You've been dreaming of your wedding day since you were five years old; there's bound to be a look you've always wanted to have. The perfect look, the most beautiful you could ever be. There are a few things you may want to consider before going out to try on the dress of your dreams. It may not have occurred to you to consider the weather, the season, the site, and fabric as well as the budget for your entire wedding.

On a scale from one to ten the importance of your dress may be an eight but your reception site may be a ten. So the first thing to do is decide when and where the nuptials are going to be held and where you are going for your reception. Once you have those things established you could decide that a dress with long sleeves will be important because you've decided on a December wedding and you know that the weather in San Diego in December can be chilly. Or that you know you will want a garden wedding in May and that sleeveless is more your preference. At any rate these are important decisions to make and yet there is still more to know in order to make an educated decision when making your most important purchase.

The right fabric can make or break the most gracious brides. Warm weather fabrics include chiffon, linen, organza, light lace, voile. Cool weather fabrics include shantung, brocade, tulle, taffeta, and textured cotton. If you are determined to have a winter wedding but really have your heart set on a sleeveless gown you can always wear a dress of heavier fabric and cover up with a small lace jacket or silk shawl. Generally speaking if you choose the appropriate fabric for your gown you will be more comfortable and look like the radiant bride that you always intended.

Just like any other part of planning your wedding you will need to cover the bases by making sure that you have your specific information in writing including the store policy and make sure that they have a good reputation. The following is a list of important information that you will want to have signed and countersigned by the clerk at the store you buy your dress from.

· Dress manufacturer and style number, size, color (white, eggshell, ecru)

· Embellishments (hand embroidery, lace, beads, pearls, sequins)

· Special order requests and costs (specific e.g., raise the back three inches, crop sleeves two inches)

· Delivery date (very important to ask for this at least two to three months in advance of your wedding date so that if there are any unforeseen problems they can be handled in a timely manner)

· Price and pmt schedule, deposit paid, fitting and pressing costs

· Stores policy on refunds (should be 100% if the dress is not delivered to you) cancellations

· Store policy for gown pickup (can gown be borrowed for a pre-wedding photo session and returned?)

When you have carefully considered these items and have given your dress the priority it deserves you will be ready to pick out the perfect gown for your most special day. And then you will be the most beautiful you have ever been!