Perhaps brides should have to take some vows before they go wedding dress shopping? It should be one of the most enjoyable parts of wedding planning, but sometimes the experience is exhausting, both emotionally and physically. Brides repeat after me:

1. I shall set a budget before dress shopping and stick to it. If necessary I shall call ahead to the dress shop to ensure they have dresses in my price range (and size).

2. I shall tell my sales consultant how much my budget it is as soon as the appointment begins.

3. I shall not try on dresses over my budget!

4. I shall promise that if I find myself in a dress that is over budget (for example if my bridesmaids force me into one) I shall not purchase it until I go home, look at my budget and determine where that extra money is going to come from.

5. I shall remember that the store will require a 50% non-refundable deposit in order for me to purchase my dress

6. I shall remember that the phrase “Is this THE dress?” is a very clever marketing ploy designed to make the dress a very emotional purchase

7. I shall remember that there are thousands, if not millions of wedding dresses out there and there really is a dress in my price range out there for me.

8. I shall also remind myself that on top of the dress cost there will most likely be charges for alterations, cleaning between bridal portraits and the wedding, shoes, accessories, the veil and of course undergarments. I may also want to have my gown preserved after the wedding.

9. I shall not look at more wedding dresses after I buy my gown, even if this means cutting myself off from WEtv and bridal magazines.

10. I shall remind myself that if I purchase a second dress with the intent of selling the first dress that it is likely that I will receive less than 50% of the original purchase price in return.

Some women do not look forward to wedding dress shopping. Whether they consider themselves to be tomboys or are very critical of their bodies here are some tips to make this a more enjoyable experience.

1. Only take with you positive and loving people who will help you with your dress decision, but not EVERY single person you know. Too many opinions may cloud your judgment.

2. Bring your own shoes. I have larger feet and I found that many shops gave me shoes that were too small which made it really awkward. This is also important for very tall brides to ensure the hem is the right length.

3. Don’t shop on an empty stomach. While I wouldn’t advise a heavy meal that makes you feel bloated and wishing you were napping instead of shopping, hunger will make you grumpy.

4. Do some research ahead of time so you have some ideas of what types of dresses you like.

5. Be open to the sales consultant’s recommendations. They are experts at what they do.

6. If you are very critical of your body – too tall, too short, too big, or whatever it may be please be easy on yourself. Your fiancé didn’t say “Will you lose 20 pounds and marry me?”

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