Brides look forward to finding that perfect wedding dress with a mixture of anticipation, worry and excitement. It is probably the most expensive dress they will ever buy. The dress must fit perfectly, be within their budget, look beautiful as they walk up the aisle, have lovely details on the back of the dress, and be comfortable for the reception and partying afterwards. It's a tall order but fashion forward brides know they can count on a bridal salon consultant to help them find the perfect dress. Set the BudgetBefore starting the hunt for the perfect wedding gown, set a budget. In fact that's a good idea before any wedding planning goes on. A wedding budget doesn't have to be in concrete but it will keep the spending within predetermined limits. Prioritize what's most important to you. If you have your heart set on a four course evening meal you might be willing to cut down on another expense such as having a DJ for the music instead of a live band. If a fairy tale wedding dress tops the list, perhaps appetizers would work instead of a meal. Brides look forward to finding that perfect wedding dress with a mixture of anticipation, worry and excitement. It is probably the most expensive dress they will ever buy. The dress must fit perfectly, be within their budget, look beautiful as they walk up the aisle, have lovely details on the back of the dress, and be comfortable for the reception and partying afterwards. It's a tall order but fashion forward brides know they can count on a bridal salon consultant to help them find the perfect dress. Set the BudgetBefore starting the hunt for the perfect wedding gown, set a budget. In fact that's a good idea before any wedding planning goes on. A wedding budget doesn't have to be in concrete but it will keep the spending within predetermined limits. Prioritize what's most important to you. If you have your heart set on a four course evening meal you might be willing to cut down on another expense such as having a DJ for the music instead of a live band. If a fairy tale wedding dress tops the list, perhaps appetizers would work instead of a meal. Know What Dresses CostOnce you know your budget for your wedding dress, do a little research to find out what that budget will pay for. Ornate dresses with lots of embroidery, crystals, seed pearls, ruching and lace inherently cost more than dresses that aren't so embellished. Designer dresses cost more than off the rack, but offer additional benefits. The dress will be made to your measurements so it will fit perfectly. The bridal salon consultant can be counted on to tell you objectively if a style flatters you or doesn't look right. Ball gowns, dresses with full skirts, are usually more expensive than simpler styles such as an A line. That's because there is quite a bit more material used to make a ball gown than an A line. Cheaper dresses have the sequins, crystals, and such glued on rather than sewn on. Or if they are sewn on, not every crystal is sewn individually. Location and Time of DayThe location and time of day influence the style of dress. A beach wedding and reception calls for a more casual dress than a cathedral wedding and sit down dinner. Morning weddings are more informal which means a shorter dress can be worn. Most brides choose to marry on a Saturday with an afternoon or evening reception. A dress for a beach wedding might be a floor length slip dress in flowing silk with crystal beading embellishment at the neckline. The dress is complimented by sandals with crystals on the straps and a veil with crystals in the headband. Flowers might be a casual arrangement as if just plucked from the garden on the way to the wedding, exotics such as orchids, or a hand carried tied bouquet of a single type of flower such as roses,2012 Nike Chicago Bears #34 Walter Payton blue orange number Limited Jersey, calla lilies or gerbera daisies. Seasonal InfluencesSince wedding dresses must be ordered six months in advance keep the season of your wedding in mind when choosing a dress. A velvet creation is perfect for winter weddings but would look out of place in a summer wedding. Heavy brocades and satins are more appropriate for winter while chiffons, flowing silks and jerseys fit better with the spring and summer. Be Fashion Forward But Not Caught in a Time Warp Your wedding will last from four to five hours, that's the average length of the ceremony and reception. Your wedding photos will last a lifetime. Select a dress that's says now as far as what's fashionable but won't look ridiculously outdated ten years from now. Choose a classic style with up to the minute fashion detailing. Top TrendsSleek dresses are in. While the traditional ball gown will never go out of style as a wedding dress, the forecast is for brides to favor a sleek silhouette like an empire, A line, or sheath.Color accents in embroidery, ribbons, or sashes on white, cream or ivory rather than an all white look is popping up in designer showrooms and being selected by brides. Tiered skirts with layers of ruffles, lace or fabric take precedence. These layers are showing up in floaty fabrics like chiffon, tulle, and for those brides on the edge of fashion: feathers. Asymmetrical one shoulder and off the shoulder looks are updating the ever popular strapless bodice. Pockets remain popular and are practical as well. While most brides won't walk down the aisle like models on the runway with their hands jammed in the pockets, brides do appreciate the pockets which can hold a few necessities throughout the ceremony and reception. Shorter is shocking. Hemlines are on the rise. The new tea length gowns reach the ankles instead of the floor. Fifties return. Styles are being influenced by the 50's look with belted waists and Hollywood glamour. Know What Dresses CostOnce you know your budget for your wedding dress, do a little research to find out what that budget will pay for. Ornate dresses with lots of embroidery, crystals, seed pearls, ruching and lace inherently cost more than dresses that aren't so embellished. Designer dresses cost more than off the rack, but offer additional benefits. The dress will be made to your measurements so it will fit perfectly. The bridal salon consultant can be counted on to tell you objectively if a style flatters you or doesn't look right. Ball gowns, dresses with full skirts, are usually more expensive than simpler styles such as an A line. That's because there is quite a bit more material used to make a ball gown than an A line. Cheaper dresses have the sequins, crystals, and such glued on rather than sewn on. Or if they are sewn on, not every crystal is sewn individually. Location and Time of DayThe location and time of day influence the style of dress. A beach wedding and reception calls for a more casual dress than a cathedral wedding and sit down dinner. Morning weddings are more informal which means a shorter dress can be worn. Most brides choose to marry on a Saturday with an afternoon or evening reception. A dress for a beach wedding might be a floor length slip dress in flowing silk with crystal beading embellishment at the neckline. The dress is complimented by sandals with crystals on the straps and a veil with crystals in the headband. Flowers might be a casual arrangement as if just plucked from the garden on the way to the wedding, exotics such as orchids, or a hand carried tied bouquet of a single type of flower such as roses, calla lilies or gerbera daisies. Seasonal InfluencesSince wedding dresses must be ordered six months in advance keep the season of your wedding in mind when choosing a dress. A velvet creation is perfect for winter weddings but would look out of place in a summer wedding. Heavy brocades and satins are more appropriate for winter while chiffons, flowing silks and jerseys fit better with the spring and summer. Be Fashion Forward But Not Caught in a Time Warp Your wedding will last from four to five hours, that's the average length of the ceremony and reception. Your wedding photos will last a lifetime. Select a dress that's says now as far as what's fashionable but won't look ridiculously outdated ten years from now. Choose a classic style with up to the minute fashion detailing. Top TrendsSleek dresses are in. While the traditional ball gown will never go out of style as a wedding dress, the forecast is for brides to favor a sleek silhouette like an empire, A line, or sheath.Color accents in embroidery, ribbons, or sashes on white, cream or ivory rather than an all white look is popping up in designer showrooms and being selected by brides. Tiered skirts with layers of ruffles, lace or fabric take precedence. These layers are showing up in floaty fabrics like chiffon, tulle, and for those brides on the edge of fashion: feathers. Asymmetrical one shoulder and off the shoulder looks are updating the ever popular strapless bodice. Pockets remain popular and are practical as well. While most brides won't walk down the aisle like models on the runway with their hands jammed in the pockets, brides do appreciate the pockets which can hold a few necessities throughout the ceremony and reception. Shorter is shocking. Hemlines are on the rise. The new tea length gowns reach the ankles instead of the floor. Fifties return. Styles are being influenced by the 50's look with belted waists and Hollywood glamour.