Wedding Fashion 101

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Pearls in a jewelry boxDebra McClinton

How to Prepare for Dress Shopping

As you start your search for the perfect dress, hit bridal boutiques armed with your own “look book,” containing magazine tear-outs, photos from friends’ weddings, fabric swatches―anything that helps you communicate your taste to the sales staff. And be completely candid about your budget from the get-go. That way, you won’t waste a single moment trying on dresses you’ll never end up buying. Get organized with this gown-shopping checklist.

  • Make a "look book." Tear out pictures from magazines, compile photos from friends’ weddings, and round up fabric swatches and anything else that may help you communicate your taste to the sales staff or dressmaker. Paste everything into an album or a blank book.
  • Determine your budget. Click on the related link to print out a wedding budget worksheet.

    Related: Wedding-Budget Worksheet

  • Think about the wedding location. If you're getting hitched at city hall, you may want to skip an elaborate, formal gown. Also consider the religious affiliation, if any, of the location and its rules with regard to modesty.

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How To: Tie a Bowtie

 Unless you’re English royalty or in a barbershop quartet, knotting a bow tie is probably not a skill you’re familiar with. But once you get over the intimidation factor―and learn these few easy steps―you’ll master this old-school skill in a snap.

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