Complete Wedding Dress Resource. Modern, Historical, Plus Size and Vintage Wedding Dresses

It will be helpful when you enter the maze of wedding dresses out there to know what your budget is, any details that are essential (i.e.I must have a full skirt, or my arms must be covered), and an idea of how traditional you want your dress to be.

After all, if really a teal pantsuit would work best for you, it's probably not worth your time to sort through racks of flouncy white gowns.

When to Start Shopping

Give yourself ample time to plan- generally the rule of thumb is that you need to order your gown at least six months before your wedding. So you should ideally start shopping for your gown nine months or more before your wedding. (If you don't have this much time, its okay, just budget for some rush charges)

Be Comfortable!

On your wedding day, you'll want to look great, but you'll also want to be comfortable- it will be hard to pose for all those pictures, dance, laugh and more if you're tugging your dress up or have boning jutting into your ribs.

First- consider which wedding dress is most appropriate to your day - for example- consider a shorter tea-length or cocktail length dress for a beach wedding.

If you're the kinda gal who likes to dance with her hands in the air, and anticipates doing the limbo, perhaps a strapless dress is not the one for you. Look for wedding dresses with removable sleeves or straps to give you the widest range of options.

A Dress that Fits Your Body Well

Think about your body type and what kinds of dresses generally look good on you. Take a look at what you regularly wear that makes you feel confident and beautiful, and then look for a wedding dress with similar lines.

If a friend is making your wedding dress, ensure that you have agreed on a fitting schedule and chances to make adjustments.

If you're looking for a bargain at a sample sale, or discount outlet, you should budget money for taking the dress to a good tailor. Many designers will ask for three fittings, and will closely tailor your wedding dress to fit you.

Saving Money on Your Wedding Dress

If money is an issue, remember that the most expensive kind of dress is not necessarily the best kind.

Many brides find a bridesmaids dress in white or off-white that works perfectly, and is hundreds of dollars cheaper.

There are thousands of dresses to be had at sample sales, thrift stores, and ebay. Consider taking pictures from magazines to a friend who sews or seamstress and getting a price quote.

If you choose to make your own dress, don't delay. The sooner you finish it, the sooner you'll be able to attend to the many other details of your wedding.

Most of all, remember- this is your wedding day.

Wear whatever makes you comfortable and feels like you. And have fun shopping for your dress. It should be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Know your shape

You'll want to find a dress that is best for your figure. An a-line shape is flattering to most curvier figures, as it can skim over hips. Avoid full ballgown skirts as they can add to an overall roundness. A v-neckline on a busty woman can add a beautiful contrasting line. I would also avoid tea-length gowns, as they tend to make women look squatter.

Know where to shop

You might start out at one of the larger retail chains, like David's Bridal, as they are more likely to have dresses you can try on, rather than trying to imagine how the size eight sample will look on your body. You can also look at department stores, and at designers who specialize in plus-size wedding dresses such as Emme Bridal, Alfred Angelo, Bonny, Mon Cheri, or Allure Bridals. Look at websites such as www.plussizebridal.com for more ideas.

Be comfortable

The most beautiful dress won't look so beautiful if you are stressed, or tugging on it. Make sure you can move, talk, and dance in your dress with ease. Consider getting the next size up just to make sure the dress fits you well.

Get it tailored

No matter what size you are, look your best on your wedding day by getting your wedding dress altered to fit you personally. Subtle differences in how a garment fits you can make worlds of difference in other's perception of you, and in your own confidence.

Don't be afraid to break the rules

In the end, it's your wedding dress. You need to love it, regardless of what the rules are. Furthermore, much advice on plus-size wedding dresses focuses on disguising your figure, but a curvaceous body is something to celebrate, not hide. When a wedding dress sings you to you, then that's the one to buy, regardless of the rules.