1. Don’t shop too early

Shopping for your dress more than 12 months ahead may be a disadvantage as it may cause time to allow second guessing and disappointment if your dream gown is discontinued before you’r ready to order. Though all dress designers/manufacturers vary with ordering turnaround time, most bridal stores will recommend ordering your wedding dress around 6 months prior to your wedding.

4. Be open minded

The internet is great for ideas, but try not to fall in love with a style you haven’t yet seen on your own body. It’s very common to go for something you didn’t think you’d like, they do say opposites attract. And trust your bridal store consultant, they want to see you look your best, you are their best advertisement after all.

7. Leave the drama behind

Have bridesmaids who may butt heads? If you have lots of differing or clashing opinions coming at you, the positive and exciting experience of finding your dream gown can quickly escalate to overwhelming on confusing. It’s best to stick with just two trusted friends or family members to keep drama at bay.

2. Don’t over shop

Trust your gut when you find “The One”, over thinking it may allow time for it to slip away and trying too many on may cause confusion.

5. Leave you fiance at home

You may find it tough to make that final decision on your own, or perhaps you just trust their opinion more than anyone else’s, But, it’s best to leave your fiance out of it. Don’t worry about what they’ll think of it, they love you and if you love your dress, they will too.

8. Stick within your budget

There’s nothing worse than desperately wanting something you can’t have. If you think “so, it’s over budget - I can always sell it later”. The harsh reality is that even though it’s “only worn once”, it may only sell for a very small fraction of the original price, and may take a very long time to find the right buyer. Save yourself the heartache and financial burden, if a dress is outside your budget and that budget isn’t flexible - don’t try it on.

3. Try to shop local

Always try to support those in your area before looking elsewhere. You may be surprised by the selection and the service, plus you’ll save on travel costs. Be cautious buying online as many brides end up with incorrect colours, sizes, cheap fabrics, poor workmanship and counterfeit dresses, some sadly don’t arrive on time or even at all.

6. Dress for your personality

Maybe you’re not an “over the top” personality, you probably don’t want an “over the top” dress. Your wedding dress should help you look the best version of you, not make you look like you borrowed a dress.

9. Please yourself

Nobody else is the bride, it’s amazing to have honest opinions from those you love and trust, but nobody else can feel the way you do in your dress. Buy the feeling, not the dress.

10. Have fun!

And just like finding your future husband or wife, once you find “the one”, stop looking!