Choosing the Perfect Gown: an interview with Brenda Cooper
By Abby Horton

It’s time! You’re finally looking for the perfect wedding gown!

A bride must do her research first. This is why those magazines are a good investment. Go through their pages, pull out pictures of gowns you like. Check out Web sites, print the pictures of gowns you’d consider wearing. Then go to a local store and see if you can duplicate what you want. And in most situations, you can duplicate anything, says Brenda.

What kind of things should you consider when you begin your research? Brenda says consider what kind of mood you want to express in your wedding. Simplistic? Trendy? Your gown should follow these guidelines. And of course consider your budget, but don’t let this discourage you. “You can have your dream dress even if you don’t have your dream budget. It’s the way you combine everything, shoes, veil, jewelry. There’s a solution for every issue, don’t think there’s no solution for you. Start looking for your gown six to eight months in advance. Buying a bridal gown isn’t like going to the Gap for a shirt – gowns have to be fit,” says Brenda.

When you make it to the boutique there is a plan to follow. “Ask the consultant to choose three dresses that would be good for you,” says Brenda. It’s almost like a test. You can see if they have a good eye and can pick the right style for your body. You don’t want them to try and simply sell you the most trendy, expensive dress they carry. You can also check out their selection. Also, always take someone you can trust with you to shop.

Once you have the gown on, test sitting in it. Practice walking gracefully. Remember, you’re going to be spending a lot of time in this outfit so you want to be comfortable first. “It’s not about just beauty, but comfort. You might like the idea of a huge skirt of tulle, but (can) you handle it?” says Brenda.

Color is another way brides are making their choices individual. There are so many shades of white, but choosing the right shade is crucial, says Brenda. Brides should make sure to put the shade next to their skin to see how it looks. Choice of fabric is also important. Do you want matte or high shine? For a demure look, go with silk. For a more glamorous look, go with satin. “People are breaking away. I’ve seen pastel pink. It’s about your comfort zone. You have to think about the elements in your wedding. And truly, there are more options now than ever,” says Brenda.

Finding your wedding gown can be fun, but stressful, if you aren’t prepared. Know what you want, what looks best on you, what you’re most comfortable in. Go to the shop prepared. Make sure your consultant knows what he or she is doing so you can trust them. But most importantly, have a blast! For the first and last time in your life, you’re going to truly be a princess, so make the most of it!

Brenda Cooper will be hosting a bridal fashion show at the Wedding Styles bridal show in September in San Francisco. Brides will have the opportunity to speak with her and discover what gown is right for them. She’ll be giving recommendations and advice, all based on her knowledge and experience in the area of bridal fashion. Models will be of all sizes, just like today’s brides. For more information on Brenda and her work, check out her bio here.

For more information on the Wedding Styles bridal show, visit their website at http://www.weddingstylesshow.com/.