The Perfect Dress

I was never one of those girls who had my wedding planned out before I was 10.  So when it came time to buy a wedding dress I really wasn't sure what I wanted.  My wise mother suggested we visit a local bridal boutique...while there I tried on many dresses, taking note of things that I liked about each particular dress (I really liked empire waists).  After that my mother and I visited a fabric store and poured through the pattern books, again looking for things that I liked. 

To Buy or Sew?

There are a lot of factors that go into sewing or buying your wedding gown.  I personally had my gown sewn by my mother for two reasons: 

1. More Economical  

2. More Sentimental.

My mother was not able to attend my Temple wedding so having my dress made by her made it even more special to me.  If you know someone who sews well then I think this is the best option.  You can pick out a pattern that is exactly what you want, and an experienced seamstress can "change" a pattern to add or subtract things that you like or dis-like.  Depending on who makes your dress you may only have to pay for the fabric, which can be inexpensive.  My dress for example had little lace, but had a lot of organza; start to finish it cost a little over $100.00.  If you hire a professional seamstress you will have to pay extra for the labor. (back to top)

Tips and Advice

1. Take a Polaroid or disposable camera with you to the Bridal store and take pictures of you in all the dresses that you like.  You can review them later to make up your mind.

2. If you have a friend who is about your size who has already been through the temple have her try on your dress to make sure it will cover your garments.

3. Be sure you check with your bishop about temple dress standards BEFORE you purchase a dress.  

4. Be sure your dress is a true white, one of our editors had to wear a temple dress because her dress wasn't a TRUE WHITE...

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*check out our links (to the right) to learn about more dress/wedding tips!

Cutting the Costs, along with the Cake

Carolyn Campbell, "Cutting the Costs, along with the Cake," Ensign, Mar. 1988, 67

Holly and Steve are engaged! This is an exciting time, with many decisions to make. Because she and Steve plan to be married in the temple with only their families and close friends attending, Holly decides to hold a reception where everyone who is special in their lives can help celebrate their marriage.

Yet sometime between the day she decides that her bridesmaids' dresses will be sea-foam green and the moment she chooses to tie her bouquet with lace matching her gown, Holly realizes that her budget will not meet her expectations.

Is it possible to create a memorable wedding celebration without overspending or overshadowing the importance of the temple ceremony and its covenants? Yes! Following are some ideas.

Wedding Attire

The bride's gown is one of the major expenses of a wedding. One way to economize is to look for sales. Many wedding dresses from the previous season go on sale in winter or early spring, and it is possible to save up to 50 percent on these, as well as on other bridal items.

Another option is to buy a dress that can be worn again after the wedding. A white dress with a simple, classic design can be used as temple dress. Or it may be shortened, accessorized with colored sashes or belts, and worn for formal or semiformal occasions.

Borrowing or renting a wedding dress also saves money. Some shops "build" dresses by renting out a variety of sleeves, bodices, and skirts that can be assembled in any combination the bride chooses.

If a family member or friend is an experienced seamstress, sewing a dress is also an option. Many brides study dresses in stores, then find similar fabrics and patterns.

Accessories can cost less, too. Plain satin hats trimmed with flowers, lace, or beads; decorative combs; and satin bows can be worn in place of the traditional veil. White shoes worn at the wedding can be dyed afterward to match or complement other outfits.

Expenses on bridesmaids and mothers dresses can also be cut by following the above guidelines.

Men in the wedding party can save tuxedo rental costs by wearing dark suits

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