Q & A with Monte of 'Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta'

If you're anything like us, you've probably spent several Friday nights with Monte Durham, the Fashion Director on TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta. We love his Southern charm and style, so we're thrilled to have him answering your questions about shopping for a wedding gown! Read on for his tips.

On Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, I'm known as a straight-shooter with brides. Don't get me wrong -- I have plenty of fun with them, joking around and jacking them up. That's all part of the perfect salon experience at Bridals by Lori. I give my honest opinion about how brides look in the dresses they try on. But I'm not often asked for advice about the legwork that comes before the appointment. You won't be surprised to learn I have plenty of opinions about that, too, so here goes! 

 Let's not kid ourselves. Brides are always looking for their dress, even before they get engaged. (And they keep looking even after they're married!) The sooner you start looking, the better.

 Trends are always changing, so if you're 24 months out from your date, you'll see a few new seasons of styles. You have some time, so give yourself the room to enjoy the changing fashion and don't rush your decision. If you're just a few months out, see all your options that are available now, and say yes to what you love most. Don't hesitate, because you don't have time! 

Brides who find a dream dress online or in a magazine set themselves up for disappointment when it doesn't look the same in person. It's important to know the elements you like (sweetheart neckline, for instance), but you can figure out the rest when you arrive at your appointment. What is important, research-wise, is choosing the right bridal salon. I recommend selecting a salon that carries dresses within your budget and that's close enough to your work and your home so that fittings and other bridal errands aren't a huge inconvenience. 

Let's start with what you shouldn't wear. Skip the dark undergarments, and don't wear a ton of jewelry. It's smart to shop in nude-colored underwear (someone's going to be dressing you, so nothing too intimate that makes you self-conscious!) and comfortable heels.

 As for your entourage, that depends on the day you're shopping. In the middle of the week, a salon will be less crowded, so you can bring more people. On the weekends, salons are at their busiest, and your friends and family just won't have room to be involved in the appointment. In that case, limit your support group to 3-4 people max. 

Leave her at home! Really, that's hard for me to say because you know your mom best. I recommend setting parameters before you even make the first appointment. Tell her, “We're going to be shopping for my dress. I want you involved, and your opinion is important. But at the end of the day, it's my decision.” Of course, that statement carries a lot more weight if you're paying for the dress. If mom is paying, she gets a say. Maintain the respect at your appointment. If you respect her opinion, she'll respect yours. The second you start to bicker, the consultation becomes a stalemate, and the consultant won't know who she's aiming to please -- you or mom. 

Be firm about your dislikes. Also, be as specific as possible about them. Just don't say no; you'll appear unwilling. You have to have a reason. For instance, tell the consultant that you don't want to wear mermaid because you've worn that silhouette to every other special occasion. That's a reason that makes sense, and I guarantee she won't pull you a mermaid dress. What are general rules to follow regarding dress styles and body shapes? Keep in mind the three Fs: fit, fabric and fashion. Start with a fit you like. Then, choose your fabric, bearing in mind that the more lightweight, the less it will cinch to support your figure. Lastly, consider your fashion -- do you want to be modern, romantic, country chic? Put those three elements together, and you'll find the right dress, no matter your shape.