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By Valencia Higuera

Choosing a wedding dress is just as difficult as squaring away other details for the wedding. All brides have a vision of how they would like to look on their wedding day. For one moment in time, they are a princess. No doubt they want a dress that will leave the guests and their groom in awe. The wedding dress is generally one of the first details that brides handle. The selection process sounds easier than it is. Many brides assume that they will enter a bridal shop, try on a few top picks, and walk out the store with the gown of their dreams. Brides quickly learn that choosing a wedding dress can take days, even weeks.

I was not the typical bride. While other girls were fantasizing about their future weddings and husbands, I was plotting my independence. The goal was to go to college, get a job, and take care of myself. My plan backfired and the rest is history. Still, even with the engagement ring glued to my finger I didn't think like a bride. I purchased my wedding gown in one day, and only tried on four gowns. It was an impromptu purchase. In other words, on the day of purchase I had not planned on visiting the bridal shop, let alone purchase a gown. I do not recommend that brides develop my nonchalant attitude. Weddings are special occasions, and there is nothing wrong with wanting every aspect of a wedding to be perfect, down to the wedding gown.

Prior to visiting bridal shops, brides should have in mind the type of dress they would like to wear. Those marrying for the first time may not be familiar with the latest wedding gown styles. The best way to become familiar with wedding gowns and accessories is to purchase two or three bridal magazines. These magazines are a bride's guide to planning the wedding of her dreams. They also showcase several bridal gowns. To make it easier, magazines will often list the designer and style number. This way, when the bride visits a bridal gown shop, the sales representative can locate the gown using the style number.

Some brides opt to wear gowns that have been passed down in their family. This is smart economically, if the bride wants to wear the gown. Many brides feel pressured to wear their mother, grandmother, or sister's wedding gown. However, it is normal for brides to want a dress of their own. Changing styles can make a once nice bridal gown appear old-fashion to today's standards. Brides who are expected to wear family gowns should discuss their wishes early. Initially members of the family may be upset, but they will get over it.

Once a dress style is selected, brides must decide whether they will purchase the dress from a store or have it made. Brides who are on a tight budget may choose to have the dress made by a seamstress. Seamstress charge less money than stores. Thus the bride is able to get a designer style gown at a wholesale price. A great advantage is having a mother or grandmother who sews. As a wedding gift they may make the dress free of charge. If using a seamstress, choose an experienced wedding gown seamstress. Ask to see pictures of gowns they have made, or speak with past customers.

Brides who are purchasing gowns from stores should not shop alone. An outsider's opinion is important when selecting the perfect wedding dress. Again, I am living proof of this. On the day that I purchased my gown, I took into the dressing room three gowns. In my mother's opinion, the dresses were nice, but did not give me a special look. She then selected a fourth dress that I did not particularly like because it had a little sleeve (my ideal dress was sleeveless). Amazingly that dressed looked wonderful and I bought it. Ask friends and family for their honest opinion, and listen. They are looking out for your best interests, and they want you to look your very best.

Brides should remember to bring shoes when selecting a dress. The shoes do not have to be the exact ones that will be worn on the wedding day. However, the heel of the shoe should reflect the inch that will be worn. Bringing a pair of shoes give an idea to how long your dress will be. Try and select a dress that needs limited alterations. Ordinary alterations are not very expensive. Nonetheless, alterations for a wedding dress can cost between $100 and $200. Granted, women who are very short or slim may need alterations. Instead of having the bridal shop make changes, ask a friend or family member who has experience making clothing alterations.

Do not wait until the last minute to buy a dress. Some bridal gowns can be purchased off the rack. However, many gowns have to be ordered. Gown orders vary. Some orders arrive in a few days, whereas other orders can take four months. Brides should also prepare to pay a few hundred dollars for a wedding gown. Wedding gown can be costly. Some brides have spent thousands of dollars on a gown. Personally, I do not see the point in spending a lot of money for a gown, unless you are wealthy. Many beautiful gowns are available that do not involve emptying out bank accounts. Be sensible. Do not purchase a dress that is not affordable. Depending on the store, brides may be allowed to pay for their dress in installments.

Brides may have to visit several bridal shops, and try on many dresses before they find one that agrees with their personal style and budget. Take your time. It is ideal to plan at least six months for a wedding. This allows enough time to handle all the wedding details effectively. A six month window also allows time for a bride to have her dress made in the event that she cannot find that perfect gown.