Need help on how to choose a wedding gown? It’s more complicated than just going out and buying a dress. This is a dress you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

While we at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club can certainly help you plan the wedding of your dreams, including bridal showers, engagement photo shoots, rehearsal dinners and more, we realize you may need some pointers about the dress. Here are six vital tips on how to choose a wedding gown.

1. Start A Year In Advance Of The Wedding
   Decide on your bottom line budget for the dress, and don’t forget to include alterations and taxes in that number. You also want to figure out what you want to spend on veils/headpieces, jewelry and shoes, which should be about 10-20 percent of the budget number.
2. Do Your Research
   Whether you’re on Pinterest or cutting up magazines, you need to find your inspiration. Make sure you have an open mind, but also are aware of what your venue’s vibe is and the time of year your wedding is. The most piece of knowledge to bring into your research is knowing what flatters your body.
3. Go It Alone or Bring Someone With You?
   If you feel more confident when you’ve got your people behind you, then bring someone, whether it is your mom or trusted friend, to help. Not only will it be an honor for them, it will help prevent you from making a giant mistake. However, if you know what you like and find more people to be stressful, go it alone! Also, it’s not a bad idea to bring a camera. Take pictures of yourself from all different angles to get the most objective opinion.
   
4. Prepare To Go To A Dress Salon
   In addition to having an idea of what you like and bringing people to tell you the truth, you need to make an appointment at a wedding dress shop. Schedule your appointment early and ahead of time. Your dress consultants will be well rested and more attentive, and it will not be as crowded.
5. Don’t Be Shy
   Just as it takes time (and trial and error) to find the perfect guy to be your husband, so too does it take time and trying to find the perfect wedding dress. Don’t be afraid to try on as many dresses as you need to. At the same time, do not try on too many dresses. You can become confused or suffer from wedding dress overload and sheer panic. Tell the consultant exactly how you feel. That way, he or she can do their job better, which is finding you the perfect dress.
6. Buy Your Dress 8 Months Prior To Your Wedding.
   From the time your dress is ordered to the time you see it takes about 16-20 weeks. You will need plenty of time to get at least one fitting in. Before your first fitting, make sure you have the proper undergarments, jewelry and shoes. It’s a plus if you also have your veil and at least have an idea of how you’re going to wear your hair.

Well, there you have it on how to choose a wedding gown. For inspiration on planning any upcoming weddings or events, stay up to date with our events blog. Contact Julianne Cuomo at (352) 402-4376 or julianne.cuomo@goldenocala.com to begin planning your special day here at Golden Ocala.