by The Wedding Women

So, you're ready to hit the stores in search of your dream dress. Before you grab your purse and go, we have some tips for you. With the cost of wedding gowns averaging about $800, you want to make sure you're armed with all the necessary information before you even consider handing over your credit card. Here are the top 10 things you need to know and do for a successful and satisfying gown-shopping experience:

1. Consider your wedding style: As with everything related to your wedding, we must start with the style. Are you having a formal night wedding? Daytime outdoor affair? Your dress should reflect -- or at least mesh with -- your wedding style. A simple cotton sheath isn't going to work at a Saturday night ball, and an elaborate ball gown is going to look out of place at your backyard bash. That said, you're the bride, which means you can stretch the rules just a bit when it comes to your ensemble.

2. Get a picture in mind: We always recommend brides have visuals on hand when they visit any wedding vendor, from florists to bakers to caterers, to help communicate their desires. This is especially important when it comes to gowns, because at many bridal salons, you can't actually look through the racks of dresses yourself (there are just too many). You must rely on a salesperson to pick out and present you with an appropriate selection, based on the information you give her. The more you tell -- and can show -- her, the better of you'll be. So be sure to arrive carrying a folder full of magazine clippings, sketches, and so on.

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