Before you go:

• Take a good look at your closet. If everything you own (and already prefer) follows a certain theme, we can assume that these are the styles and cuts that look best on you.  Consider the same things when choosing dresses for your bridesmaids. And remember, not every style looks good on every girl.
• Shop online and on the pages of your favorite magazines. Cut out or mark dresses that spark your interest. Be aware of any common themes - like sleveless smocks, cool colors or cathedral length trains.
• When shopping for your wedding dress, remember that your gown sets the tone for the whole event. A full, formal ballgown with a cathedral length train is inappropriate for a garden wedding. If the dress you love takes priority, you may have to rethink one or more of your venues.
• Consider your size. Some brides, in the months before they marry, work, train and starve themselves to achieve a smaller size.  However, a thinner you does not necessarily mean a better you. Accept yourself for what you are and find a dress that makes you shine now.  This also goes for your bridesmaids. Consider their feelings when picking certain styles or fabrics in wedding party atire.
• If you choose to try to lose weight before you marry, remember that moderation is key to a happy life. Also, remember that time is limited for dress shopping. Depending on the designer and style that you choose, some wedding dresses can take four to six months to deliver, some bridesmaid dresses take three to four months to ship. You and your bridesmaids may not be able to wait until you hit your weight loss goals to order the dress. If you are not where you want to be, make sure you order early enough to account for time to alter your altar wear if you are able to scale down.
• As hard as it may be to find the perfect dress, make it easier by making an appointment. Some dress salons won't even let you though the door without calling ahead. And if your schedule allows, avoid Saturdays. Not surprisingly, the weekend is the most popular time to shop.

Questions to ask:

• While we do recommend researching your favorite looks, don't limit yourself to one designer or one type of dress. Ask your salon consultant to pick out a few he or she thinks would fit you and your overall event.
• When you find the perfect dress or dresses (the infamous "they" say you'll know when find the dress, just like you knew when you met your man), ask the sales rep. about order requirements, deposits, available discounts, alterations, steaming, pressing, storage and delivery estimates.
• Depending on body types, you and your bridesmaids may need some or much of the dress altered to create a perfect fit. Make sure that the dress that you pick can support the needed alterations. If you are petite and the dress has a lot of hemline detail, make sure that they can shorten the dress at the waistline to keep that detail intact.
• The bustle! If your wedding dress has a train inconvenient for dancing, ask about your bustling options.
• If you are shopping on a shorter timeline, many designers can rush your dresses for a price. Find out if that price includes the dress as well as shipping and other rush services like alterations, pressing and/or steaming.

• Depending on the amount of work to be done, alterations can take four to eight weeks. This goes for both bridal and wedding party attire. Make sure that the dress will be in and done in time for the big day. And if you are posing for a bridal portrait, add one month to that production schedule.  Bridal portraits are typically shot at least one month before the wedding.
• If you choose to pose for a portrait, make sure your wedding dress is still in top shape for the big event. Depending on the dress and the mess, you may need to clean, press or steam your dress before your wedding weekend.
• When alterations are complete and you schedule your final fitting, make sure you have a friend on-site who will be on-hand after the ceremony to learn the ways of the bustle. Some bustles require an expert to tack-up a too long dress.
• If you live with your fiance and don't want him to get a sneak peek of the dress, ask your salon or alterations facility about storage before the big day.
• If your dress is not in the same area where the wedding will be, make sure you consider your travel options. NEVER pack a wedding dress in a checked airline bag. Bags get lost and damaged everyday. NEVER ship your dress by mail. Packges get lost and damaged every day. If you are traveling to your wedding destination by air, bring your dress on-board as a carry-on

• If you find a dress you like, but not a price, ask your sales rep. if they offer similar styles by a different designer.
• Shop off the rack! As seasons change, salons will often sell their samples for a steal. This is also a great way for last-minute shoppers to get a good dress without the wait.
• Comparison shop. If you find your favorite dress at a local shop, but another salon carries it for less, ask about price-matching policies. Many salons will match the price to ensure a sale.