You have the rock on your finger, now it’s time to find the dress!

You’ve been dreaming of going shopping or your wedding dress since you can remember. You have a vision in your mind of the type of gown you want, and how you want to look on your wedding day. You envision that shopping or the most special dress you will ever wear will be perfect; however, when you start shopping, you find that it isn’t exactly what you thought it was going to be like.

No bride wants to be frustrated while she’s shopping for her wedding gown. To avoid being overwhelmed and annoyed, here’s a look at some of the things that no one has told you about wedding dress shopping.

Choose Your Entourage Wisely

You want to make sure that you look ravishing in your gown, so you want to take a few people with you to hear their opinions and advice. When deciding who you will ask to go shopping with you, make sure you choose wisely. Asking too many people can become overwhelming, and the same is true about asking people who are too opinionated.

Invite two or three people that you really trust and whose opinions you value; your mom, your sister and your cousin, perhaps.

Eat Before You Shop

Many brides are under the impression that if they avoid eating before they shop, they will avoid belly bulge and look better in the gowns they try on. Big mistake.

Ever notice how you are cranky and snap easily when you are hungry? Yeah, well, you don’t want that to happen while you’re shopping for your gown. Make sure you eat before you shop so you can avoid a major meltdown in the bridal salon.

Get Made Up

Do your hair and makeup. Shopping for a wedding dress isn’t something you do every day. Doing your hair and makeup will make the shopping experience even more special; not to mention the fact that you’ll get a better idea of what you will look like on your wedding day. Oh, and you’ll also look pretty for any pictures you may snap (if the salon allows that.)

Don’t be Bashful

There’s a pretty good chance that your companions and a complete stranger or two may get a flash of your butt or boobs.

Wedding dresses are very delicate and they can be complicated to put on. Your crew and the bridal salon attendants are going to want to help you put the gowns on – and you’ll want their help, too! If you are modest, make sure you say something before your session begins.

Speak Up

Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion. This is your dress, after all. Don’t let a pushy sales consultant or a companion sway you to try on – or purchase – a gown that you don’t really love. If you aren’t 100% sure, say something!

Don’t be Alarmed by the Sizes

Don’t fret when you see that the attendant is pulling dresses that are a size 10, when you wear a size 6. Wedding dresses are not the same size as your everyday attire. Don’t focus on the size of the gown; focus on how you look and feel.

Be Open

Even if you have an idea of exactly how you want to look, don’t be afraid of trying on styles that you haven’t ever envisioned. You may be surprised to find that the mermaid gown you thought you wanted doesn’t look half as good as an A-line or an empire waist gown!