Magazines/Internet

Get some ideas before you even think about going shopping. This is half the fun, thumbing through bridal magazines. Pull pages out of the dresses you like, put them in a book or make a scrapbook. If you have an idea of what you like and don't like it will be easier to find similar dresses once you get to the store. It will also help your consultant find dresses you will like.

Leave time for the dress to arrive

Make choosing your wedding dress one of the first things you do. You need to leave more than enough time for the dress to be sent out, made and returned to you. This process takes at least 4 to 6 months so it's best to start early. You don't want to have to worry if you will have your dress in time. If you don't have that much time to wait you might try an "off the rack" store or even think about renting your bridal gown.

Have an open mind

You've looked through the magazines, and have picked out the dresses you love. That's great. Just remember the bridal consultant does this for a living. She deals with brides of all sizes and probably has some good ideas about what will look good on you. She is also very familiar with the dresses in her shop and will be able to find things you might not have thought of. This is her profession, trust her and keep an open mind when she brings you dresses you didn't really have in mind. It might be your perfect dress.

Be practical

Think about where you will be holding your wedding and your reception. If you are having your wedding in a small church or other small space you probably do not want to choose a huge dress. It will be very difficult to move around and you risk tearing your dress. If you are having your wedding on the beach you probably do not want to choose a ballgown, it's just not practical for walking in the sand. When choosing your wedding dress just keep in mind the space you will be in.

Take 1-2 people with you

Don't take along the whole gang. It will be too crowded at the boutique and you will get more opinions than you really need. You will probably have to take your mom. Take one other friend. This is especially important if you and your mom have very different tastes. Having 2 people with you will allow you to get a couple of opinions as well as views from all angles.

Think about your accessories

Make sure your whole wedding ensemble will "work" together. You want to think about necklines if you have a particular necklace you plan on wearing. Also if you are wearing a tiara, you want to make sure it will look right with your veil. Also think about your shoes, and other jewelry ~ If your accessories are available make sure you try them on. You want to get a feel for the whole picture while you are there, and before you have purchased.

Planning to lose weight?

What bride isn't? But be realistic. Think about the time you have before your wedding, and how much you can reasonably lose and stay healthy between now and then. Remember, it is much easier to take a dress in and can be almost impossible to let one out. If you buy a dress in a size expecting to lose the weight and then you don't it can be a nightmare.