How to Select a Wedding Gown

Selecting a wedding gown is one of the bride's biggest decisions, second only to the man she has chosen to stand beside her at the altar. Selecting a wedding gown does not have to be difficult. By getting organized, your decision to select a wedding gown will be fun and memorable.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Purchase several bridal magazines 9 months to a year before the date and search for the wedding gown styles that you like the most.
2. Have a price range in mind before you head out to the bridal shops. This will give you a better idea of what type of dress you should look for and help to narrow down your search.
3. Call bridal shops in your area and make appointments to come in and try on dresses. Be sure to allow for at least an hour at each shop, because you'll be trying on many different gowns!
4. Bring several of your bridesmaids along with you for input on your dress. Have one of your friends bring along a camera, small notebook and a pen to take pictures of you in the different gowns and make notes about the styles and designers you like best.
5. Try on as many gowns as you can, and let your bridesmaids give input as well. This way, you will give yourself more opportunities to find that perfect dress.
6. Narrow down your selections by looking for styles that flatter your unique figure and curves. Be sure to ask your consultant about undergarment options to assist you in getting the perfect silhouette.
7. Know the alteration regulations at the store where you will purchase your dress. Give yourself a cushion of several months (4-6) for alterations to be completed.
8. Understand that you may need to pay as much as 50% of the cost of the gown as a down payment at time of purchase, and plan accordingly.
9. Use pictures of yourself in your dress to pick out coordinating shoes and other accessories.

Tips & Warnings

• Include your mom in the dress hunting process! She's been waiting for this day almost as long as you have.
• Make a girls' day out of your dress hunt. Schedule several appointments in one day and treat your bridesmaids/friends to lunch in the midst of your outing.
• If you can't find a complete style you like in any bridal magazine or shop, consider going to a dressmaker and having a gown specially designed.
• Be sure to find out the shop's policy on alterations and know that it is okay to shop around for your alterations. It may or may not be cheaper to get your dress tailored at another establishment.
• Don't leave the first store you visit with a gown in hand. Take notes and go home and sleep on it. Visit several other bridal shops to get a well-rounded idea of what dresses are out there. If after that, you still feel strongly about that one dress, go back and get it.
• Be sure you understand refund/return policies before you make your final decision. Many places may not let you return a dress after it is purchased.
• Don’t buy a dress thinking that you will lose weight by the time your wedding comes. Buy the dress for the body you have at the moment, and make it work for you.