The most essential component of nearly any wedding is clothes. Here are some pointers on how to make sure you and your wedding party look fabulous on the big day:

1. Make sure your dress is the perfect style for your figure.
Absinthe and Old Lace offers design consultations to help you decide on the best style for your figure. A custom design can be a great way to make sure you have only those elements which flatter YOU- not some Hollywood model or designer's ideal.

2. Demand the perfect fit.
If the fabric of your dress wrinkles, pulls or bags, or if the dress is too tight, the best design in the world will not look good on you. If you are shopping for a ready-made dress, ask to see photos of brides wearing their altered dresses. If you don't like what you see, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. A bargain isn't a bargain if you don't have what you wanted when all is said and done.

If you are commissioning a custom gown, you should also ask to see pictures. Any professional seamstress or costumer will have a portfolio to show you. (Absinthe and Old Lace will soon have a portfolio on line.) Plan to commission a custom gown well in advance of your wedding. Nothing will distress you or your costumer more than unexpected setbacks close to the wedding date.

3. Don't forget the rest of the wedding party.
No matter whether you are planning an elaborate theme wedding or a simple, traditional one, it is important to remember that the rest of your wedding party contributes to the visual impression you make.

If you are planning a traditional wedding, ask around about the place you are renting your tuxes from. Try to find pictures of their rented tuxes on real people. If the tuxes don't fit, that's what you will notice 20 years from now when you look at your wedding pictures. Demand the same standards for your bridesmaids dresses as you do for your own. The most affordable bridesmaids dresses will never be worn again if they are not flattering or do not fit well.

If you are planning a non-traditional or theme wedding which will require unusual clothing for the entire wedding party, plan ahead to make sure that one costumer or seamstress will have time to accomplish it all. If s/he can't, ask him or her to recommend someone who can help, or if they will contract the work out on their own. Make sure that the quality and fit of your finished product will be guaranteed by whomever you are dealing with.

4. Remember your underwear.
What you wear under the dress is as important as the dress itself. If you are purchasing a ready made dress, make sure the store will equip you with the right bra, slip, or foundation when you try on the dress. Remember that if you wear different undergarments, the dress will look different. If you are commissioning a custom gown, discuss the underwear with your clothier. If you are having a corset or foundation made to wear under your dress, you must wear it to *all* of your fittings. If you will be wearing standard undergarments, you will need to purchase them and, again, wear them to *all* the fittings of your dream dress.

5. Don't be afraid to ask for changes.
If you are having a custom gown made, don't be afraid to ask your costumer to make changes to the design. Even if the gown is finished, your costumer may be willing and able to make some changes for an extra fee. If the gown is not finished, it may not be too late to make most changes. If you are looking for major adjustments, though, be prepared to pay extra for them.

6. Take care of yourself and RELAX.
Every bride's nightmare is to go for her final fitting and discover she's gained 10 pounds in all the wrong places. Make time to exercise, take deep breaths, and eat correctly and regularly while you plan your ceremony and reception. You will not have a good time at your wedding if you have ruined your health while planning it. Ask your attendants and family members to help you if you are feeling overwhelmed.

7. CELEBRATE YOUR BIG DAY!