First time dress shopping *Advice Requested*

I've gone 3 times now. Here's my advice:

~Wear the bra/undergarment that you will be wearing with the dress

~Wear boyshorts!! lol

~Try on everything! Styles you think you will love, styles you think you will hate. I was surprised that some stuff I loved on the hanger I hated on me, vice versa.

~Don't wear much makeup, if any.

~Sometimes it can get hot! Bring something to put up your hair. If you are wearing it down for the ceremony you can always put it down while you have the dress on but it was nice to have the ponytail in between dresses/ while getting into and out of them.

~I found that my max in one day was 12. After that they all looked the same.

Good luck! It's SO much fun!

Oh, and depending on where you go....don't be surprised if they limit the amount of dresses/people you take back with you.

Definitely go with what you can REALISTICALLY afford to spend on a dress. Have somewhat of an idea of what you want in a dress, strapless, sweetheart, sleeveless, a dress with sleeves, halter, if you want a plain skirt or pick ups in the skirt, etc. If you have been looking through bridal magazines and have found some dresses you like, take the pictures in with you and the consultant should be able to find similar styles of dresses for you. And most importantly, DO NOT BE AFRAID TO SAY NO! If you don't like the dress, don't feel obligated to say you like it when you don't. If your not ready to buy, don't let anyone pressure you into buying. Good luck, have fun, and take lots of pictures!!! Also going of off the undergarments that Lala said, if you don't have any, the bridal shop will have a bra and slip for you to try on dresses with. Also if you plan on wearing heels, try and take a pair that is the heigth you want, or the type shoe you plan on wearing on your wedding day.

1. Stick to your budget! Don't try on something way over budget if you're not willing to fall in love with it and pay the price.

2. Remember, everyone has an opinion but your opinion is the only one that matters.

3. Wear the proper underwear!

4. Keep an open mind. You may think you don't like something until you try it on. There is no harm in just trying something on (within budget limits as said in #1)

5. Have fun! You do not need to buy a dress at the first store you ever go to! If you're feeling pressured or uncomfortable, just walk away.

Don't go on a Saturday... if you can help it.

Don't take too many people with you.

Don't let anyone pressure you into buying a dress if you aren't 100% sold on it. I've known many a bride that bought one that everyone loved her in and then months later, she didn't love it and bought a new one.

Definitely try on styles you hadn't thought of.

Pretty much what everyone else has said. I would definitely take someone with you that will be honest with you no more than 2 people. I agree with Sara about not going on a Saturday or a Fridayas well, for me it's because this is when stores tend to be busy and you want someone that will have time to help you and not make you feel rushed. My bridal shop has bridal ,pagent, and prom dresses and it is prom season right now. Be willing to try on different styles even if you don't like the way a dress looks on a hanger you will be surprised. I went dress shopping 4 times so don't be before I found THE dress so don't be upset if you don't find THE dress on Saturday. Let whoever you take with you take pics if you are allowed to take pictures so you can see what you look like in your favorites. My bridal shop doesn't allow you to take pics, there are some that are like this , I guess it depends on where you are. Relax and have fun!

Double check to be sure your place will provide a bra, Alfred Angelo in my area did not and I did not know that until I got there. Davids bridal did but still double check. Leave an open mind but of course dont just agree because others say they like it. It is ultimately up to you. Stay within your budget, but also consider extra cost ( veil/headpiece, alterations, bra, slip) all of these things can add up. If you start to get frustrated I would stop for that day and go a different day. You may not find "the dress" on the first trip so dont get discouraged. You have time and hopefully you will have a great bridal assistant who will offer suggestions, just face it they do this everyday. My first time, my bridal assistant gave no opinion which was frustrating. Needless to say I didnt find "the dress" there. Good Luck!!

Don't rush into anything because you want to get a dress NOW.

Try on more than 5 dresses!

Listen to yourself not everyone else. You know when its the one.

DO NOT Buy from Romantic Gowns in OHIO - they SOLD My dress out of alterations to someone else who walked into the store with a rush wedding!

Having said that, David's Bridal have been wonderful - go with a clear idea of what suits your shape and DO wear makeup and take your jewellery if you have it Take a scarf with you to shield your gown from the makeup - wear the underwear you will wear on the day if you know and have it and definitely take your shoes with you....very important....I did all of this and it was just great - everyone wanted to know where I got my jewellery and its so important that the jewellery matches your gown....I had three different sets! LOL.....anyway, I'm off to my last fitting today....Ivory silk/satin mermaid with very low back.....will post pics after the wedding in 10 DAYS! NOT STRESSED AT ALL....

Eat a good breakfest or lunch b-4 you go! it helps to think better and feel relaxed as you try on those heavy dresses

Bring water..sleep on it! don't buy one right away..i did and just cuz it was on sale the 99 dollars and felt like i would be stupid if i didn't buy it, it looked good on me, i liked it a lot (not love), eventually i did fall in love with it though! :-) Shop around..I had only gone to DB, although I did have a great experience though.

We have a great blog on this exact topic! All of the ladies here have pretty much covered all of the bases and have some great advice. I hope you have a memorable and fun shopping experience. And remember to have FUN!

This blog is divided into two parts:

Part1: http://thewhiteclosetco.blogspot.com/2011/02/before-you-go-gown-shoppingpart-1.html

Part 2: http://thewhiteclosetco.blogspot.com/2011/03/before-you-go-gown-shopping-part-2.html