Yes, it may seem relatively simple to purchase the gown you have always dreamed of wearing on the day that you have envisioned for what now seems a millennium. However, realize early on that Cinderella may have found her dress on sale, or that Sleeping Beauty may have purchased a discontinued item. Belle's dress probably looked a much brighter white as she stood next to the Beast.

The first thing you should do is GET REAL! The perfect dress will not just float into your arms as the three fairies flick their magic wands. (That is, unless you have some REAL good connections, a GREAT bridal consultant, or a LOT of pixie dust stored away!) Expect to spend a lot of time searching for your gown, and you will not be disappointed!

Buy several bridal magazines so that you can see photographs of many different styles of dresses. Better yet, grab every piece of literature you can find. Begin to tear out dresses and styles that you like, even if you just like the sleeves on this gown, or the neckline on that one. Place them all in a folder or a binder so that you can flip through them and keep them organized. Study the gowns, and see what things jump out at you, while also realizing what things you can do without.

Next, listen to the radio or check out your local newspaper or bridal magazines to find a bridal expo schedule. It is always a GREAT idea to attend a bridal expo. Picture when you went to purchase a car. Did you go from lot to lot to see a Chevrolet, then to another to see a Ford? Imagine how wonderful it would have been to see them all in one place. Well, that is what a bridal expo does for you. It brings all different styles of dresses under one roof, while also throwing in literally EVERYTHING else you could possible need for your wedding day. Most expos offer fashion shows so that you can actually see the gowns and how they move, which is VERY important. It is quite helpful to see how certain styles of trains are maneuvered when walking, thus you will not select anything that will land you in a wheelchair. It also helps to see how different gowns fit different styles and shapes.

Next, plan the grand shopping excursion! Make sure that you give yourself ample time so that you do not feel rushed. This is not something you wish to run through. Plan to go to several stores. In fact, go to every store within driving distance! Never purchase your gown at the first store you enter. Imagine walking into a wonderful bridal shop, finding the most perfect dress, only to receive haunting visual images of the gown you just purchased hanging in the back of your SUV. That sort of scenario could invoke nightmares for weeks to come. Avoid the therapy... SHOP AROUND!

Almost just as importantly as WHERE you shop is with WHOM you shop. Remember the lovely zebra striped prom dress your best friend for three days talked you into? Ensure that your companion for this very important buying extravaganza is someone you trust, with impeccable taste. Try to avoid taking anyone with you who is overly or UNDERLY picky. Do not ask someone to accompany you who can easily change your opinions. And above all else, do not shop with someone with whom you do not feel comfortable. If you fear telling your shopping partner your opinion when it differs with their own, this is not the person you should be shopping for your wedding dress with. Stick to someone who understands you, and can offer their opinion while not torturing you until you agree with it.

Lastly, have fun choosing a wedding gown that reflects your personality, accenting your shape and size. This will be a memorable experience.

So what are you waiting for? Your pumpkin coach? GO SHOPPING!