One of the biggest to-dos on any bride’s wedding checklist is finding her dream dress. With Pinterest boards, bridal shows, and shopping trips with the besties, picking out a gown can be a stressful and emotional process.

Whether you’re shopping on your own or with friends here are five essential tips to help you find the perfect dress. Schedule your dream day effortlessly. Visit our wedding shop website and book your appointment today for a seamless and stress-free experience.

1. Know Your Style

When searching for your wedding dress, it is important to know what you like. Trying on gowns you think you want to wear, but do not actually love, will only leave you frustrated.

If you are unsure about what your style is, look for inspiration online or in bridal magazines to help narrow down your options. Narrowing your choices down to two or three is ideal and helps keep you focused and on track.

Try to schedule your appointments on a weekday, so you don’t feel rushed. Bridal salons are often busier on weekends, and you may find that the gowns you loved on a hanger have been tried on by others. It also makes it easier to have a candid conversation with your consultant about what you really like.

2. Know Your Shape

Knowing your body shape will help you find a gown that flatters your figure. You can avoid wedding dress styles that may accentuate the wrong areas and have you grimacing in your photos for years to come.

If your shoulders are wider than your hips you probably have an inverted triangle body type. Choose a neckline and sleeve style that accentuate your curves like a symmetrical V-neck or off the shoulder, to balance out your proportions.

A fit-and-flare or sheath silhouette is a great choice for petite frames, cinching in your waist to show off those slim hips and thighs. A mermaid-style gown also works for tall, willowy brides to highlight their slender frame. However, always be open to trying a few different silhouettes—everybody and every body is unique!

3. Know Your Budget

One of the most important things to consider when you’re shopping for your dream dress is how much money you’re willing to spend. Having a clear budget in mind will prevent you from getting sticker shock when you see gowns you love outside your price range.

It’s also a good idea to factor in other wedding dress expenses like shoes, jewelry, and accessories (your veil, for example). Also keep in mind that alterations can cost up to a thousand dollars or more. This is why it’s so important to do your research before making an appointment; you should know what prices to expect and have a realistic understanding of how much your desired style will cost. This will prevent you from saying yes to a gown that will require costly alterations.

4. Know Your Designer

You may know what your body type is, and you may be familiar with the different styles of dresses that flatter it best, but there are so many options out there that you can easily get overwhelmed when shopping for a wedding dress. Start by figuring out how you want to feel on your big day—sexy, romantic, classic and focus on gowns that lean into that aesthetic.

Rip pages from bridal magazines, browse online and on Pinterest to compile a visual file of your favorite designs and bring them with you when you shop. This will help your sales associate understand what you like and steer you in the right direction.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask your boutique about their designers, including which ones they carry and what their price ranges are. Having this info upfront can be helpful for budgeting purposes and narrowing down your options.

5. Know Your Venue

Depending on where you are getting married, the time of year and your wedding’s theme, you may have to rule out certain styles. If your celebration is taking place on the beach, for example, you may want to avoid a long silk ball gown.

Likewise, if you are flying to your destination, make sure you know the airport’s size specifications, so that you don’t fall in love with a dress that is too large and will not pass security checks.

When visiting potential venues, it’s also worth asking to see photographs of the venue when it is fully set up for a wedding. This will help you envision the space and give you a better idea of what your day might look like.