Whether you've dreamed of wearing a beautiful white wedding dress since you were five, or you've never even thought about it until your mother nags, "Why haven't you chosen a dress yet?", this article will guide you on how to choose a wedding dress.

Finding your dream dress can be stressful because none of us has tried them on! And trying on wedding dresses is incredibly time-consuming; you might need to book a month in advance and spend an afternoon at the bridal shop choosing. There are so many styles of wedding dresses: tulle, A-line, bell sleeves, mermaid, sheer tulle, romantic princess style, feather dresses, deep V-necks, satin... and so many more.

Therefore, the first fitting is absolutely crucial! Through that first fitting, you can find out what you like, what you don't like, and which style best suits your body type. Regardless of your budget, the following 9 things will definitely help you find your dream wedding dress.

1/9 Do some research to find a style you like.

Whether you search on Instagram, recommendation websites, bridal catalogs, or Pinterest, find out what style of dress you like best. By using hashtags to find related themes, you might discover that the clothes you like may have some commonalities.

2/9 Keep open

Wedding consultants say they often see brides-to-be come in with preconceived notions about their gowns, requesting to try them on, only to find they don't like them as much after trying them on. Instead, they often opt for completely different styles. Keep an open mind when buying or renting a wedding dress; you might just discover your dream gown unexpectedly!

3/9 Sizes are adjustable.

I know most brides will diet before this important day, but please don't buy or rent a dress that's too small to motivate yourself to lose weight. Even if you try on dresses at a bridal shop and find they're too small, don't panic. It just means the previous bride who rented the dress was smaller, not that you won't fit into it. Most bridal shops now have tailors who will make adjustments to fit your body, so there's really no need to worry.

Prepare early on 4/9

If you're buying your wedding dress, please plan ahead. Most custom-made dresses take four to eight months to complete, and even after delivery, alterations will still be necessary. If you're choosing to rent, it's advisable to book six months in advance, as beautiful dresses are often in high demand, and sometimes your wedding day is so special that your dress has already been booked by other brides.

5/9 But don't go too early.

If there's a long gap between your engagement and wedding, starting to rent or buy a dress too early might mean you don't like the style you ordered, or you might only find a dress you like closer to the wedding date.

6/9 Figure out your budget

Yes, talking about money can be uncomfortable. But knowing your budget can save you trouble later. You need to know who is paying for the dress (your family, your husband, or you?).

If someone else is paying, be sure to ask their budget and choose within that limit. If the dress you like is more expensive, you can also pay for the difference yourself.

7/9 Learn about the wedding theme in advance

Before you start choosing your wedding attire, decide whether you want a casual wedding with an outdoor party theme or a formal, romantic wedding. When choosing your attire, make sure it matches the venue and theme, because the last thing you want is for your attire to clash with the overall wedding style.

Found your favorite dress shop on 8/9

Do your research before you start choosing a dress. You don't want to waste time at a dress shop you don't like or one with terrible customer service, right? Remember to ask married friends for recommendations, ask your wedding consultant, or even look for answers on Google reviews.

9/9 Advance booking required

Please make an appointment in advance before going to a formal dress shop for a fitting, as each shop provides one-on-one service, unlike regular retail stores, where you can just walk in and browse or try on clothes on your own. If you see a style you like online, be sure to also ask them if you can try it on that day.