Define your budget. This is one of the first things you have to do for your entire wedding overall. By defining your budget you will immediately be speaking the same language with the attendant who is helping you find a dress at the various shops you visit. Do not be embarrassed by the amount. Weddings come in all shapes and sizes, and whatever your budget there will be a dress for you. Be sure to factor in about $400 for alterations along the way and a similar amount if you wish to wear a veil.

 Your wedding dress should fit the venue and your vision for the day. It's best to have the place, season and overall feel determined before you decide on the dress.

 Familiarize yourself with styles. Magazines & websites are a great place to start as there is no "right or wrong" way to pick a style of wedding dress. But you will truly know what dress works the best for you when you start to try them on. At Boulder Bridal you don't have a time limit like most stores and you can try on as many dresses as you want until you find the perfect dress. Bring picutres of the dresses and details you admire. These visual cues are easier to interpret than descriptions.

 Focus on fit, not size. Bridalwear runs smaller than ready-to-wear, so forget the numbers! The silhouette most flattering on you might not be the one you think. Trust the experts to help you find the best one for you. Remember, every dress looks different on you than it does on the hanger. Your dress should look good and feel good —whether you're dancing, standing, or sitting.

 Sketch out your timeline. At Boulder Bridal fittings and alterations take several weeks and are done in our store by owner Nadine. However, most bridal shops outsource fittings and alterations and it could take longer. Be sure to discuss your timeling with one of our staff to set the correct time expecations. For the anxious bride who is getting something customized it is recommended that the dress be purchased a full six months ahead of time.

 Take time to find the right dress. When shopping for a wedding dress, keep an open mind but wait for the one you absolutley love. There are some basic factors which ultimately must be decided. They are the color, length, train, mood and overall size of your dress as well as knowing the venue where your getting married. Also whether or not you are going to wear a veil. While these are the specifics of selecting a dress, there is an intrinsic "gut feeling" that many people get when they try on "the one." Truthfully, let your heart be your guide and choose the one which makes you happiest within your budget.

 The last fitting. Make sure you try on the dress after the very last stitch is in—you don't want any surprises
on your wedding day.

 Your Bridesmaids. Remember that your attendants come in all shapes and sizes. A very popular trend is to let each bridesmaid select a style flattering to her in the shade you've choosen. Remember, if your bridesmaids look great, your pictures will too! Bridesmaid dresses come in every color of the rainbow. Whether you dress your bridal party in one color, multiple shades of the same hue, or several different colors entirely, choose colors you love.

 Consider the accessories. Shoes, gloves, jewelry and sometimes even an evening bag for the reception are all items which may enhance (or detract) from your dress. Find shoes that are both comfortable and complimentary. Gloves are a personal choice. The jewelry should enhance the dress and in no way be a focal point. Place all the jewelry you'd like to wear on with your dress. Then spin around to face a mirror. The first piece you notice should either be reduced in size or exchanged. Again this sort of thing is intuitive which is why the sudden turn in the mirror is so effective! Always consider the style of your wedding dress when selecting your veil or headpiece.

 Consult the experts. Consult experts on how to transport, or store your wedding dress before the big day, as well as how to clean and preserve it afterward.