A Wonderful Wedding Dress

Before investing in a wedding gown, make sure to give the process the time it deserves. Try on lots of dresses over the course of several days. Don't pick the first one you love, but come back to it and see it again when you've had a chance to sleep on it. And make sure the dress you remember is really the dress you remember by taking a quick snapshot — but ask the salon if it's okay, first. Some other tips for the perfect wedding dress and attire for attendants:

• These days there are great bridal salons everywhere, so for convenience find one that's close to home or work.
  
• Those fittings take time. Allow about eight months to get the gown made.
  
• Many stores have sample sales to sell leftover samples at greatly reduced prices — usually for cash only.
  
• Don't forget the Internet. You can find a vintage wedding gown online that will not only cut your costs, but will make a unique and memorable fashion statement. Ebay is a good place to start.
  
• Only buy the veil after you've tried it on while wearing the full ensemble.
  
• Only pick the veil after you've seen it in the same kind of light that your ceremony will take place in — outdoor, indoor, dim or bright.
  Consider choosing separates for bridesmaids — a top and a separate skirt may be a more practical part of a post-wedding wardrobe.
  
• Another one of the latest trends for bridesmaids: you choose a color or fabric and let them do the rest. That way whether they're overweight, thin, tall or short, the gals standing up for you can select a style that will help them look their best.
  
• If you have kids in the wedding, don't have them fitted until 30 days before the wedding. Fast-growing children have a sneaky way of outpacing their duds.

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