How to shop for your wedding dress!

Finding the perfect wedding dress should be a great shopping experience.  For tips on how to shop for the ultimate figure flattering wedding dress,  click here: choosing the perfect wedding dress.

As you are shopping for your wedding dress, dress appropriately to try on dresses.  That includes wearing strapless undergarments so you can see how the dress should look when you try it on. And since someone will probably be helping you try on the dresses, wear panties.  Many bridal salons have try on strapless bras and crinolines, but many brides prefer to wear their own undergarments.   Make sure you are freshly showered so you feel fresh.  If you are planning on wearing your hair up, pull it up in the approximate style so you have an idea of how the neckline works with your dress and hairdo.  It doesn't have to be the exact hair style, you are just trying out your look.  Bring along a pair of shoes the approximate heel height you are planning to wear on your wedding day so you can tell how the dress will look with shoes.   Many gals pack a tote bag with undergarments, shoes and jewelry to get the "complete look".

Undergarments are the foundation of your wedding dress.  They need to be comfortable and functional.  The right bra will make the dress fit the way the designer of the gown wants it to fit, it will uplift you. This is a must read: The Foundations Under Your Wedding Dress.

Make an appointment and work with a personal wedding consultant. She'll ask you about your wedding plans and location.   Your wedding consultant will help you choose the proper style for the formality of the wedding and help you choose a flattering style on you. 

• Don't be afraid to mention your price range and budget.   It helps to eliminate disappointment on your part if you find a dress you love that is out of your budget.   
• Don't be pressured to buy.  If you are not sure, make a return appointment when your mind isn't suffering from "white blur".  
• Don't be afraid to be honest with your wedding consultant.  If you don't like the dress, tell her. If something bothers you about the dress, it will bother you on the wedding day.  Correct it in advance.
• If the dress is uncomfortable in the bridal salon, it will be uncomfortable on your wedding day.  This is NOT your dress.  Keep looking.
• Don't be afraid to try on different styles.  A dress that you would never consider may be the ONE.   Dresses look different hanging than they do on the body.
• Don't confuse yourself by trying on dozens of dresses.  Narrow your focus.  You'll be exhausted and confused. 
• Decide in advance the look you want and tell your consultant.  I always tell my brides to close their eyes and picture how they see themselves walking down the aisle or beach.  If you can't picture yourself in that dress, keep looking. 
• Be decisive.  Don't flip flop on style.   The longer you wait to decide, the less choices you have.  If you have to special order a gown, allow yourself at least 6 months in advance before the wedding to allow the company to make the dress and time for alterations.   Postponing a decision because you need time to think is one thing, postponing because you can't make a decision is crippling and stressful for you. 
• Don't plan to order until you lose weight.  If you are in the process of losing weight, discuss size with your consultant.  IF you wait until the last minute to order, you may not be able to get your dream dress.  Order a size that is reasonable for weight loss.  Don't EXPECT to go down three sizes.   Each size is approximately 10 pounds.  If your body doesn't cooperate, your dress will be too small and won't fit.  If the dress is a bit larger, its easier to take it in than to let it out. 
• If you need to wear a strapless bra or other style of bra, make sure you choose a dress style that is bra friendly.  If the back of the gown is cut to your waistline, you won't be able to hide the bra.   Bra cups will only work up to a size C cup, after that, you need a bra.  An alternative is to wear clear plastic bra straps which are available with some strapless bras. The clear straps can also be replaced with sparkly crystal or rhinestone straps.
• Be realistic.  You aren't going to look like the model in the magazines, but you CAN look fantastic.   The models have been airbrushed and photoshopped to look like that in the photos. 
• All dresses will need some form of alterations to fit properly.  Don't expect it to fit perfectly.  There is a difference between a custom ordered dress and a custom dress made to your measurements.   Don't forget to add alterations to your dress budget and allow time for them to be completed.
• Choose your style based on the place and formality of your wedding.
• Don't shop with a large possee of friends.  Shop with someone you trust and whose opinion you trust. Ship with your mom, best friend or sister.  Too many opinions can be confusing and some opinions may not be in your best interst.  Trust me, I've seen friendships broken over jealous friends making cutting mean spirited remarks.  Buy what YOU want to wear, not what they want you to wear. You can invite your friends to see your dress AFTER you've made the final decision.
• If you are tired, stop shopping. 
• If you are hungry, stop shopping and take a break to eat.
• If you are cranky, shop another day.  A bad attitude won't translate into a great shopping experience.
• And above all, shopping for your wedding dress should be fun!   Its your turn to be the center of attention.   Enjoy it!

  If you decide to shop on eBay for your dress, click here for more tips.

 Wedding dress links

Plus Size Wedding Dresses

Wedding dresses at all prices from the top designers at TJ Formal

Rosann's Bridal & Formal  in NE Ohio.  Full service bridal salon with unsurpassed service.

The Bridal Mall of Niantic, CT.  Voted #1 Bridal Salon by Connecticut Brides on The Knot!

Bridalgownz and Formals  Features Casablanca Bridal dresses and more.  Full service online store. Great prices, great service!

December94 Super deals on everything from couture wedding dresses to jewelry on Ebay.

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