How do you know it’s the one

When torn between multiple options, ask yourself which dress is easiest to sit in, dance in, and walk in? Compare the pricing: are they all within budget? Try your favorites on one right after another. Is there one that you just really don't want to take off once you're wearing it? Are they similar styles? If so, can you combine the dresses into one through custom modifications (and that way, you would get the best parts of both dresses)? Such as, if you love the back of one, but prefer the neckline of the other, check with the dress shop to see if the designer accepts custom modifications. If they're completely different styles, does your budget allow for buying both dresses (and you could wear one for the ceremony and the other for the reception)? What dress do you envision yourself walking down the aisle in? When you picture your wedding photos, what dress matches your vision? Asking yourself all of these questions will help you decide. Happy dress shopping!

Make sure that you try on all your favorites fully “styled”. That means with a veil and any other accessories you might wear. Sometimes a dress totally changes with a belt, or you can suddenly see the whole vision with a sparkly headpiece. These aren’t necessarily the specific ones you’ll end up with, but it lets you see the whole vision. That’s how I decided between my top two. Once I had all the accessories on Dress 2, boom! It was The One, no doubt.

Get familiar with some pragmatic stuff. Lace or appliques at the bottom of the dress can be difficult for adjusting hem length. Think whether you are okay with doing a bustle -- or even a long train without a bustle. Some materials are hard to bustle. Do you want a leg slit? It can be hard to add one later? It is also great if you fall in love with a certain dress, but not everyone does that. The other thing to remember is to be happy with the dress you get.

Pick the one you feel most beautiful and comfortable in! Think about the practicality of the dress too. Will you be able to comfortably walk, dance, and sit in this dress? Plus I'm a big visual person so, as recommended earlier, try getting a picture of each dress WITH the veil and any other accessories you may be using. I went into my dress fitting with my hair and makeup done too, just to see what it would look like.

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The boutiques often don't want you having makeup on, in case it gets on the dresses.

Great you get to wear yours really soon. How exciting. Hope the best for you.

When booking appointments over the phone, ask the bridal salon what is the price range of their dresses so you'll have enough options to try on. At the appointment, confirm your budget with the attendant and stay within range. Don't forget to factor in typical $500-$1k more for alterations. Go in being cost aware and just relax. But, be aware you will need to put a deposit down to order your dress, and pay in full when it arrives, which may include in-house tailoring.

As for dress design, have someone take a picture of the bustle so you can really decide on the 2nd look of the dress. Some lace designs and mermaids look very different in a bustle. If you don't want a bustle, you can alter to floor-length. Not every bridal gown needs a drama train, yet so common in current styles today.