5 Tips to Remember When Shopping for Wedding Dresses

Once the engagement is announced a typical bride-to-be starts thinking about

shopping for wedding dresses. The search for the perfect dress can be

overwhelming but it doesn't need to be. Buying a wedding dress should be

a joyous event and can be with a little planning ahead of time and some

research. If you will hire a seamstress to make your dress begin to plan six

or seven months prior to your wedding date. If you'll be buying a wedding

dress allow sufficient time for alterations two or three times before the

wedding.

Here are 5 tips for wedding dress shopping:

1. Do Your Homework

To begin you have to decide what you like. Unless you know you will need

to research. Start online or look at photos in magazines for brides. You can

also shop in a local bridal store. It's very convenient to get ideas online.

Don't waste time driving all over town until you get some ideas. Many local

stores have a web site where you can view photo albums.

2. When It's Time to Go Shopping

Take a family member or friend for another opinion. Shop at a wedding

dress outlet that's been around a while. You don't want a store with

untrained staff. Take the shoes you will use or a pair with a similar heel that

you expect to wear with your wedding dress.

3. Try on Plenty of Wedding Dresses

Try on as many wedding dresses as you can. Bridal stores usually have a

large selection. As you begin to dress you will find out which gowns you

prefer or don't like. If you decide to have a dress made trying some on in

advance of meeting with the dressmaker will let you determine what you

want. If you need a dressmaker ask around for a recommendation.

4. After You Decide on a Dress

Find out what time is available for fitting, alterations and the cost. You

should know this regardless if purchasing from a bridal store or a

seamstress. Once you decide on a wedding dress ask for a swatch of

fabric. Then you can shop and match your shoes and accessories.

5. Plan to Pay a Deposit

Most stores require deposits about half the cost of the dress. Dressmakers

usually do the same. Ask about terms when you make a deposit. Deposits

are not usually refundable.

Be careful not to spend too much. Obviously you want to be the beautiful

bride you've always dreamed of but when you go shopping for wedding

dresses choose one in your budget. Buy the best wedding dress you can

afford but don't overspend and go into unnecessary debt or have to reduce

other parts of your wedding. What is the most valuable tip for saving? Shop

around!