Secrets of Dress Shopping

Hunting for that perfect gown just got a little easier with this expert advice

Photo by Martha Kim

Your wedding dress is the ultimate fashion statement—to be remembered for years to come. But it'll end up costing you about 10 percent of your final budget. So read these terrific tips and prepare yourself before you plunge into the wide world of gowns.

If possible, start shopping six to eight months before the wedding. This time frame will allow you to find and order the dress, have it made and delivered, and attend to two rounds of fittings.

To get started, seek out a few good salons. Ask recent brides for recommendations and check store listings on ads for dresses you like. (Remember to check out shops with the Better Business Bureau; if they have several unanswered complaints, move on!) Most brides visit four or five stores, though three is usually plenty. If you find a dress you fall for (and can afford) on the first stop, look no further. Most gals try on about 16 or 17 dresses before finding their fashion fit.

Most salons ask you to make appointments in advance so that one of their staffers can give you her undivided attention. Leave plenty of time to try on gowns—don't try to squeeze it into your lunch hour.

When you're ready to shop, do it looking your best. You want to wear the dress—not the other way around. Style your hair (no need to hit the salon) and put on a little makeup. A touch of lip color and mascara will keep the lights (and white dress) from wiping the color out of your face.

Your Ammo

• One honest person. You don't need a jury of 12 giving its verdict. They'll never agree, and you'll end up dazed and confused. So bring someone who will tell you what looks good and what doesn't.
• Lots of inspiration. Bring photos from fashion stories, ads, your grandma's wedding album-anything to give a salon staffer an idea of what you want. Your consultant will pull gowns she thinks you'll love based on the info you give her. (If there's a particular dress you're drooling over, fax a copy of the pic so the salon can tell you if it carries that designer and style.)
• The right footgear. Decide how high your heels will be. Will you splurge on designer stilettos, or opt for foot-friendly flats? Wear similar-height shoes to your fitting so you can see how they work, and the seamstress can hem your gown to just the right length.
• A dress-friendly bra. Most salons have a corset on hand you can borrow, but you'll need to bring the right bra to your first fitting. The salon staff can tell you what to get for your dress and body type.

Your Action Plan

• Tailored details. Will a seamstress alter the dress where you buy it, or do you need to find your own tailor? If the store has an alteration service, find out how much it will cost and how long it will take.
• Delivery dates. Be sure your dress will arrive well before the wedding. For peace of mind, some brides fudge their wedding date, telling the salon it's a few weeks earlier. If you're in a major hurry (your wedding's in six weeks), a retailer can rush delivery-for a price. Or you can ask to see a store's informal collection of trainless, more casual dresses for sale right off the rack.
• Money matters. Once you find the one, you'll have to fork over a deposit of up to 50 percent. Read the payment policy thoroughly: You'll want to know if your deposit is refundable (most aren't), and exactly when you're required to make the payments.
• Take-home treat. Request a fabric swatch so you can match your shoes, veil and other accessories. In many cases, accessories must be special-ordered. It may be weeks before you have them, so plan ahead and start searching right after you've found your dress. Take a picture of yourself in the dress to show your hair stylist (so she can create the perfect 'do) and your pals. It's also smart to bring your headpiece for your trial run with the hairdresser.