1. Gown shopping should be a priority on your ‘to do’ list. It takes months to make your dress, so give yourself plenty of time.

2. In our "do it yourself" world, you may be surprised by the high level of attention and care you will receive when shopping at a full-service bridal salon. Enjoy it! This is an important purchase and it should feel like it.

3. Wedding gowns tend to run small in size. You will probably need a gown that is a size or two larger than you are accustomed to buying. Do not panic!

4. When starting to shop, print out pictures of gowns that you like. This will help you explain to your bridal specialist what your perfect dress looks like.

5. It’s nice to have a second opinion. Bring one or two trusted friends or family members to shop with you for added support. Also remember, more is NOT merrier. Bringing too many people with you can get confusing. Everyone has an opinion!

6. Bring along a digital camera and have a friend take notes while you shop, to help you remember each gown.

7. Ask as many questions as you want, no matter what! You won't be the first person to ask and you definitely won't be the last. Depend on your experts!

8. If you're shopping for a strapless gown, make sure you bring a strapless bra to use while trying on. It will help give you a better idea of what the gown would look like.

9. Don’t be swayed by trends. Choose a gown that’s true to your style and your body.

10. Always try on your dream dress, but also try on styles you normally would not. You never know what will strike you and fully
enhance the beauty that you are.

Under Your Dress

14. Always start with good foundation garments - the right bra can make all the difference in your pictures and how you feel    through out the day.

15. Foundation garments should be chosen in a shade closest to your skin tone.

16. If you decide to wear stockings, buy a few pairs because your wedding day is not the day to sport a run.

17. Thicker tights can stand up to the demands of your big day and are less likely to tear.

18. Bare legs are also perfectly fine for your wedding day!

19. Wearing a petticoat? To keep it full, turn it upside down, spray starch on it, and let it dry before slipping it on.

20. Your wedding may be the one time in your life you get to wear a veil. Consider classic styles in shoulder or cathedral length. If you’re leaning toward something more modern, bejeweled hair clips and combs are a perfect complement.

21. Doubling in uniqueness and sentimental value, an antique veil passed down from someone close to you is a special choice. Don’t dye an antique veil; it doesn’t have to perfectly match your gown.

22. Wearing gloves can add to the elegance of your look. But how will your wedding ring go on your finger without fumbling to take off your glove during the ceremony? Unstitch the ring finger on your left glove so that it may easily be slipped off when it comes time for the exchange of the wedding bands.

Taking Care of Your Peeps

23. First and foremost - Being a bridesmaid is hard work, make sure you thank your maids for everything they have done!

24. Remember to consider your bridesmaids' budgets. These are the most important women in your life - make sure they stay that way.

25. When choosing your bridesmaid style, keep in mind all the different body types you have in your party.

26. Just like your gown, have your bridesmaids professionally measured so the bridal salon can help you choose the best size. Sometimes dresses run smaller than you think.

27. Have a hard to fit bridesmaid? Separates may be the way to go. This will give you the most customized look and make your maids more comfortable.

28. Keep your bridesmaid dresses simple and complementary; it will help your dress be the center of attention!

29. Consider the weather! Shawls make excellent accessories for brisk weather weddings.

30. Color is still the best way to express style. Stick to one, two or three hues and carry them throughout your whole wedding story.

31. When choosing your bridesmaid color, consider the location of your ceremony and reception. The lovely lilac you had your heart set on may not go well with the deep red carpet in the church.

32. Don't be scared of trying something unique. Some brides choose to highlight their Maid of Honor in a special complementary color while other brides will do a color run of the same gown. Whatever you do, make sure the colors you have chosen work
together.

33. A perfectly matching shoe completes the look of a colorful bridesmaid. If this isn’t possible or preferred, go one shade darker than the color of the dress or go with a nude, silver, or gold sandal.

34. Jewelry makes a great gift for your bridesmaids. Not only can they wear it on your big day, they have something special to remember it for a lifetime.

35. With the exception of your Maid of Honor, line your bridesmaids up from shortest to tallest.

 44. If you decide to wear a veil, the bathroom is the best place to get out the wrinkles: Hang the veil on a hanger outside the shower rod, run the shower for 15-20 minutes to create steam. The steam will easily loosen up the wrinkles.

45. Lightly mist your veil with hairspray to keep it in place and off your face.

46. If your gown has a train, consider an alteration to create a bustle. This will give your gown a unique style and keep it from dragging on the floor during the reception.

47. Remember to talk to your florist about your bouquet. Some flowers have pollen that could stain your gown.

48. A little bad weather on the big day? No problem. Have your bridal party stand in two lines with large umbrellas and dash down the sidewalk fully protected.

49. Dry cleaning your gown after the ceremony may remove stains and spots but using a gown preservation company will remove spots, treat against discoloration and protect from fabric deterioration so that your gown can be passed on or perfectly saved as your most important piece of nostalgia.
Perfection, From Head to Toe.

50. Your hands will be a big part of the day. Whether it is the champagne toast or posing for ring pictures, splurge on the professional manicure. You won't regret it!

51. Go with the classic French or American Manicure. Color trends for manicures change quickly and will make your photos look dated.

52. Set up a consultation with your hair stylist a few weeks before your wedding. Most stylists will meet with you for free.

53. Bring your headpiece, veil or anything you plan to wear in your hair. This will be critical information that the stylist will need.

54. Bring some pictures of updos that you like to your hair consultation. Also, bring along a picture of your gown and bridesmaids’ dresses. This could give her a little more inspiration!

55. Do not wash your hair before you go to the stylist unless she asks you to. You will need the natural oils in your hair to help get the best updo.

56. If you're going to take off your veil at the reception, remember to tell your hair stylist. She can design a style that will accommodate both looks.

57. On the big day, wear a button-down shirt that you can easily remove after your appointment. This will make sure your hair is not disturbed.

58. A little pale for the season? Go with a nice self tanner-- ask your friends for what they recommend.

59. If you go for self tanning, make sure you use plastic gloves! No need for orange fingers on your big day!

60. Any type of tanning will make your skin color deeper. Remember to get new foundation to match your tan.

61. You want your makeup to look perfect on your big day - but you also want to look like yourself! Keep makeup simple.