Tips for choosing your Wedding Dress.

Article by John Rzasa

Your dress is one of the most important decisions you'll make when planning your wedding. Here are some tips for deciding on the perfect dress.

TIME:

• Most wedding dresses have to be ordered. This usually takes anywhere from two weeks to several months, depending on where you purchase your dress. Should you have a dress custom made; the process will take a good bit longer - anywhere from three to six months. More than likely, you will need to have alterations made to your dress. This can take a few weeks between the fittings and amount of alterations required. Be sure to allow adequate alteration time into your dress buying timeline

COST:

• Don't forget about your budget when shopping for a dress. The dress you think is "perfect" may be out of your price range. Be sure to share your budget with your dress consultant before you start trying on dresses. This will help keep you within your budget and keep you from being disappointed. Don't forget to factor in the cost of shipping and alterations when figuring your dress budget.

FIT:

• Every blushing bride wants to look her best on her wedding day, and shedding a few pounds may even be part of the plan. Be sure to consider the length of time it will take you to slim down. You don't want to be faced with a tight dress that can't be altered if you slip off the diet and exercise bandwagon. Remember, you can always alter a dress that is too big. You're out of luck with a too-snug dress.

STYLE:

• Your wedding style is usually determined by the formality of the dress. A beach wedding requires a much simpler dress than a formal church wedding. Five factors affect the wedding dress style: weight, fabric, length, formality, and colors and/or embellishments. These five factors are usually determined by the season, weather and location of your wedding. For instance, a beach wedding means a light, flowing, and semiformal, possibly colored, minimally embellished dress. A church wedding in a historic cathedral calls for a dress with a very formal style with rich fabrics, several layers, a long train, meticulous beadwork and a fancy veil.

Have fun.

• Above all, when shopping for your wedding dress, have fun doing it. Take your friends. Take your mom. And take lots of pictures.