No Stress In Finding My Dress: A Day with Alexandra’s Bridal Boutique

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Though it’s something I’ve obviously been anticipating since my first viewing of Father of the Bride in the early nineties…trying dresses on for my wedding freaked me out more than i thought it would.  The unsolicited advice from people included, “you’ll just know” (as in- once i try on my dress i’ll know that it’s mine… similar to how i knew my fiancé was the right guy?  huh?!?)  Other brides tell me it wasn’t quite that feeling but- it was the closest they came to something they didn’t hate (how uplifting.)  My tastes and styles change so much that the thought of picking out THE dress for my wedding 10 months out…kind of freaked me out.

I was anything but freaked by the time i walked into Alexandra’s Bridal Boutique this past Sunday.

i told myself that i wanted to leave having picked out a dress that day.  Going forward in the process with that mentality really helped my focus (the champagne provided by co-owner Joel helped too!)  My MOB (mother of the bride) also went in with an open mind which i really think contributed to my insanely positive experience.  (Funny sidenote about MOB- back in ’84 she got her dress, “off the rack” at G. Fox (pour one out) so this was a whole new world for her.)  I think the general company i kept that day made a big, positive difference too- half of my bridesmaids were there (including my incredibly gifted MOH who unknowingly ended up picking out my dress…more on that later.)

Alexandra’s makes an incredible first impression. First of all- it is one of the most visually stunning stores i’ve ever seen.  it’s like Bridal Oz. Secondly (and just as important) their employees’ personalities sparkle just as much as their dresses do.  I met with Fatima & Joel prior to my appointment and if i didn’t work for Hot 106…i think i’d want to work for them.

I was told Carol would be my bridal specialist for the day only to learn that she actually goes by the title, “dress psychic.”  I knew immediately i was in good hands with DP Carol.  I sat down with her and as i was using phrases like, “lots of drama” and “bling- but not really” to describe my perfect dress…i could tell she was in my head; predicting my bridal dress fate.    My bridesmaids were assembled and had their game faces on. Champagne and snacks in place.  I had about eight gorgeous wedding gowns with me in the dressing room.  Most were of my vision with a few wildcards thrown in the mix.  I’ll pass this on to future brides- be open minded. Just because it doesn’t look like, “you” on the hanger doesn’t mean you won’t love it.  It took me less than an hour to decide she would be mine (she = my wedding dress.) I had to eliminate dresses- not because they weren’t beautiful, works of art…but because i knew they weren’t mine and i knew eventually they would be going to a good home.  “She” was in the running with a very similar style (it was like the finals of America’s Next Top Model…I was Tyra Banks given the daunting task of choosing between two beautiful girls who had, “all the potential in the world.”)  My bridal party made the decision easy for me… they were direct- not rude…opinionated- but in the best way which was super helpful. I have to say this.  I was SO PROUD of MOB. That day she gave MOBs all around the world a good name.  She was honest, not annoying and the look in her eyes made the whole experience worth it.

I know i picked the right one because all i can do is think about her (similar to how Tony, my fiance, probably feels about me all the time….”haha.”)

The irony?  Just days before my MOH (who impresses me on a daily basis with her bridal research) had found an Allure Bridals gown that matched the styles i had been pinning (actually- i will say… all the dresses i pinned couldn’t compete with the dresses i tried on that day at Alexandra’s.) The photo of the dress she sent over…was the one i  ended up picking and was in the store for a limited time with the Allure Trunk show Alexandra’s was hosting! (did that sentence make sense?!?)  Can you say, “meant to be?!”

So- that’s my story.  I am OBSESSED with my dress but even more than that…I am obsessed with the experience i had at Alexandra’s Bridal Boutique.  Not once did i feel pressured.  I couldn’t stop smiling.  I wish i could try dresses on there every Sunday.

Quick pointers if you plan ongoing dress shopping soon:

  • Go to Alexandra’s, obviously.
  • A positive & open mind has more power than you think.  It makes all the difference.
  • Make sure MOB also has a similar mindset.
  • Only invite those whose opinion you truly value-be confidant in your, “bride-tourage.”
  • wear comfortable undergarments (strapless bra, boy shorts.)
  • Try and do as much research as you can before your appointment

 

 

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