Shopping for your bridal gown is FREE! Have fun with it, try on everything, take photos when possible and by all means, take your time in making a decision, shop around and ALWAYS ask questions.

By trying on every style, you are less likely to get discouraged and you will soon find the style and color that works best with your body type and skin tone. More often than not brides find that although they went shopping with a specific style in mind, they chose something completely different. It seems to be that when we set out desperately looking for something, we experience difficulty finding what it is we are searching for, yet when we let it come to us we are seldom disappointed. You will have a far greater experience if you shop with and open mind and without expectations and you "will know" when you've found the perfect dress.

It's sometimes difficult to resist the temptation of making a spontaneous decision when you're in the excitement of things. I encourage you make your final decision only after you've given it some time and thought. A new day is always refreshing in making any decision.

When ever possible take photos, look them over, return to the store(s) to try your favorites on one more time and then make your decision. All too many times over the years I've heard brides comment that if they had seen themselves in a photo before selecting their dress they would have chosen something different.

There comes a time however when a decision does needs to be made and the dress needs to get ordered. Most bridal stores have a time line they like to work with so be sure to inquire what that might be.

I recommend ordering your bridal gown no less than 6 months before the date of the wedding. However, I also advise that as soon as you've made your decision, order the dress. One never knows if and when a dress will become discontinued and at that point you may be faced with starting your dress search all over. Unfortunately bridal stores never know when a dress will become discontinued until they've received notice from the manufacturer. Most manufacturers clean out their closets at least once but no more than twice annually.

Ultimately it will be you wearing the dress, not the sales person, your family or friends. So here are 3 things to consider before making your decision:

1) Is the dress within your budget?

2) Do you feel confident in the store you are working with?

3) And last but not least, can you honestly say without a doubt, "This is the dress!"?