How to Choose a Wedding Dress

Things You'll Need:

• Wedding Gowns 

• Step 1

Cut out pictures from bridal and fashion magazines, shop online and look at old family photos to zero in on your preferred style.

• Step 2

Ask friends and family for references on dressmakers and designers if you are having the dress made

• Step 3

Bring a friend whose opinion you trust to shop with you at bridal stores. Include your mother if appropriate.

• Step 4

Bring shoes with the same size heel you expect to wear at the wedding.

• Step 5

Look through gowns on the rack and attend trunk shows. You could save a lot of money.

• Step 6

Try on a variety of dresses.

• Step 7

Discuss alteration charges with the salon, once you choose your dress.

• Step 8

Allow six months for dressmaking, if the dress is being made for you.

• Step 9

Be ready to pay about 50 percent of the cost of the dress as a deposit.

• Step 10

Take home a fabric swatch to match with your shoes, veil and accessories

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid taking too many friends shopping with you. They might never agree on the same dress, and you might end up confused and frustrated.
• Expect to pay $1,500 to $5,000-plus for a dress from a designer.
• Alterations on a store-bought dress usually run about $200.
• If the dress is being made, give the salon a wedding date that is two weeks before the actual wedding. This trick will ensure that the dress will be ready in plenty of time.
• When asked to make a deposit on a dress, inquire about deposit refunds. Most deposits are not refundable.
• Avoid being talked into buying a dress that costs more than you can afford.