, come with a seam allowance, meaning that there is enough fabric on the seams to make 1-2 sizes bigger if needed. Most instore samples are in great condition and you should be able to purchase these "almost new" gowns at below regular wholesale price.

Worn gowns............

Make sure the listings states that the gown has been cleaned! If there is any stain that did not get out, after cleaning you will know.  Gowns MUST be cleaned as soon as possible after a wedding to have most stains removed. A gown that was worn for just a "few" hours sometimes can be more dirty than a bride that had it on for the full day.  The gown must have been altered to fit this bride, if her gown was a size 8, I can guarantee you it will not be any more. Make sure you know the  brides measurements and most important how tall is she?. Just having the manufactures measurements listed is not enough. Very important to note, that when gowns get altered, often there will be NO extra seam allowance. Therefore look for a gown that will be a little bigger than your measurements.

Ask questions and read the feedback.....................

Ask questions, are they answered promptly ? This will give you an idea about your seller.Will they take it back if it is NOT as listed. Will they include a garment bag? What is the shipping or delivery time, very important if your wedding is soon

E-bay gives us a wonderful tool and that is feedback. Read what other buyers have said.  When in doubt don't purchase the gown. You might have a gown that you can not wear, do not like and worst you are out of your money.

Please let me know if this was helpful with a Yes vote,    if you have suggestions we are always happy to list them

Enjoy shopping for your dream gown.