You’re engaged! Congratulations! One of the first things most brides start thinking about after their engagement is the dress! These are some basic tips we think will help you get started choosing the dress of your dreams for your special day:

First things first… Budget!  Yes, you should probably start with setting the dreaded budget. Save yourself the heartbreak of not being able to afford the perfect dress and only look at dresses that are within your budget. Got big ideas but can’t afford it? Use expensive designer dresses as your inspiration then look for a less expensive similar design.

Research, research, research!  Time to go online and flip through magazine! Get an idea or what style of dress you are looking for. Possibilities are endless… classic, modern, embroidered, slinky, strapless… it goes on and on. Consider your venue or theme; it would be silly to have a ball gown style wedding dress for your beach wedding.

Make appointments with designers and at wedding dress shops to try on dresses and sort through different styles and designs you may be interested in. Be open to trying a variety of styles, sometimes a style you least expect will be the one you like the best!

Choose a dress shopping partner to take help you! This could be your mom, an aunt or cousin, your maid of honor, a good friend… really anybody you trust. Make sure you just bring a couple. You don’t want opinions getting crossed and for what should be a fun, magical experience to become overwhelming.

Don’t rush on making your decision but if you feel you have found the perfect dress look no further and trust your gut! Don’t forget to consider accessories like a veil, shoes, and the time of year, wedding theme and venue.

Lastly, have fun with it!