Shopping for a Wedding Dress: What You Need to Know

Photo Credit: Glamour

Ah, wedding planning. You've selected a date and picked out a venue, secured a few vendors, and finishing your guest list. Now for the fun part - time to start thinking about your wedding dress and trying a few on! While this is an exciting time, there are a few things you should know.

Start early. Start searching for your dream dress 8-10 months before your wedding day. Have a budget in mind and be sure to check out some of our local favorites: a&be Bridal Shop, Effie's Bridal Trunk, and The Wedding Shoppe. 

Make an appointment. Sure, you can just show up to any bridal store, but you won't be guaranteed a fitting room and phenomonel service. It's important to make an appointment so you can be well taken care of when shopping for "the one". 

Bring your accessories. Bring along a strapless bra and underwear for the fittings. Also, bring shoes similar to the ones you will wear on your big day to get an idea of how everything will look. If you have an idea of jewelry (necklace, bracelet, earrings), feel free to bring that along, too. In most cases, the bridal shop will have a slip for you to try on under your dress if you decide to go that route.

Have an open mind. You might try on the first dress and think this is "the one", however, try on a few more just to be sure! Let the salesperson make recommendations, too. She might bring you a dress off the rack that doesn't look like your style, but it's OK -- just try it on! Who knows, that might end up being "the one".

Alterations. Now that you've picked out a dress, it's time to get back to your regular wedding planning routine. However, don't forget about the alterations! You should schedule an appointment 6-8 weeks out, and a final fitting 1-2 weeks before your wedding day. This will ensure your dress fits properly from top to bottom.