This year I'm trying something new! I've asked a few professionals in the wedding & party planning industry to help my clients with planning their events. My first guest post is written by Bel Fiore Bridal owner Rachel Esposito - Rachel covers important information on wedding dress shopping ...

Top 5 questions asked by brides

We have compiled the top questions asked by YOU and we have the answers!

Q.1 Why do I need a bridal appointment?

Choosing your wedding gown is a unique experience and often a first for everyone. Trying on and choosing your wedding gown is nothing like typical off-the-rack shopping. At Bel Fiore, many of our bridal lines offer custom changes as well as many options post-purchase as well. We would hate for you to dismiss a gown because it has a lace-up back (you prefer buttons) when the designer offers that change as a custom option. Of course, you would not know that unless you had a Certified Bridal Consultant working with you. In addition, it is quite difficult to know how a gown will look on your specific body type, but our trained consultants will be able to offer recommendations for you because they have seen our gowns on many different body types. At Bel Fiore Bridal, we suggest that brides have an appointment so that our consultants will be able to work with you one-on-one to choose the perfect gown, just for you!

Q.2 What should I expect at a bridal appointment?

First of all, you should expect that most bridal stores work by appointment, always call ahead to be sure that they will be able to accommodate you. Appointments are best scheduled at least a week in advance. Our appointments begin with a consultation so that we may find out more about your particular style & wedding vision. We will encourage the bride to try gowns of all different styles, once we have seen what she likes and what fits her body-type our expert consultants will suggest additional styles for her to try.

Q.3 How does the gown ordering process work?

Once you have chosen your gown, your consultant will take your measurements, have you fill out the order forms and place your order. Most bridal gowns take up to 6 months to arrive. Once your gown has been ordered, your Bel Fiore consultant will follow up with you to give you an estimated time frame on when you should expect to receive your gown.

Q.4 Why do bridal gowns take so long to arrive?

Many bridal gowns are not made until they are ordered, this is why most stores will tell you to allow 6-9 months for ordering your gown and for alterations. If you will require any custom changes (extra length, neckline change, custom length, etc), you should allow additional time for those changes as well.

What should you do if you don’t have 6-9 months? Many bridal lines offer a rush delivery (for an additional fee). At Bel Fiore, we offer many gowns for off-the-rack purchase and several of our lines carry gowns in-stock, as well.

Q.5 What happens after I have chosen my gown?

Choosing your gown will be one of the first steps in your wedding planning process (followed by choosing of your location). Many decisions along the way will depend on your location type and the style/color of your bridal gown. Once you have chosen your gown, we will help you choose complimentary bridesmaid, flower girl and mothers dresses. For your convenience, we also offer tuxedos.

Accessories for your wedding-day look are a must and Bel Fiore offers many styles in-store and online. We also offer accessory trunk shows, these events are a perfect opportunity to work with our designers to have a custom veil or headpiece made specifically to match your gown.

At Bel Fiore Bridal, our consultants, are there for you, from your first appointment to your wedding day. When you visit our store, ask your consultant about our Peace of Mind Guarantee. Schedule your appointment today!