Your Ultimate Wedding Dress Checklist

Bryan Gardner

A step-by-step guide to shopping for your dream bridal gown.

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Bryan Gardner

Shopping for a wedding gown is like nothing else you've ever done before. There's the personal attention you'll get from a salon consultant, the crowd-sourced opinions from your crew, the magnificence of every gown's fabric, shape, and style—it'll take your breath away! As the great shopping expedition gets underway, you'll need some help navigating all the hoopla. To get you on your way (and to ensure the process is easy-peasy), we've compiled a list of must-dos. So go ahead and start checking off the list—you'll have your dream dress in no time, we promise.

Decide if you want to buy off-the-rack or have your gown custom-made

This usually depends on your budget and time frame. High-end made-to-order designer gowns cost in the low to high thousands, while many stunning off-the-rack dresses are less than $1,000, and when there's a sale, you could snag one for $100!

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Make an appointment at a bridal salon

Erin Phraner

Do this nine months to a year ahead of your wedding if you're going the custom route; for off-the-rack, make an appointment several months before.

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Limit your posse

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People You Shouldn't Take Wedding-Dress Shopping

While you don't want to disappoint anyone, it's best to bring only one or two friends who will give you honest but kind feedback; a larger group means more opinions, which could get confusing and overwhelming. And, of course, bring Mom!

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Show visuals

Erin Phraner

Bring printouts of dresses you've seen on designers' websites, on Instagram, and in bridal magazines that will clue in the consultant.

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Be willing to try on different styles, shades, and sizes

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More than one bride has rolled her eyes when the salon suggests she try on a dress that wasn't really her style or shade of white, only to be thrilled that that dress was the one! By the way, the sample size for wedding dresses is a 10, but that's the equivalent of a ready-to-wear six or eight.

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Order your dress way ahead of time

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It may seem crazy that a designer needs your custom order six to 10 months before your wedding day, but it takes time to make, ship, and fit the dress. You could do a rush order, but that can be pricey. Your dress should arrive at the salon about four to 10 weeks before the wedding. For an off-the-rack dress, however, you can take it with you, unless you're getting it altered by the salon.

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Buy the right undergarments

Shapewear That's Worth Showing Off

Whether it's shapewear that holds you in or a bra that holds you up, you'll need special pieces to wear with your dress since everyday lingerie won't work. Ask your stylist what to get.

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Schedule a fitting

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How to Get the Most Out of Your Wedding Dress Fitting

Most salons will schedule your first fitting for a custom dress about four to six weeks before the wedding; the first off-the-rack fitting is about four weeks before. Bring your wedding undergarments and shoes, and expect to have two or three fittings total.

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Ask for a swatch

Katie Stoops Photography

If you're trying to match your headpiece or flowers to your gown, it's a good idea to have the salon take a swatch from your actual dress. Don't worry—they won't cut it out from an obvious place!

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Order a veil or headpiece

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Unless it's a special order, you can usually order it at your first fitting.

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Store it safely

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After your last fitting, you'll take the dress home from the store. Ask your salon for storage tips, but in general, you'll want to keep it in the original packaging or garment bag in a low-trafficked area (no people or pets) until you're ready to wear it on the big day!

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Your Ultimate Wedding Dress Checklist

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Decide if you want to buy off-the-rack or have your gown custom-made

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