From tulle to sequins and lace to satin, I have seen it all when it comes to wedding dress shopping. I have witnessed the tears, the frustration, the joy, and the overall significance a wedding dress carries for a bride's special day. With that experience I have also walked away with the 'do's' and 'don'ts' of finding the perfect dress.

These will prepare you to find your dream dress and keep distractions away while you decide. 


DO:  Bring your mom, grandmother, or closest friend with you dress shopping.

DON'T:  Bring your entire bridal party and all the other friends that want to join. A cluster of opinions will leave you lost and empty handed.


DO:  Be prepared. Bring a few specific images or tear outs and have a clear idea of what you are looking for.

DON'T:  Bring an entire binder with 50+ styles. This takes up too much time and becomes too confusing.


DO:  Call ahead and make an appointment.

DON'T:  Walk-in without calling ahead. Most bridal salons schedule their staff according to appointments.  


DO:  Be open minded to suggestions from your bridal stylist. They know their selection and what may look best on you.

DON'T:  Stay away from a certain style or designer.  You never know when an unexpected gown could be the right silhouette for you.


DO:  Inform the stylist of your budget and check the price of each dress BEFORE trying on.

DON'T:  Try on a dress over your budget. The chances are you will end up loving it and going far over budget.


DO:  Allow 1 1/2-2 hours for each appointment.

DON'T:  Rush to try on as many dresses as possible.


DO:  Order your gown six months prior to your wedding date.

DON'T: Wait till the last minute. Gowns take time to order (varies from designer) and you may not have enough time to get your favorite dress in time for your wedding.


DO: Enjoy every moment as you try on different styles.

DON'T:  Criticize yourself if a gown isn't flattering. The right dress is sure to be found, only when you are in the right mindset.


DO:  LOVE, love, love the dress you choose.

DON'T:  Keep shopping once you have already found the dress. Just as we don't start shopping fiances once we have found 'the one'.

Desiree Hartsock  is the voice behind www.DesireeHartsock.com, the ultimate wedding planning, inspirational, and lifestyle blog for every aspect of a woman’s life. Her passion for design, weddings and to help others is shown in everything she creates including the dresses she designed for her ‘Desiree Hartsock for Maggie Sottero’ collection and the bridal jewelry for her ‘Desiree for KV Bijou’  Permission granted for use on DrLaura.com.