Tips for Shopping for your Wedding Dress

The perfect wedding gown is one of the most important items in a wedding.  Here are a few tips that you can follow to ensure that you find the dress of your dreams! 

• It is never too early to shop, however there is a time when it is too late.  Make sure that you have plenty of time to order, alterations, and extra time, just in case things run behind schedule.  You should allow at least 10 weeks for ordering and at least another month for alterations.
• Decide where to shop.  Do you prefer a larger chain, such as David's Bridal, or a local boutique?  Establish your dress budget and look at a few selections online before you go out looking.  That way, you know your limits and you are not going from store to store only to find that you cannot afford the dresses that they have in stock.
• Be sure to make appointments at least a week in advance.  Most wedding shops require an appointment - you cannot just walk in from off the street.
• Beware of ordering online - if you do not know your exact sizes and measurements, you may not be able to return the dress if it does not fit, or if you do not like the dress when you get it in.
• Take your camera, mother and your best friend with you while you are trying on dresses.  You will need an opinion, as well as help putting on the dress!  Also, be sure to take a strapless bra & a pair of heels so you can see what the dress would look like on your wedding day!
• Also, take pictures of dresses that you like for inspiration.  This will help the attendants at the dress shop find dresses that you like.  This will save lots of time.
• Do not be discouraged!  Not everyone loves the first dress (or 20) that they try on.  You will find your dress!  It just may take some time and research.
• Have fun!  Make a big day out of it - do not rush, that will just make you anxious and you may not make a proper decision.