Finding you dream dress can be an overwhelming process. There are so many options from traditional to contemporary, color, and neckline. When it comes to bridal fashion, the choices are endless.

Here are a few points to consider before you begin your search.

1.  Set a budget - Dresses can range from $50 to $10,000 and up. So, before you go start out on your quest for the perfect dress, have a budget in mind. You don’t want to fall in love with a $5000 gown to find out you can only afford a $500 gown. The average cost of a gown is about $1000. But no matter what your budget, you

can find the wedding dress of your dreams.

2.  Look at Magazines and Websites - Bridal magazines and websites can provide you with a gallery of wedding photos to explore. Bring these photos to the bridal store. This will help your sales assistant find dresses that fit your style.

3.  Try on everything - This is the only time you will get a chance to try on some of the most beautiful dresses. Try on the Cinderella gown and the sexy sheath. You may surprise yourself on what you end up liking on your silhouette.

4.  The Ah-Ha Moment - Don't be surprised or disappointed if you don't experience the Ah-Ha moment. This is the moment that some brides expect the moment the put on the perfect dress. Sometimes

you just need to try on a bunch of dresses and eventually one will stand out more than the rest. Did you fall in love with your fiance at first site? Probably not. Same goes for your wedding dress.

5.  Don't Get Overwhelmed - Once you step into a bridal store or two, you will be confronted with racks and racks of wedding gowns. It is easy to feel the need to try on every gown in the store in one day. Keep a list of your top 3. If you try on a dress and love it, ask yourself if it replaces one of your other favorites in your top 3.

6.  Timing - The dress should be one of the first items you decide on. Especially if you plan on ordering the dress. Most bridal stores require you order your dress. Although there are stores that offer dresses you can take that day, most dresses you will try on are sample dresses. The average delivery time is 3-5 months. Don't forget to also leave about a month for alterations. Using this timeline, you will want to make sure you have your dress ordered at least 6 months before the wedding.

7.  The Latest Trends - We've all looked back on wedding photos from the past and wondered what that bride was thinking (specifically the 80's). While it may be fun to go with the latest trend in wedding dresses, you may want to choose a more timeless piece that you will look at in 20 years without regret.

8.  A Second Opinion - Be careful who you decide to bring with you while shopping for your wedding gown. You may not want to include your entire wedding party, mother, mother-in-law and your favorite aunt. The more people you bring, the more opinions you will receive. More than likely it can get confusing and everyone will have a different opinion on which dress you should choose. Try bringing 1-3 people who are closest to you. Just remember, your mother may have this vision of you in a puffy sequence gown, and you may be thinking sleek and sexy. Humor her by trying on a dress or two that she chooses, but don't be swayed on someone else's idea of the perfect dress.