As a bride-to-be, I felt it was only fair to share this advice about the most important part of the wedding: your gown. I have looked at bridal dress stores all over the place. I have looked at boutiques. I have searched retail chains. And, I have discovered that the key to finding the perfect dress is affordability. I know, I know-you want a dress no one else will ever have. Well, sister, in less you have thousands to spend, I would go with what AFFORDIBLY looks best on you. I found several pictures of dresses I loved. Then, I took them to the bridal stores. Each store could offer me something similar. I tried them on, looked at the prices, and picked the best bang for the buck. I didn't break the bank-and I am still gong to be beautiful on my wedding day.
I just got engaged and am planning a simple wedding. Even though my fiancé and I decided to have a low-key wedding, there is still so much to do. My best advice to newly engaged brides to be would be to start at a bridal shop. I did exactly that and found everything I need in one stop. This really reduced the amount of stress I was having. Bridal shops offer an array of services from bridal and bride's maid gowns, to tuxedo rentals to invitations. Some even offer alteration services. And don't sweat the small stuff. They even have veils, shoes, gloves and jewelry. Bridal shops are lifesavers for busy, stressed out brides to be.
I'm sure I was the worst bridezilla ever! I dragged my sister and best friend all over town trying on every dress on the rack. I didn't have a specific dress in mind, but I knew I would know it when I saw the one. The last shop we hit (on day one) was one of those big chain stores, you know the kind, with one in every big city. I had huge reservations, because I wanted a small wedding and I really wanted a vintage wedding dress, and I was so sure this place was only going to have "modern" dresses. To my ecstatic surprise, we walked in and there hung MY dress on the mannequin. The ladies at the store were so helpful; while I was putting my dress on, my sister and best friend found their brides maid dresses. Talk about a perfect day!

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