How to Buy a Wedding Dress

He's popped the question, you've picked the date, you are officially getting married! But now you have that little tinsy task of buying a wedding dress. With so many styles (and opinions from friends and family) it can be a tad overwhelming. Here are some tips on how to buy a wedding dress for that special day when you will be married.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Define your budget. This is one of the first things you have to do for your entire wedding overall. By defining your budget you will immediately be speaking the same language with the attendant who is helping you find a dress at the various shops you visit. Do not be embarrassed by the amount. Weddings come in all shapes and sizes, and whatever your budget there will be a dress for you. Be sure to factor in about $400 for alterations along the way and a similar amount if you wish to wear a veil.
2. Sketch out your timeline. Buying a wedding dress for the day you get married is not like running to the Gap to get a t-shirt. The fittings and alterations take several weeks as they are usually done off site from the shop you purchase your dress at. As a rule of thumb, it will take 8 to 12 weeks from the time you are fitted until you get your dress. Also alterations take approximately 2 weeks. For the anxious bride who is getting something customized it is recommended that the dress be purchased a full six months ahead of time.
3. Familiarize yourself with styles. As soon as most brides-to-be get engaged there is usually a stack of wedding magazines adorning their living room, bathroom and car. This is a great place to start as there is no "right or wrong" way to pick a style of wedding dress. It's all about personal taste and how you see the overall mosaic of the day. Also, feel free to talk to other married friends who have been through the process. Of course this can be somewhat risky as you may soon find you have more opinions than you know what to do with. But remember ultimately, remember, you are the one getting married. It is completely up to you!
4. Select your dress. There are some basic factors which ultimately must be decided. They are the color, length, train, mood and overall size of your dress. Also whether or not you are going to wear a veil. While these are the specifics of selecting a dress, there is an intrinsic "gut feeling" that many people get when they try on "the one." Truthfully, let your heart be your guide and choose the one which makes you happiest within your budget.
5. Consider the accessories. Shoes, gloves, jewelry and sometimes even an evening bag for the reception are all items which may enhance (or detract) from your dress. The truth is, you want find shoes which have the two "c's," comfortable and complimentary. Gloves are a personal choice. The jewelry should enhance the dress and in no way be a focal point. Place all the jewelry you'd like to wear on with your dress. Then spin around to face a mirror. The first piece you notice should either be reduced in size or exchanged. Again this sort of thing is intuitive which is why the sudden turn in the mirror is so effective!

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase bridesmaid dresses where you purchase your wedding dress. You may get an additional discount by doing so, because most likely you are bringing a LOT of business to one place!