Lauren Crispin is the co-owner, director and daughter of The Mews Bridal with her mother, Gail. They have stores in NYC, Notting Hill and Clifton. The dresses they sell are equally elegant and badass. I thought it best to go straight to an expert when it comes to this momentous shopping spree. Lauren offered some incredible insight (especially her answer to my question about the “number one piece of advice), so I think I’ll dip out and let her go from here!
When should you start shopping for your wedding dress?
We always say that brides need to buy their dress no less than six months before their wedding. So girls should get out there looking for a dress as far as 8 or 9 months before the big day. This might sound like absolutely ages, but if you buy a dress that is handmade and then needing to be fitted to your exacts measurements, you’re going to need it!
What should you bring with you when trying on wedding dresses?
Always bring friends and family when with you when trying on wedding dresses. It is meant to be a fun and exciting process, and having the opinions of your nearest and dearest is invaluable.
Saying that, don’t bring too many people and don’t be too swayed by their thoughts. You are dressing for you, not for anyone else.
Photo by Greg Finck
Do you recommend having a style, fabric, etc. in mind or trying on different things?
Yes and no. Going into bridal stores with a checklist of what you’re looking for – style, fabric, designer, and features – can be useful (and very hard not to do!). But always have an open mind. The dress you just loved online might not be perfect when you try it on. Or a certain shape might not end up being right for your body type.
I’d recommend having a plan, but above all, be flexible.
How does wedding dress sizing work?
Most designers have their own size charts. We take your measurements and then we order a size closest to your measurements to ensure we have the correct size for you.
Once the dress is made, its time for the bride to come in for their fittings to get the dress perfect. We try to leave it as late as possible before the wedding, without it being being rushed at all. This is because a bride’s body weight might change due to getting in shape for the wedding or pregnancy. We always fit the dress to our brides around two months before their wedding. The final fitting should be as close to the wedding date as possible to ensure you have the perfect fit for your day.
What should you look for in a wedding dress to ensure its of high quality?
Fabric! It’s all about the fabric.
You should look for exquisite silks and beautiful lace. This is a dress that you are not going to wear everyday so you should really invest in the quality.
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- Photos by Greg Fink.
What fabrics, styles, etc. are good for a low budget? A medium budget? A high budget?
If you’re on a low budget go for a more simple look, lace tends to make the price higher as it is more of an expensive fabric (especially good lace!) with a higher budget you can add more details and even play around with accessorize ie designer veils or headpieces.
What is your number one piece of advice for selecting a wedding dress?
Your wedding dress should be an extension of your personal, everyday style… just elevated for the big day. If your style is normally safe – showing little flesh – then choose a dress to match. If you don’t like flamboyancy then don’t pick a huge sparkling gown for your wedding day. Pick something that is true to yourself. Something that you’ll be proud that you wore in 10 or 20 years time.
What are your favorite wedding dress trends this season?
2018 will be the year that bridal emulates fashion. The style will definitely be more fitted while playing with texture. Volume is out and showing off your shape is in. We will also see layering as a must this season. Putting a lace jacket, such as Rime Arodaky’s Drew, over a more simple top is a sure-fire way to achieve a cool-bride look.
See more beautiful gowns and book your appointment at The Mews New York here,
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