They all  talk about "the feeling" of find the perfect dress. Well, this emotional"you'll know it when you see it" purchase doesn't happen to everyone. As a former bride, I can tell you that I kept having those "I found the one" feelings for all the wrong dresses and for a number of them. I don't think all women find the right dress based on an emotional reaction. If you're one of the few brides who really did get those lovely vibes while dress shopping, good for you, we envy you. This is a guide for those brides who need help narrowing down exactly what they want.

  1. Budget: Narrow down a price range that is best suited for you. It can become very easy to get caught up in trying on pricey gowns and getting carried away. Stick to what you can pay for and that alone will help narrow down hundreds of dresses.
  2. Take only a handful of people with you. Unless you're someone who absolutely needs 10 people to agree on a single dress (unlikely), you don't need to take an entourage with you when dress shopping. The chances of everyone agreeing are close to zero and more often than not, they will only confuse you more. Stick to what you've envisioned for yourself and only take those who understand and will support your style.
  3. Don't be afraid to take your fiancé with you. If you're someone who genuinely values his/her opinion, break tradition and shop together. You do everything else together, pick wedding bands, flowers, and food, this doesn't have to be any different. It might make choosing a gown much more effortless and less stressful.

Happy Shopping!