Shopping for your Wedding Dress

Shopping for your bridal gown is one of the most exciting parts of the planning process. There is nothing that makes you feel more like a bride than trying on a wedding dress. Buying a wedding dress isn't as simple as buying a new pair of shoes or pants. Visit one of our local wedding dress vendors.

Shop early, you need to order your wedding dress at least 6 months in advance. You might need to order even earlier if you are having a bridal portrait made.

Work up a budget before you visit the bridal shop. The dress itself can range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. Most styles will be available in every price range, however the difference is in the material it is made of. Also when you are working up a budget don't forget the slip, bra, veil, headpiece, shoes, jewelry, hosiery, and alterations.

You may need to make an appointment . Many bridal shops and department stores require advance notice. You should allow at least an hour and a half for the appointment. Brides often bring their mothers and good friends to have someone there that they trust and whose opinion they value. Beware on taking too many people with you because they might confuse the issue at hand.

Look at pictures in magazines and on the internet before your appointment. You may want to tear out photos of the ones you like to show the saleswoman. Consider what you think will look good on your figure and be sure to consider the formality of your wedding.

Brides should take a strapless bra and a pair of heels to the bridal shop to try on dresses with. The bridal shop will have petticoats and slips for the bridal gowns. If you already have a veil or special jewelry picked out be sure to take those things with you as well.

Brides should try on different gowns in different styles because you really can't tell how beautiful the dress is until you have tried it on. Bridal shops often stock sample dresses, mostly in sizes 8 and 10. You should be able to get an idea of how the dress will look. Once you have chosen "The Dress", the bridal shop will then order it in your size.

Most dresses have to be altered to fit perfectly. You can also request bows taken off or placed with rosebuds, whatever your desire for a fee.

Brides are usually asked to leave a deposit totaling about half of the cost of the gown. Be sure it is "The One" before you leave a deposit because sometimes there is no exchange or refund policy.

Your dress should be delivered to the store in about 3 months. Arrange for fittings to be sure the dress will fit you perfectly. After your final fitting find out when you will be able to pick it up. Be sure to let the bridal shop know if you need it for your bridal portrait.