Shopping for a wedding dress can be so fun! There are so many different stores, styles, textures, even different shades of white. It can also be a bit overwhelming. As a recent bride myself, I thought I would share some helpful hints to make the experience a little bit easier. 

1) Look online.

Pinterest is a girls best friend. See what catches your eye. Pin them. Then look back and ask yourself, "Why do I like these?", "What is common about them?" It could be the shilhouette of the dress for example ballroom vs a mermaid style. It could be the material. Is it lace? Tulle? Beading? Diamonds? Glitter? The chart below is provided by Amanda Burton's Blog. 

2) Bring those pictures with you. 

Your bridal consultant can pull dresses that have similar elements. Also - Trust them. They may pull something different then you've expected. No harm done just trying it on. You may find yourself either loving it or deciding it's not for you. 

3) Go to at least 2 stores. 

You'll see and try on more dresses. Plus you can work with a few different consultants to see who are you most comfortable with. If you are in the Denton/Dallas area I highly recommend Rachel with Lasting Bridal Couture in Addison, TX or Carson with StarDust in Plano, TX

Here is some advice form Carson! 

"1. Give yourself at least six months to order your dress (before your bridal photos)
2. Have a general idea of what aesthetic you're going for, if not specific dresses.
3. Have a budget. And inform your stylist of that budget.
4. Come with an open mind.
5. Don't let a dress size get you down here in size is just a number. No one is going to know what size dress you are wearing.

BUT most of all have fun and enjoy the experience"

4) Create a guest List. Book a venue & date. Get the dress. 

Each designer will have different delivery time. Most are 4-6 months. You'll want time for alterations, and Bridal Portraits. Alternations typically take 3-4 weeks, and you'll want to take Bridal Portraits about 2 months before your big day.

5) Walk. Sit. Stand. Twirl. Dance. Repeat. 

Do everything you will do on your wedding day. My mom made me step up and down the platform and walk across the store. It's weird at first but so necessary. Thanks mom!

Amanda (real bride) is wearing a Vera Wang gown. An empire silhouette with a asymmetrical neckline with a beaded belt and diamond shoulder accent. Happy shopping!