Now that he has proposed, the next step is to find you that perfect wedding dress.

Before you start shopping, it is a good idea to look in bridal magazines and on bridal Web sites to get an idea of what styles you like. Remember that dresses look different on your body than in the pictures, so keep an open mind. Feel free to bring in pictures to bridal shops so they can help you get started. Call the bridal stores that you plan to visit ahead of time to make an appointment. (Not all bridal stores require appointments but most do—especially on Saturdays.)

Choose two or three members of your family or your friends to help you shop; their input will give you guidance on your special day. Use the first shopping trip to pick out your wedding gown, and make a second appointment for your bridesmaids to pick out their dresses.

When you do find your perfect gown, order it right away. Many brides shop around for months, comparing each to the special one they’ve already found, so when you know you’ve found the right one, just go for it. Bridals stores never know if a dress is going to be discontinued, so purchasing early is a good idea, and a bridal gown usually takes six to nine months to arrive at the store (if it doesn’t get delayed in shipping for weeks!). Ordering your dress a full year ahead of time will give you time to find and order your accessories, and allows time for alterations. Bridal shoes, jewelry, veils and tiaras usually take six to eight weeks to arrive and you need those before you start your alterations. Plan to start your bridal alterations three months prior to your wedding. Also, bring your personal attendant with to all of your bridal gown fittings.

Getting the Guys in Tuxedos

Trying to get the men in your wedding party to get their tuxedos or suits is like pulling teeth. Often, groomsmen would prefer to wait until the last minute to get fitted, so it’s best to take a few steps so the process runs smoothly.

The bride and groom should go to the tuxedo shop three to four months prior to their wedding date to pick out their preferred tuxedo style. The prices of tuxedos depend on the style and color, which are usually black, brown, ivory, tan, latte or gray. Many tuxedo shops provide a complimentary groom’s tuxedo with six or more tuxedo rentals.

When picking out your tuxedo, you also need to decide what color shirt you would like, along with a vest and tie, so bring a color swatch of your bridesmaids’ dresses. All tuxedo shops need the groomsmen’s and ushers’ measurements six to eight weeks prior to your wedding. The tuxedos do not arrive until that week of your wedding, usually on the Thursday before. Make sure all of your guys try on their tuxedos before the day of your wedding to make sure they fit properly. As long as everyone was measured professionally at a tuxedo or bridal store you should have a great fit!