SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Welcome to Episode 4 of “Weddings 101,” a syracuse.com video series all about wedding planning.
Our first episode covered three major decisions couples should make when they start the wedding planning process. Then we unpacked the advantages of country wedding venues as opposed to city wedding venues.
Today we’ll share a variety of wedding dress styles and prices, and tips for wedding dress shopping. Marie Adornato, owner of Spybaby Bridal in Syracuse, says the most important thing to do before buying a wedding dress is to set your budget.
“You don’t want to be trying on a $5,000 dress when your budget is $1,500," said Adornato, who has been working in bridal fashion for 25 years. “That brings you from a high note to a low note very fast.”
Check out the video above to see different bridal looks from jumpsuits to ball gowns, ranging in price from $280 to $4,800.
Reporter Katrina Tulloch tries on a $4,800 wedding dress by designer Eve of Milady at Spybaby Bridal in Syracuse. (Photo: Scott Schild)
Although it may seem like the most expensive ball gowns would have the biggest “wow” factor, Adornato showed how dresses under $500 could be glammed up with a cape or cathedral veil (ranging from $150 to $599), all while keeping your budget under $1,000.
It’s also important to remember the size charts in the wedding industry are different from street clothes.
“The number one thing is: Don’t get frustrated,” Adornato said. “When you walk in the door, you’ll be greeted by a consultant who will work one-on-one with you to figure out your size and work with your body type.”
Adornato also asks clients to consider how they prefer to shop before bringing in their family and friends to watch their dress fittings, and share all their dress opinions at once.
“The ‘bride tribe’ can either be really supportive and wonderful, or it can be a real stressor for the bride,” she said. “Each bride really needs to decide whether they want the intimate experience or the hoopla.”
And she says it’s always OK to come in with a group for try-ons, then to come back later for a one-on-one visit with your consultant, before making the big purchase.
Finally, Adornato recommends that couples book their venue before starting to shop for dresses.
“The dress you choose is going to depend on the venue,” Adornato said. “That princess ball gown might be perfect for one bride, but the boho chic dress will be perfect for someone else. You want to make sure you have something that will serve well in the photos you envision on your wedding day.”
(You don’t expect a heavy, jeweled ballgown to feel especially comfortable at a breezy beach wedding, for example.)
Check out our episodes on city wedding venues in Syracuse and country wedding venues in Central New York for more insight on picking your venue.
Next time on Weddings 101: Photography and videography
For our next episode (Feb. 19), we’ll unpack everything you need to know about wedding photography and videography. Just like in any marriage, we’re in this together. Happy wedding planning.
Find new “Weddings 101” videos every Wednesday on syracuse.com. Katrina Tulloch shoots videos and writes culture stories for Syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Contact her: Email | Twitter | Facebook
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