Satin One Shoulder Ruching Mermaid Prom / Evening Dress

Silhouette: Mermaid

Neckline: One Shoulder
Waist: Empire
Hemline/Train: Floor Length
Sleeve Length: Sleeveless
Embellishments: Ruching
Fabric: Elastic woven satin
Built-In Bra: Yes
Fully Lined: Yes
Shown Color: Navy Blue
Body Shape: Hourglass, Inverted Triangle, Misses
Occasion: Prom, Evening
Season: Spring, Fall, Winter, Summer

ike most “Say Yes to the Dress” fans, one of my favorite personalities is Randy Fenoli. He has such a great combination of sass, style and compassion for the brides, you can’t help but have a soft spot for him. In addition, he has over 20 years of experience in the bridal industry, so he knows what he’s talking about! You know you’re in good hands with Randy.

Because of his experience and observations, Randy has come up with the 5 Cardinal Rules for wedding gown shopping.

1. Don’t try on a dress outside of your budget.

There’s always a reason why a dress is more expensive: better quality fabrics, hand beading and embroidery, better structure, etc. Chances are, these elements will completely change how the gown looks and feels on your body. Of course you will love it. But if you can’t afford it, why put yourself through that pain? Randy recommends either don’t try on gowns above your budget, or if you do be sure you can find that extra money, or else you’re going to be in trouble!

2. Don’t keep secrets from your consultant.

Our job is to help you find a dress that you will love. We can’t do that if you don’t tell us the whole story. If there’s a dress you’ve already purchased or can’t get out of your head, your consultant needs to know about it. Don’t worry, you’re not going to offend us or be pressured to ditch that gown, we just need all of the details so that we can provide you with our best service and experience.

3. Leave the entourage at home.

Lots of brides feel pressure to include all of their female family members, the entire wedding party, and all of their friends in the gown shopping process. But too many people can add a lot of differing opinions and emotions to your appointment and make it really stressful. Randy recommends bringing only the people whose opinions actually matter to you. If you are bringing a larger group, speak with them before your appointment so that everyone is on the same page about what kind of gown you’re looking for, how you want to feel, and what you’re comfortable with. They’re there to support you but they can’t do that if they don’t know what you want or if they’re only coming to make you try on what they want.

4. Once you find the dress, stop shopping.

We know it’s hard! There are so many dresses out there and they’re all so beautiful! If you’ve found a gown that you love, that makes you feel like a bride and checks all of the boxes on your list, say yes! Randy says that some of the hardest appointments are with brides who have “over-shopped”. Brides get too jaded and the gowns all blur together. There will always be more gowns out there. If you’re holding off on choosing the one until you’ve tried on them all, you’ll never actually get married! So if you’ve found the one that makes you feel beautiful and you can picture yourself getting married in, say yes and be done.

5. Always wear underwear.

I think that one’s pretty self explanatory. It will make everyone feel more comfortable!

So now that you know the rules according to the expert, it’s time to get shopping! Call Charlotte’s Weddings to set up your personal consultation today and we’ll help you find the perfect wedding gown!