Shop, Shop, Shop! Ask questions! You not only want to find the perfect dress within your budget, you want to find a bridal store you trust and feel comfortable with. Ask about package discounts, sizing and ordering policies, the contract, if they have their own seamstress for alterations, anything you can think of. Once you've paid for it and signed the contract there's no going back, the dress is yours.

I can't say it enough, "Try everything on!" Trying on dresses is FREE.

Before making a commitment to a bridal gown, take pictures of you in your favorite dresses (even if the sample doesn't fit). Go home and look at the photos before making a decision. Pictures speak volumes over a mirror. Your wedding photos are the grand finale and it's all you have left of your wedding day. I've heard several brides comment that if they could have seen themselves in a photo before purchasing their dress they would have chosen a different style.

The time of year should not influence your choice of one style over another. In other words you don't have to wear long sleeves in the winter and chiffon in the summer. The most common styles are strapless with optional spaghetti straps and halters. A splash of color accents is also very popular; it adds personality and gently ties everything together.

Helpful hits - Because you want to choose a dress style that looks best on you, here are some pointers:

Strapless and sweetheart necklines look good on everyone and you most always have the option to add spaghetti, halter and tank straps.

A halter is very complimentary on the shorter bride, one with broad shoulders or someone who's well endowed.

Rouching or gathering in the midriff area is very flattering for those who might be self conscience of their waist and hips.

Split-fronts are flattering for the full figure bride. It tends to lengthen and compliment the midriff area.

A tank top looks good on everyone as long as it's sized properly. If the bust of the dress is too big it's hard to alter for a proper fit.

Most bridal stores have one sample and size per dress style. If they have a large selection of samples and more than one manufacturer they should have something in a similar style you like to try on. Style meaning halter, tank, strapless, sweetheart, A-line and fitted skirts etc.

There's a dress for every bride and a bride for every dress. You will know when you've found the perfect dress for you.

Stay tuned my next topic will be bridesmaids, flower girls, junior bridesmaids and mother's dresses.