Gilt's Wedding Weekend March 12-14: Countdown to the Gown

If your head is spinning with visions of beading, silk and tulle, don’t panic. Your wedding dress is out there, just waiting for you to carry it away. Bridal boutique owner Gabriella Risatti, of Gabriella New York Bridal Salon, is intimately familiar with the drama that comes with the hunt for the perfect dress. After countless hours coaching nervous brides-to-be, Gabriella is armed with a bevy of advice on how to begin the search for your dream dress. We caught up with Gabriella to pick her brain about picking The One.
 
How long before the wedding should brides start looking for the gown?
If you plan to buy your gown online, you'll need to leave plenty of time for alterations — at least three months before the wedding.

What information should you have on hand when you’re looking for your dress online?
You should know what types of silhouettes flatter your body and what color looks best on you: pure white or ivory. You should also have yourself professionally measured in advance. The three most important measurements are bust, waist and hip. You should reference the size chart of the designer and compare your measurements before purchasing a gown. And don't buy a gown with the hopes of losing weight — always play it safe with a wedding dress. It’s a lot easier to take a dress in than it is to let it out!  

How often should a bride go for fittings?  
A bride should have three fittings, with the final fitting seven to 10 days prior to the wedding. Brides often lose weight right before the wedding due to nerves, so that final fitting is crucial.

Do you have advice for brides on a limited budget?
If you have a limited budget, opt for a simpler gown and accessorize it yourself. By avoiding the embellishments — beading and lace — you can still have a wonderful gown, but at a lower cost. To personalize your gown and save money, ask friends and family for jewelry, sashes, veils and headpieces that you can borrow.
   
Have you noticed any recurring trends among brides lately?
We have noticed most of our brides are looking for a fitted silhouette, rather than a full skirt. The mermaid silhouette and the birdcage veil are also very popular.  


How does the bride-to-be know when she’s found "The One"?
I often hear, "I couldn't stop thinking about that gown." There will be one special gown that you think about more than any other, and that is your dress.


Find The One in Gilt’s Wedding Weekend, starting Friday, March 12, at noon ET.