Picking out your wedding dress is an amazing part of the wedding experience. It’s fun and exciting, but can also feel a little bit overwhelming. It’s a good idea to prepare before starting your dress fittings so that you can be sure that you are going in with realistic expectations, the right questions in mind, and feeling level headed. Depending on who you are, you may want to gain a thorough understanding of the different types of wedding dresses, or you may prefer having just the basic must-knows. No matter who you are, though, these 10 tips will make your wedding dress shopping a more manageable and enjoyable experience.

Stick to Your Budget

First and foremost, you need to know your financial limit ahead of time—and stick to it! Trust us when we say that this dress will not be your only wedding expense, so you don’t want to start getting in too deep quite yet. We know that wedding dresses can put a dent in a wallet, but the good news is that there are gorgeous dresses available at every price range. Make sure to stay within your budget.

Location is Important

Once you are ready to begin scheduling your dress fitting, you will want to start considering the details of your wedding that will help narrow down your dress search. Your location is an important part of dress shopping. For instance, if your wedding will take place on the beach, you will probably want to avoid gowns with long trains. You want to find a dress that is both beautiful and practical for your wedding location.

Photo Credit: For Bridals

Consider Styles You Hadn’t

There are so many different dress styles out there: from sticking to classy old-timey wedding pieces to exploring modern wedding dress trends . You may have a certain design in mind for your big day, but if you keep an open mind, you may be surprised to find yourself falling in love with a dress of a completely different style. When you walk into those dress fittings, consider styles you hadn’t.

Photo Credit: Raimon Bundo

Keep Your Body In Mind

All women know that feeling of trying something on that doesn’t fit quite the way we hoped. Different dress styles are created to flatter various body types. When thinking about which silhouette to be targeting, have your body in mind. You want to feel completely comfortable and beautiful in your dress. If you are feeling discouraged that the silhouette you thought you wanted does not fit the way you hoped, consider picking a different silhouette and focusing on wedding dresses with gorgeous details that will allow you to stand out as the stunning bride that you are.

Photo Credit: David’s Bridal

Your First Dress IS an Option!

Some brides feel like they should not buy the first dress they try on, but we say, forget that! Whether it’s the way it fits on you, outstanding details, or an enchanting back design on the wedding dress that has you falling in love, there is nothing wrong with choosing the first dress you try on. If you are concerned that other styles might fit you even better, you can always ask the person helping with your fittings if you can put the dress on a 24-hour hold while you check out some other styles. Just keep in mind that if it is your perfect dress, you don’t want it to get swept up by another bride!

Photo Credit: Roland’s Photography

Trust Your Gut

There are so many different types of dresses out there. You may be searching for an extravagant nightgown, or you may want a simple off-white dress. You might have a big budget or you might be shopping for pre-owned wedding dresses. No matter what, once you have found your perfect dress that is within your budget, don’t let that voice in your head talk yourself out of buying it. It can be especially difficult if your friends and family don’t love the dress as much as you do, but you have to trust your gut! Whether it’s your first fitting or your seventh, your sister’s favorite or adamantly disapproved by your best friend, at the end of the day, you are the one who will be wearing this dress on your big day. Follow your instincts and get the dress that you love most.

Photo Credit: Kelly Hornberger

Once You’ve Chosen, Stop Shopping

Looking at more dresses once you have already committed and paid for one is a rookie mistake! If you bought a dress, you must have truly fallen in love with it. Don’t start second guessing your choices! Since chances are that you are not going to return the dress you bought, nothing good can come of doing more shopping. Once you’ve bought your dress, do yourself a favor and stop shopping.

Remember You Can Get Your Dress Altered

You’re out dress shopping and you find your PERFECT dress… except it’s just a bit too long! Don’t let a little extra fabric be the reason you turn down the dress of your dreams. Keep in mind that many brides get their wedding dresses professionally altered before their big day. You may also want to consider which undergarments to sport under your wedding dress and bring them along when going to get the alterations done.

Don’t Forget the Extras

When deciding on the budget of your dress, don’t forget that you will also be buying extras for your wedding attire. For starters, alterations can increase the price of your wedding gown quite a bit. In addition, you may want to buy elegant jewelry, hunt down a pair of comfortable heels, and explore your options of gorgeous wedding veils. When determining your dress budget, be sure to consider the extras.

Photo Credit: Miller Miller Photography

Communicate Your Ideas

It’s a great idea to talk to the friends and family that will be dress shopping with you ahead of time so that you are all on the same page when the day begins. Explaining your ideas about what you want from your dress will help create a more united vision, allowing the day of fittings to run more smoothly.

Finding your dress is a very exciting part of your wedding experience, so be sure to make the most of it! If you don’t find your dream dress right away, don’t worry… it will all come together! Once it is all over and you are finding ways to preserve the dress after the wedding, you want to look back and think of your dress fittings with your friends and family as lovely memories you will carry forever. As long as you are prepared and have in mind the basic dress fitting considerations, you will surely find your perfect wedding dress!

Photo Credit: Alyssa Campbell Photography