Before you head out to try dresses on, check online to see where you might go. Check out that particular boutique's website to see what styles and designers they carry. Keep in mind that they do not have the ability to carry the entire designer's line, but that's ok. If they don't have a specific dress you are looking for, they probably have something extremely similar.
Keep an open mind. I can't tell you how many people come in just "knowing" they will buy a mermaid style dress, and leave having bought a ball gown. You may come in with a certain vision, but if your body looks amazing in a ball gown, and just "OK" in a mermaid, rethink your vision. Always remember, the end goal is for you to look stunning in whatever dress you pick. Even if it's not what you had originally envisioned.
Your dress viewing party can either make or break you. Some people are able to come in with 10 people and still make the decision based on what they love about a certain dress. Others just can't decipher their own opinion over the voices of those they have around them. In my experience it has been best to have a smaller group on the day your big decision is made. You want to be able to hear your own thoughts and feelings about a dress over the opinions of your friends and family. Granted, certain peoples opinions matter to you, and that's ok. The opinion of my mother was important to me. However, at the end of the day, it is you who is wearing the dress, and you have to be happy with your decision.
Ask your consultant for a business card. If you are serious about a dress you saw in their boutique, try to remember their name. Your bridal consultant is like the extra bridesmaid you never knew you needed. They have invested time in getting to know you and your style. Your likes and your dislikes. Even if you come in a second time to try totally different styles, ask to meet with your original consultant.
As a consultant at Celebrations Bridal and Fashions, I want to say it was difficult to make a decision on what dress I chose, but it really wasn't. I knew I loved my dress from the moment we received our floor piece. That's not to say we don't have other amazing dresses, because we do. I probably tried on at least 10 others, and they were all beautiful, but for me, it was love at first sight.
You know what you look good in. Go with your gut feeling. Regardless, on the day of your wedding, you're going to look stunning. In the end, your day is not about a dress, it's about you, and the love you share with that special someone.
