7 Must-Read Gown Shopping Tips

Ready to hit the bridal salons? There are some things you should keep in mind when shopping for your wedding dress. Read our top tips before making your first dress shopping appointment.

1. Have a Price in Mind

Don't waste time trying on a bunch of gowns out of your price range. You're better off zeroing in on your price point so you can spend more time editing down the amazing options you can actually afford. Remember, your dress budget doesn't include the gown but also the cost of alterations, taxes and shipping fees -- plus your veil, shoes, lingerie and jewelry, which can add up quickly.

2. Start Early

You’ll need at least six to eight months to get your gown—and that's if you're really decisive. If you're a picky shopper or don't really know what you want, start looking 8 to 10 months before your wedding. Custom gowns take six to eight months to create on average, and heavily embellished ones can take up to a year. Why so much time? A muslin version of a custom gown is created before the actual dress to guarantee a perfect fit. So give yourself a cushion—if you put dress shopping off for too long, your selection of dresses could be limited or you might make a quick decision you may regret later. Once you've found your gown, it will take at least eight weeks to make alterations.

3. Determine the Dress Code

You may need to consider religious restrictions when shopping for your gown. If your ceremony is in a house of worship, find out whether there are any attire guidelines you're required to follow, such as covering your shoulders or arms.

4. Figure Out What You Like

Take cues from your venue, the season and the time of day you're getting married to help narrow down your dress style. Rule out fabrics and silhouettes that won't work (for example, a bulky ball gown is probably not the best fit for a midday beach affair) and consider what styles will flatter your shape.

5. Let the Salon Make Recommendations

Don't eliminate anything at first glance. If the salesperson brings you something they say you should try, try it—even if you don't initially love it or think it's totally "you." It's possible to fall for a wedding gown you didn't think you'd like or want. Not every dress looks great on a hanger, so let go of any preconceived notions and keep an open mind.

6. Buy a Dress That Fits Now

Even if you're planning on focusing on your health and fitness in a big way before your wedding, your body type isn't going to completely change. Besides, it's a lot easier (not to mention less expensive) to take a gown in than to try and make a too-small dress work.

7. Trust Your Instincts

If you have to be reassured the dress looks great on you, its probably not the dress for you. If you can't see yourself walking down the aisle in it, move on. When you find the right dress, you'll know -you won't want to put on anything else.

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