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Your engagement ring is glistening, your heart exploding, and your purse strings trembling — you're about to go wedding dress shopping. Before you hit the pavement in search of "the one," consider these tips from bridal fashion expert, Kleinfeld's Fashion Director Terry Hall, on three key things to bring to your appointment.
1. The Proper Undergarments
To experience the best fit possible, "having the proper foundational undergarments is key. I would bring a really good strapless bra, maybe even a bra that fits a bit longer with a corset, and regardless of your shape and size you still may want to consider bringing Spanx. Not only will you feel tighter, but it helps the gowns to go on and off much more easily," Hall says.
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2. Shoes You Love
According to Hall, shoes are hugely important. "First of all, shoes are only second to the gown and sometimes are forefront! Shoes really give a bride a chance to express her individuality and can add of element of whimsy and unique interest," he adds. They also make you feel good. "You have to be confident when bridal gown shopping and often times that confidence is strongest in a great pair of heels!"
Logistically speaking, try to bring pair that's close to the height you intend to wear on your wedding day so you can see where the dress will hit. Even better? The actual shoes you'll wear while walking down the aisle.
3. An Open Mind
The final thing you should bring along? An adventurous attitude. "Don't be afraid to trust the consultant to pull maybe one or two dresses that are out of the box, just to see. I say that because more times than not the bride is pleasantly surprised. The way a dress looks on a hanger, or the way you think a particular style will look on you, is often very different from what it actually looks like when you get it on your body," Hall suggests.