Happy Two Year Anniversary Hitched and to the oh-so-fabulous owners, Carin and Julia. Hitched is a full service bridal boutique located in Washington, DC. I spoke with Carin and Julia a couple of weeks ago and they are so sweet and so very passionate about their work. They told me that they wanted to be able to create an experience for brides that they didn't receive when they were shopping for their own wedding gowns and to give their clients #1 customer service! Well ladies you have truly succeeded and inspired brides to think outside of the box while giving the DC area something new and fresh. I asked Carin and Julia to give us some bridal gown shopping tips to help you when shopping for the oh-so-perfect dress for your big day. Meet Carin and Julia.....Enjoy!
Hitched Owners, Carin Rosenberg Levine & Julia Lichtman Kepnisis
"Carin and Julia's Bridal Gown Shopping Tips"
Sizing: Have an understanding about how bridal sizing works. Bridal samples generally run two sizes smaller than ready-to-wear. For example, a size 10 fits more like a size 6. The in-store samples probably won't fit perfectly - it's not a perfect process, but try not to sweat the small stuff. When ordering your gown, don't get bogged down in what size you have to order, the most important thing is that it fits well on your special day!
Be Opened Minded: Looking through magazines is a terrific way to focus you on what style and look you want for the big day. When you start shopping, it's okay to use magazine ideas as a guide; however, be open minded in terms of fit and silhouette - sometimes you won't know what you love until you try it on!
Custom Changes: It is now widely known that you can make custom changes to most couture gowns. Because the dress is made specifically for you, in most cases the designers can tweak the style to make the look your own. Often the neckline can change, trains can be shortened and lengthened and often other variations that you can dream up. Sometimes it's as simple as asking the question - and you can end up with the gown of your dreams!
Plan the Shopping Experience You Want: Bridal gown shopping is an intimate experience. If you like a party, feel free to include your loved ones in the process, but if you are more productive on your own, don't be shy to shop by yourself. Be selective and only include people who will contribute to a positive shopping experience.
Start Early: Custom ordering a gown can take time, plus it's a big decision. The normal lead time for ordering gowns is 6-9 months. There are always ways to speed up the process, but try to leave enough time to pick out just what you want and eliminate potential anxiety.
Deliberate Decisions versus the Ah-Ha Moment: Everyone choose a gown in their own way. Some people have the tearful, elated moment of knowing they have found the one (gown, that is), but the majority of brides make a careful decision after considering the options and then choose the gown they adore. Not everyone is going to find the perfect gown and know it in the first instant they put it on.
Keep an Eye Out for Trunk Shows: Many bridal boutiques host trunk shows with their favorite designers. This means that the designer or representative will bring the entire current collection and will be on hand to assist with custom changes or measurements. This is a great opportunity to see the full line of a designer's work, meet and greet the designer, and usually there are discounts for purchasing!
Thanks Ladies, wonderful tips and thanks for sharing your big day with us!
A look inside the salon!
