Most women have been dreaming of their wedding day since childhood, and one of the most important parts of that dream is a stunning dress. We all want to feel like princesses on our wedding day, but the reality of wedding gown shopping can make that dream feel like a chore. Here’s how to reduce the stress and find the perfect gown for your big day.

First, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to pick out a dress that’s flattering, as well as to have alterations done to make it fit perfectly. Remember to take someone else with you when you try gowns on. Once you’ve put on a lot of dresses, you’ll lose the ability to tell which ones look best.

It’s important to make sure that the person who accompanies you on your shopping trip will be honest about how you look. Choose someone who’ll help you find a flattering dress, and tell you if you’ve picked one that doesn’t look so good.

Collect pictures before you make an appointment, so you’ll have a good idea what type of gowns you prefer. It’s also a good idea to find out your figure shape and what flatters it before you go shopping. That will allow you to rule out types of wedding dresses that don’t look good on your shape.

It’s also a good idea to decide what you’re willing to spend in advance, and stick to your budget. Friendly, enthusiastic sales personnel shouldn’t be allowed to talk you into a costly wedding dress or bring you gowns that aren’t in your price range. Women looking for a budget gown should consider a simple dress, one bought second hand, or one ordered from an online store.

Remember to think about more than looks. After all, you’ll be wearing your wedding dress for most of the day, and it should be comfortable to wear. Don’t buy a gown that’s itchy, rides up, or pinches, because it’ll be hard to wear after an hour or more.

Talk to your seamstress early about alterations, too. She should know that your dress is coming, so that it’s not done in a rush. That will give you a better chance of a good fit that doesn’t cost a bundle.

Pick your dress according to the season and venue. While a long train works well for an indoor wedding, it’ll pick up leaves and other debris if you wear it outdoors. Consider the temperature and weather to choose a dress that’s the right length and weight. You’ll be more comfortable if you do.

Be realistic about sizing, too. Most of us expect to slim down and look great on our wedding day. However, our bodies won’t necessarily cooperate - if you’re planning to reduce before your wedding, pick a realistic size.

It’s a lot easier to have your gown taken in than it is to have it let out. Remember this, and be sure not to diet after you’ve had your alterations made. That’ll give you the perfect fit on your wedding day.

Most importantly, don’t allow your wedding gown to make you feel stressed or tired. If you’re not enjoying yourself, it’s time to take a break. A great wedding gown will make you feel beautiful, not worn out!

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