Starting Your Wedding Gown Search: Top Tips

He or she popped the question and you are engaged! Congratulations. Now what is the first thing that comes to mind? Shopping for the perfect wedding gown, of course! So, how do you get started? When shopping for wedding dress there are key things to keep in mind. With so many styles and wedding dress designers, you may find yourself overwhelmed. Don’t panic… just keep these top tips in mind and have fun.

Start shopping soon! Shopping for a wedding gown is definitely not an activity that you want to slack or put off in any way. All brides should begin shopping for a wedding dress at least nine months ahead of time.  Some brides even opt for a year ahead just to be safe. Why? It may take some time to find “the one.” Then, it has to be ordered. If it is a custom order it could take up to six months to actually receive the gown. You must also consider that more than likely the dress will need alterations, so you need to give yourself time for that as well.

Set a budget and stick to it! If you are on a tight budget, this is especially important. By trying on dresses that you cannot afford, you are not only wasting time, but setting yourself up for disappointment if you happen to fall in love with one.

Scrapbook! After getting an idea of your likes and dislikes, cut out or print out pictures of desirable dresses. Keep them in one place… start a scrapbook of your favorites. This will come in such handy when you go to actual boutiques. Even if you can’t have that particular dress, you can find something very similar and within your budget. Find a bridal consultant at a wedding dress boutique and put them to work for you.

Be patient! Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find the wedding gown you love on the first trip. It may take several trips, but you have to keep on trucking. Do not settle just because you are feeling deflated. You WILL find the perfect gown for you. Give it time.

Be prepared!  In the end, if you decide to custom order a wedding dress, be prepared to put down a significant deposit to begin the process. Even if your dress is not special ordered, most places will want a deposit that is rather hefty. Have those funds ready to go!