This is definitely one of the most exciting (and yes, sometimes overwhelming) parts of being a bride-to-be. C'mon, admit it: there's a little Cinderella in there somewhere - even if your idea of a ball gown is a slip dress with a slit up to there.  Whether you're hoping to track down that tulle- and-satin vision you've been dreaming about since you were five, or you just want to find something really nice but you need a little direction (okay, maybe a lot of direction), read the following tips before you head out to the bridal emporium.

Before the store

Envision yourself as a vision. What sort of image do you want to project on that day: classic, romantic, sophisticated or maybe a little bit funky? Are you planning a big, ultra-formal celebration or an intimate garden party? You'll need to figure it out before you start the dress hunt.

Look for the common theme. What's consistently featured in the dresses you've earmarked? A low back, a big bustle, off-the-shoulder neckline? Tell the bridal shop that that's what you are drawn to, and it will narrow down your choices. Or, if you like every dress a particular designer produces, call stores until you find those that carry that line.

Get a move on. Even if your wedding-day fashion statement currently ends with a question mark, you shouldn't wait too long to start dress shopping - most gowns must be custom ordered and take between six weeks and three months to be delivered. Plus, you have to leave about six weeks for two rounds of alterations. Make your appointments as soon as you can, and leave yourself plenty of time to try on dresses - you don't want to cram this task in during an hour break between meetings with caterers.

At the shop

Bring a friend. Arrive for your appointment with your best bud in tow, or your mother, or sister, or anyone whose opinion you really trust. But do not bring an entourage. A chorus of conflicting opinions is not going to be helpful here (not to mention a jammed dressing room).

Check out the store. A salon should have a relaxing environment, clean dress samples and friendly service. They should have a clearly printed payment policy that you can read before you pay the deposit. Finally, the store should be somewhat flexible in accommodating your schedule for fittings. If you don't see these things, go somewhere else.

Meet the consultant. The salon should be expecting you when you arrive (remember: make an appointment). But before you try on a single gown, let an in-store consultant take a few minutes to chat with you about what you like and dislike, and what your wedding will be like. Hopefully, she'll listen carefully - then she's more likely to show you only gowns that make your heart pound. A good consultant will show you dresses that fit your vision and your budget, without putting on any pressure.

Inspect the dress. Once you think you've found the perfect frock, take a good look before you hit the checkout counter. Be conscious of how the fabric feels, the quality of the fabric and the attention to detail. There should be generous seam allowances, a finished look inside and out, and good stitching. Then think about how comfortable you feel in the dress - both physically (do a little wiggle to make sure you're not popping out) and emotionally (make sure this dress reflects your personal style, not one somebody else has imagined for you).

Get down to business

Before you hear the swipe of the credit card or the ring of the cash register, find out the score on a few important business topics to be sure you get the services you expect.

1. Alterations. It's crucial to find out if they will do alterations there, or if you need to find your own tailor. If they do offer an alteration service, you'll want to find out approximately how much the changes you need will cost, how long they'll take and when they schedule fittings. Delivery dates. Be sure your dress will arrive well before the wedding, and see if the salon guarantees delivery.


2. Deposits. Is the deposit refundable? (In many cases, it's not.) Use a credit card so you have recourse if something goes awry.


3. History. You should know how long the store's been in business. It isn't a guarantee that they're an amazing salon or that they won't suddenly close up shop, but a long-standing enterprise is usually doing something right. (Take the time to act on one of the vendor tips: call the Better Business Bureau to see if the store has any complaints filed against them.)

Accessories

Wait! Don't leave the bridal store yet! You forgot something (or maybe a few things). A stunning dress will go a long way, but you'll need a few other items to get you through the wedding day. Here's a list of some of the other things you can probably pick up while you're shopping for your dress:

• shoes
• handbag
• stockings
• lingerie (bustier/bra & panties)
• slip/crinoline
• headpiece/veil
• handkerchief
• garter
• gloves
• wrap/cape
• necklace & earrings
• ring bearer's pillow
• flower girl's basket

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