After you and your fiancé have set a wedding date, shop for your wedding dress. Include everything from your headpiece to accessories.

When to Start Looking

Most stores recommend that you order your dress six months before your wedding. When you shop for your dress, never shop alone. Inform the bridal consultant of your plans: formality of wedding; style preferences; budget and wedding date.

Matching Figure to Style

The following suggestions will help identify the best style for you.

Short and thin: A high - rise waistline high neckline, perhaps sleeveless with long gloves, chapel-length train, floor-length veil, all super feminine, give a taller appearance.

Short with a few pounds to spare: Blouson bodice over fitted slip, a long, narrow sleeve. Avoid billowy looks. Select a natural, boat neck, or high neckline. Gathered or slightly dirndl waists with soft ribbon accents add length; avoid flounced skirts. Try a delicate floral wreath.

Tall and thin: Dropped waists look terrific. They take away that long, leggy look. Bare, off-the-shoulder styles are sexy and feminine. If you like, wear ruffles or billowy sleeves.

Heavyset: Choose simple lines avoid too much lace and beading. Look for vertical lines such as the princess cut, soft bodice, natural or high necklines. Avoid very puffed sleeves but try the dolman. Again, choose simple headpiece such as a floral wreath or chapel veil.

Tips on Trains

There are three basic wedding dress trains: the sweep length; the chapel length; and the cathedral length.

Ordering Your Dress

You will be measured and the dress you choose will be ordered nearest to your size. Be sure to bring the shoes you'll wear on your wedding day.

Some stores may include one fitting in the cost of the dress. Special alterations and extra lengths involve additional charges, as do headpieces and veils. Most shops require a deposit when you place your order. The order is placed immediately, which means, if you cancel, you will forfeit your deposit and pay for the entire cost of the dress.

Keep all receipts. The delivery date of the dress and headpiece should also be included.

If you allow enough time to shop for your dress, you'll find the dress that's uniquely you!