(Warning: Do NOT try this at your bridal store!)
Finding a wedding dress can be a very stressful yet exciting process for a bride-to-be. It is highly recommended to find your dress a good 6-7 months ahead of time. It takes about one month for you to finalize the dress, 4 - 5 months for the dress to deliver, and another few weeks to finalize the alterations. Unless you are absolutely desperate, NEVER buy a dress off the floor (display.) They are worn many times, most of the dirt will never come off, and over stretched. The main areas of damage are around the back zipper, which is a permanent damage. Also, DO NOT be fooled into thinking the store display will be altered 4 sizes down. The most it can be altered without loosing its shape is two sizes maximum, one size to be safe. Ordering your dress is the best bet, even though alterations will still be needed no matter what. Make sure your sales consultant or an experienced tailor takes your measurements, since bridal sizes run off a unique structure. I also recommend ordering the dress based off of your largest measurement, since your not guaranteed to loose weight. I.E; if your waist measurement falls into a size 6, although the rest equals a size 4, order size 6. This will guarantee your dress to fit, then you can alter the rest of the areas.
There are three types of brides that walk into a wedding store. One is so overwhelmed with all her choices and can't decide which dress to NOT try on. The second bride has a very specific dress in mind and is not open to suggestions. The third bride has a compiled folder of small details she likes of different dresses, hoping to find a combination of all these dresses. Being any of these brides will lead you to a stressful dress search. Having a good idea of what you like is ideal, but DO NOT be picky or anal.
During your first dress shopping experience, you should try on different styles and dresses to see what fits you better. You may be in love with a mermaid gown, but a ball gown might look better on you. You may think you hate crystals, but once you put it on you fall in love. Lace may be too old fashioned for you, until you add a crystal sash. Your first appointment should be all about being open minded and accepting new ideas and/or changes. Once you have finalized the style and shape you like, next step is finding the perfect dress. I do not recommend going to more than three wedding boutiques and trying on more than 5 dresses per store. TRUST ME! This will be more than enough trials before finalizing your dress.
When a dress you try on becomes 'The One', most girls are overjoyed with excitement and tears. If like me, your tears don't rush at every emotional thing, crying over a wedding dress isn't in the cards. Whether you cry or have a huge smile on your face, you will know when you try on 'The One.' Allow yourself to enjoy this once in a lifetime process!
