LiveWorld Transcripts

Wedding Network presents

Bridal consultants Sandie Steffes and Lynzie Hayes
Wedding Tips

July 27, 2000

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Sandie: Sometimes, if you are planning your wedding, you may have a theme. It is always fun to dress up into a theme that you may have, such as the western theme with the jeans and boots, or something that you can wear all the way through to the reception.

MAJESTICONE: What would be the appropriate bride attire for a 2nd wedding?

Sandie: All of the styles that we previously mentioned would be great for a second wedding. Again, if you have a theme, or a special location of your wedding, you can wear whatever is comfortable--that you feel would fit the mood of your ceremony.

Lynzie: Second-time brides can wear just about any color these days. They generally still choose ivories or paler champagnes, or those type of colors, but there is no reason that second-time brides can't wear white. They can wear suits, simple gowns, or they can go full-blown wedding attire. They generally don't wear veils or long trains, which are traditionally reserved for first-time brides.

Kimberly: When should I start looking for my wedding dress? And how long does it take to come in?

Sandie: It would be a good idea to start looking for your dress about a year before your wedding, to six months before. Dresses usually take about four months to come in, which includes bridesmaid and flower girl dresses. Most bridal shops prefer to order dresses six months ahead of time, and this is to allow time for alterations. If you don't have that much time, you may be able to buy dresses off the rack, or some companies will allow you to pay a 'rush cut' charge to get the dress in sooner.

Shari: When should I start my alterations, and what do I need to know?

Sandie: Alterations should be done no more than two months before the wedding, and no later than two weeks before. You should make sure you bring with you all of the undergarments that you are going to wear with your dress, especially the shoes that you are going to wear. Alterations usually take about two fittings. One is to have the dress pinned up, and the second fitting is to see how the dress fits and to learn to do the bustle if you have one.

Dominica: What is a bustle, and how does it work?

Sandie: When you have a wedding gown with a train, you won't want to be carrying the train around during your reception. So depending on your seamstress, you'll have a series of buttons or hooks on the back of your dress that will hook your train up and keep it out of the way. There's also a French bustle that is usually done with A-line dresses, but it can be done with ballroom dresses, and they are tied from underneath the dress with ribbons. If it can be done with your dress, it is a very beautiful and unique style.

Lynzie: A regular bustle tends to do more of a pleated look, and a French bustle has a softer, rounded look.

Way2muchchoc: I have my mother's wedding gown--gorgeous, ivory satin--trouble is that she had a 22-inch waist. Is there any way I can 'renovate' or keep SOMEthing of my Mom's in a dress? Your suggestions would be welcome!

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