Things You'll Need:
- comfortable clothes that are easy to change in and out of
- a friend or family member for moral support
- rest well the night before
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Step 1
Many people think that they should look through all the bridal magazines and they will find THE dress. Although it is true that you can find many beautiful gowns in the magazines there are a few things to consider. The local bridal store in your area may not have that dress nor carry that designer at all. You can contact the maker of the dress directly for purchase and they then will refer you to authorized retailers that can order it. If you order a dress then you will have to pay for the dress or at least a deposit without trying it on. So try this instead...
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Step 2
Visit as many different bridal shops in your area as possible. Sometimes independent store owners only keep sample gowns in stock and therefore won't always have the exact size but you can still get an idea of what something looks like in person. A store like David's bridal or an outlet wedding store is more likely to have a dress that you can purchase directly from the rack and take home that day.
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Step 3
Try on lots of different kinds of dresses and different styles. Even try on some that you think won't look as good on. You may be surprised how much prettier some of the gowns are on your body. Also, you may not like another dress as much as you thought you might.
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Step 4
Don't pay as much attention to the sizing in the gown. Some of the designers have odd sizes and are not congruent with your typical dress size. Do not buy a dress with the intentions of losing weight. In fact ask the seamstress of the shop how much seam allowance is in the dress. You can almost always take in a gown if you lose weight but it is MUCH harder to let it out.
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Step 5
Keep your stress levels as low as possible. You will feel pressured into buying something you don't like if you feel like you are in a hurry. If you do plan to order a gown allow ample time before the wedding for your dress to arrive and to have alterations. Each store's policy may be a little different. It could take 8 to 12 weeks in some cases. Alternations can take up to a month for busier stores.
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Step 6
After you think you may have found the right dress, have the store hold it for 24 hours. You need to sleep on it and go back with a fresh mind. Try the gown on a again. If the store allows it take a photo to see if you like the way it photographs. Some stores do not allow cameras at all so be sure to ask first.
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Step 7
This is your day and the gown you chose should reflect your personality and make you feel beautiful. It is not the sales lady's dress, nor your mother's gown, or your best friend's dress. Value their input but in the end choose what you really feel wonderful in.
