The wedding day you have dreamed about is finally becoming reality.  As you walk down the aisle, your greatest desire is to be absolutely stunning.  You also want your shopping experience to be a pleasant one that you will look back on and have fond memories of.  Just how do you accomplish this?  How do you find the wedding dress that will be perfect for you?

If you know your wedding date far in advance, use this time to your advantage.  The delivery date for some gown companies can be as long as six months.  Gowns are not sitting in a warehouse waiting for you.  Most are sewn only after you place the order.  You will also need to leave ample time for alterations.  If you are getting married in a popular month or around prom time, you will need to make sure you have enough time to get in all fittings without feeling pressured.  If you have the time, it is best to begin gown shopping nine months to a year ahead.

It is important to do your homework before you begin.  Take the time to familiarize yourself with different gown companies, fabric types, styles, and general information about the wedding gown industry.  The wedding gown seasons are spring, beginning in January, and fall, which begins in July.  You will start to see the newest gowns displayed around this time.  It can also be a great time to get deals on sample gowns and discontinued styles. 

Begin to develop ideas about the styles you like.  Do you want long or short sleeves?  Do you picture yourself in white or ivory?  Is your preference a long or short train?  How much do you want to spend on the gown of your dreams?  If you have a basic idea about what you are looking for, the sales staff will be better able to help you.  However, do not be afraid to try something different.  Many brides take the advice of someone else and are pleasantly surprised at the reflection in the mirror.  It is also useful to know your measurements when shopping.  This will help you when you do decide to order your gown.  All designers have different size charts.  If you normally wear a size eight in street clothes, you may have to order a ten or even twelve in a bridal gown.  This is normal so do not get alarmed.  Keep in mind that it is easier to take up the seams in a gown that let them out.  Do not order a size too small or you will be stuck with a gown you cannot wear.  Decide on your maximum price before you go shopping and then stick to it.  Obviously, a $5,000 dress is going to be made better and look better on than a $500 dress.  Don’t allow the salesperson to bring you dresses that are beyond the budget you have set.

Inquire of your friends, co-workers, and family about the gown stores with whom they had success.  Call your local chamber of commerce and ask for recommendations.  Verify a store’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau. Ask about the friendliness of the sales staff.  Do they require you to fill out forms with a lot of personal information before you are allowed to try on gowns?  Do they pressure you to put a deposit down on the gown or make a decision?  Are they open with you about the information concerning the gowns?  Many gown shops remove the tags from gowns so you cannot identify the designer.  In some states, this is illegal and should cause you question their integrity.  They are not required to give you the style numbers but some shops will. The important detail here is to know whom you are dealing with before you begin.  This could save you heartache in the future.

You have done your homework, so let the shopping begin!  If your mother will not be joining you on the big adventure, ask a trusted friend to join you.  Be sure it is someone who will be honest with you.  You do not want to take someone along who will tell you how great you look in everything you try on.  On the days you shop, take extra time to do both your hair and face.  When you look your best, you will get a more realistic idea of how you will look as you walk down the aisle.  If you will wear your hair up on your wedding day, wear it up on your shopping days.  Bring along shoes similar to the height you expect to wear.  Lastly, bring a strapless bra so you can evaluate all the dresses you try on.  If your schedule is flexible, avoid shopping on Saturdays.  The sales staff will have more time to spend with you.  Some gown shops will let you make appointments.

As you shop for your gown, check the quality of each.  Turn the dress inside out and notice the construction of the gown.  Are the seams finished or are they unraveling?  Is the lining sewn in all over or just a straight seam along the waist?  Are the beading and appliques sewn on or glued in place?  Try on an expensive gown just to see how it feels and how well it is manufactured.  This will help you compare with the gowns you are trying on.  Is the gown comfortable?  Bend over, sit down, dance, or do whatever it takes to assure that this dress will be what you will want to wear for your wedding day.

Once you have decided on the gown that is perfect for you, get all details in writing before you pay for it.  You want a full description of the gown.  If there is a charge for petite or large sizes, extra length, or any other special requests, include this on the form.  Both the wedding date and the delivery date should be on the receipt.  Also, if the gown shop has made you any promises, like free alterations for example, get it in writing.   If you have everything in writing, it will be assurance for the shop to make good on what they promised you.

Shopping for your wedding gown should be fun for you.  The better informed you are, the easier it will be.  The time you take doing your homework will be well worth it.  Then, when you do find your perfect gown, you will know you not only look beautiful but also you have made an educated, well thought out decision.  Happy hunting!  (© LXM)