Finding the Dress of Your Dreams
Start looking early. You will need to order your gown four to six months before your wedding, or even earlier if you're having a bridal portrait done.
Determine your style
Start by looking through the latest issues of bridal magazines, saving pictures of the dresses you like best. Note the name of the manufacturer, or the bridal issue, on the picture. It makes for easier reference later. Find out from your church if there are any restrictions regarding off-the-shoulder or low-cut gowns. Next, consider which style would look best on your type of figure.
Set your budget
Determine what you have to spend on your gown and accessories. Wedding gowns vary in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Be realistic about what you can spend, and don't forget about your headpiece, shoes, special full slip and other accessories. Your costs can rise very quickly with the addition of these extras.
Find a reputable salon
With your budget in mind, start looking in bridal salons. You may want to call ahead, since some require appointments. If your schedule permits, try to shop on a weekday. You will receive better service and won't feel rushed.
Bring your mother or a friend
It's always more fun to shop with your mother, sister or best friend; you will want their opinion. However, don't confuse things by shopping with too many people.
Bring accessories
When shopping for your gown, bring shoes similar to those you plan on wearing, and a strapless or backless bra, if you have one. The salon may or may not have bras, but will usually have a full slip to try on with the gown. If you will be wearing a special necklace, earrings or heirloom gloves, bring those with you.
Finding the perfect dress
Bridal salons stock many, sometimes hundreds, of sample gowns, and finding the perfect one can be overwhelming. It's easiest if you enlist the assistance of a helpful sales consultant. She can narrow the selection down by showing you appropriate dresses once you tell her your budget, the date and type of wedding, and the style of dress you prefer.
Consider renting
If you want to look stunningly beautiful, but don't want to spend a lot of money on a dress you'll wear only once, consider renting your gown. Renting expensive special-occasion clothing is becoming an increasingly popular option. A bride can rent the gown of her choice for around $200.
