Many years of experience in the bridal fashion industry has helped me to develop this list of important tips for the bride-to-be to keep in mind when choosing a wedding gown. I hope these tips help to make the journey down the aisle more enjoyable for you! — Hellen

Don't wait until the last minute. Allow yourself plenty of time to select the perfect gown. Upon selecting your gown, it is custom ordered for most bridal shops, and this process takes more than 20 weeks to complete. Plus you will need ample time for fittings and alterations after the gown arrives, generally another 4 to 6 weeks.

Limit indecisiveness. Choosing the right gown out of hundreds is not easy, but trying on an excessive amount of gowns can lead to confusion.

Know the theme or type of your wedding. Decide what kind of wedding you want before choosing your wedding gown, certain styles of veils and trains are more acceptable for very formal, semi formal or informal weddings.

Curb the desire to bargain hunt. No one wants to overpay, but if you want good quality, don't hesitate to pay a fair price for the right value. A wedding is far more than a sale or discount.

Calculate weather conditions for the wedding date. Research the climate in the area where you will be married. Wearing a high necked, long sleeved heavy satin gown may not be the most comfortable thing to wear on a day that's going to reach temperatures of 100+ degrees.

Realistically approach size and plans for weight loss. Many brides will try to lose weight before the big day, however, if you plan to lose weight keep your goals realistic and order your present size. It is much easier to take in a dress that is too big than to let out a dress that is to small.

Be prepared to order extra length and/or extra size. Keep in mind that if you are taller than 5'8", you may need to order extra length. If your frame is larger than a size 16, it may be necessary to order one size larger.

Don't ignore the importance of professional fittings. Buying your wedding gown is one thing but fitting is another. Although your wedding gown has been custom ordered, most manufacturing companies do not meet the specific demands of each individual.

Avoid over exposure. Showing off your wedding gown to too many of your friends or relatives before the wedding won't leave much of an impact or impression for the ceremony.

Don't forget what you've ordered. Keep your purchase invoice with a sample swatch and style information, along with all the necessary documentation. And also make sure to read fine print on your invoice when you are about to sign.

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