1. Set a budget for your dress and don't budge on it

1. Set a budget for your dress and don't budge on it. Always have a price range in your mind before you start looking for your dress. This helps the process of elimination significantly, and you will feel less inundated with too many options to select from. (As somebody who bought her brandnew dress for $325, I can assure you that locating a beautiful dress on any finances are absolutely feasible!)

Keep in mind that you will probably be unable to wear the gown of your liking straight from the rack, so be sure to factor in bridal alterations, undergarments, and accessories such as your veil and bridal sash. All of these items can add up quickly!

2. Figure out the very best dress for the shape and wedding style. We all want to feel like a princess on their own big day, but that doesn't mean everyone should wear a full ball gown made with lots of tulle especially if you're smaller in dimensions and stature. Even though many brides favor strapless dresses, this style may not be probably the most comfortable one for you if you have a full bust and need more support during the day (The Knot).

To narrow down your alternatives, take into account the theme of the wedding as well will it's a backyard, intimate garden party, or a lavish and glamorous blacktie affair? Visualizing yourself in your wedding gown at the wedding venue can help make the decision process a little easier.

3. White might not be your very best color. Wedding gowns have traditionally been white to symbolize purity and innocence, but wearing white in your wedding day wasn't always the norm. Some credit Queen Victoria to have started this practice by donning a white dress on her own nuptials (From Times Past).

While sugarplum fairy pink may be a unique choice (like Jessica Biel recently did for her wedding), wearing a bright snow white gown actually may not be the very best color for your complexion. Put on a number of shades, for example ivory or ecru, which can complement warmer skin tones far better (OneWed). The last thing you would like on your wedding day is to look washed out or ill.

4. Keep your options open. Visit a variety of bridal salons and stores to get a reallife feel for different dresses and compare prices. Brocade and lace might look romantic and gorgeous in photos, but may feel scratchy or heavy personally especially all night and long periods of time in your big day!

Some smaller bridal boutiques may even list slightly higher prices for several gowns and designs, so ask your mother or bridesmaids to accompany you and also take notes you might be able to find the same dress online or a similar style at another store at a lower price. NEVER feel pressured to buy whatever you aren't 100% comfortable in and happy with.

Last but not least, it is important to bear in mind when you shop for the dress would be to keep a balanced view: a gown might look soso on the hanger, but might fully and completely transform you against "whoa" to "WOW!" when it's on your body!