Budget

Bridal gowns can range in price from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Therefore, it is important to remember your budget and purchase a gown that is within your price range. Your gown allowance should be about 5 to 6 percent of your total wedding. But don't spend all your allotted money on the gown itself. Make sure to save money for alterations and accessories including the headpiece/veil, jewelry, stockings and shoes.

Shopping

Shopping for a gown is exciting but often stressful. Here are some simple tips that may help you in your quest for the perfect gown:

• Look at a variety of wedding publications to get an idea of what your prefer before you even start to look in the stores. When you go to a bridal shop, bring pictures of gowns that appeal to you.

• When choosing bridal stores to visit, ask people you know who have recently been married and can recommend shops that they had used.

• Make sure to schedule appointments with the shops that you choose to visit. Shop at several stores but give yourself plenty of time for appointments and do not schedule them all in one day.

• Bring shoes with similar heel height as those you would wear on your wedding day.

• Listen to the suggestions of the professionals at the bridal store. Even though you may have an idea of the type of gown you want, they may have some good ideas that you may have never entered your mind. After all, they have been doing this longer than you have.

Questions to ask the bridal shop

Before you sign a contract with any bridal shop, you should have the answers to the following questions:

• What are their exchange and cancellation policies?

• What will they do if the gown comes in the wrong color or size, or comes in late?

• Do they do alterations? Is there a fee?

Selecting a gown

Start looking as soon as possible, because gowns can take up to six months to order and you will need time for alterations and fittings. If you have less than six months, you can put a rush on your order, but it will probably cost more.

There are many different styles of wedding gowns ranging from informal to very formal. Typically, the longer the train of the gown, the more formal the wedding. Regardless, some gown styles are more flattering than others are for certain body shapes.

The time of year that you choose to get married matters when selecting a gown. In the fall or winter you may want to choose a heavier fabric like satin or velvet. Lace, chiffon and other light fabrics are nice for the warmer months.

If the bridal store staff wants to order a gown for you that is a larger size than you wear, don’t panic. Many gowns run a few sizes small and remember the dress will still be fitted for your body. Also, don’t order a dress that is smaller in hope that you will lose weight – a gown cannot be enlarged but can always be taken in.

Custom gowns

Even if you decide to get your gown custom-made, you should still try on gowns at a bridal shop to get an idea of what style and type of fabric you want. Allow at least six months for the dress to be made and adjusted.

Make sure to choose a dressmaker specializing in wedding gowns. Ask to see some samples of his/her work and references from past clients.

Whether you get your dress from a bridal shop or custom-made, it is important to get everything in writing to prevent any misunderstanding.

Fitting your gown

After your gown arrives at the shop or is completed by the dressmaker, expect to go in for a fitting. After that, you should have two more fittings (including one about two weeks before the big day) to correct any mistakes and make sure everything is perfect. Bring someone whose opinion you trust with you to your appointments.

Wear undergarments and shoes that are similar to the ones you will wear on your wedding day during your fittings.

Preserving your gown

You may want to preserve your dress as a keepsake or for your own daughter to wear someday. There may be invisible stains from food, beverages and perspiration that can turn into permanent yellow stains if the gown is not properly cleaned before storage.

Point out any stains or spills to your dry-cleaner. In addition to removing stains, dry-cleaners should treat the dress with chemicals that slow down deterioration, press it and place it in acid-free packaging.

Finally, do not store your gown in a basement or attic. It should be placed in a cool, dry place to keep it from yellowing and mildew free.