The following tips will help you make the process of selecting a dress a pleasant experience. Your wedding gown isn't something you want to rush out and buy at the last minute. Do a lot of catalog and window shopping in advance to help give yourself a better idea of what you're looking for.

Dress according to the weather. If you're getting married in January, you probably wouldn't feel very comfortable in a sleeveless wedding gown. In fact, you'll probably be very cold. In addition to the style of the dress, you'll also want to consider the material of the dress. Some lace materials may look very elegant, but they may be very irritating to the skin. Stick with something that you'll feel comfortable in throughout the day.

We can't emphasize this enough: Don't wait for the last minute to select a wedding gown. You should start shopping for your dress about a year in advance to your big day. Why so much time in advance? Because most gowns need to be ordered approximately 4-6 months in advance. And fittings take a lot of time!

You look beautiful just the way you are! Don't plan on purchasing a wedding gown two sizes smaller because you intend to be ten pounds thinner by your wedding day. It's a really good idea to order the gown in your size. If you do shed a few pounds, great! Just remember: It's a lot cheaper to take a gown in than to have it let out an inch here and an inch there.

Does this gown look okay on me? Whenever you're in doubt, bring your girlfriends along. Nevertheless, make sure that your friends feel comfortable telling you the 'truth.' If you try on a gown that doesn't flatter your figure-you want them to tell you.

Never dismiss something the bridal shop staff recommends. They know what they're doing (most of the time). Something that may not looking appealing on a hanger, may look great on you! If the staff is trying to help you find what you're looking for, be as specific as possible when describing your dream-gown.

"I'll take that one," are words I hope you never say-without trying the gown on. Try every gown in that bridal shop on-until you find 'the one.'

Be brave and sneak a peek at the price tag. Is the wedding gown in your budget? Before you say 'yes,' there are several things to consider: accessories to go with the gown, including: shoes, a headpiece, jewelry, and undergarments. In addition, there may be last minute alterations needed for your gown. Keep all of these things in mind before you slap your credit card down on the counter.

It's important to note that most deposits on weddings gowns are non-refundable. With that said, you must be absolutely certain that you've found the perfect wedding gown before you commit to the deposit. Or you'll always wonder" what if-you wore that other dress.