Shopping for your wedding dress should be one of the most memorable days—not one of the most stressful. Here are a few guidelines to remember when finding your wedding-day look in Dallas, brought to you by the experts. 

Order 7-9 Months Before Your Wedding

Order your gown with time to allow for shipping (without paying a rush fee) and alterations. “At six months, we might have to rush the gown. At four months or less, you would need to rush order or purchase a sample gown—a gown that is in stock by the designer.”—Lindsay Nordyke of Patsy’s, A Bridal Boutique

Silhouette Slang You Should Know

Trumpet Skirt: The form is fitted, but the skirt flares at mid-thigh.

Mermaid Skirt: It’s similar to trumpet, but the skirt flare starts at the knee.

A-Line: This gown is fitted to the waist and flows from there to the floor.

Ball gown: This skirt is the fullest of all the gowns and can be tiered, gathered, or embellished.

Sheath: With no waist seam, this dress is the most slim-fitting and straight cut.

On a Budget? Consider a Sample Sale

Oftentimes, boutiques will offer sample sales once or twice a year to make room for new gowns. But what is a sample sale? “A sample gown is one that has been displayed in our salon and tried on by other brides,” says Christina Plumlee, buyer and store manager at The Bridal Salon at Stanley Korshak. Gowns are sold as is, but it allows a bride to purchase a designer gown—one that may be out of her budget—for a more affordable price. Remember, the cost usually does not include alterations or custom changes. “They are final sale, so be sure you are in love with your gown,” advises Plumlee.

The Definitive Appointment Packing List

• Pictures of the gowns you like, whether it’s from Pinterest or D Weddings.
• Photos of the venue, flowers, and color schemes.
• Strapless bra.
• Nude and seamless undergarments.
• A pair of heels.
• The veil or headpiece, if you have already picked one out.
• Lip gloss and a brush: “We encourage coming similar to how you want to look on your wedding day,” says Amy Berend, owner of Bridal Boutique.
• Your most trusted confidants—no more than four people.

One Last Pro Tip

Try to schedule your gown appointments during the week. “You will be able to take your time and have a quieter appointment,” says Lindsay Nordyke owner of Patsy’s, A Bridal Boutique.