You will have to leave enough time, not just for shipping, but also for alterations. Keep in mind that it is easier to alter a gown down than it is to make it larger, so if there is any doubt about fit, buy a larger size rather than a smaller fit. You will want to order several months in advance.

You should also be sure to check the return policy of the store you are shopping at online. Since sizes vary so much from brand to brand, you may need to return or exchange a gown that doesn’t fit, and it would be unfortunate to be stuck with a gown that is much too large or small and expensive to alter.

Image credit to Romantic Gowns.

Women who are not proud of their arms for any reason may love a sleeved gown, whether you have dark hair on your arms, scars or blemishes, or even if you would prefer not to display a lack of toned muscle. Long sleeved gowns add a formal look and may add comfort, both physical and psychological.

Image credit to Simple Elegance.

Some gowns are hard to hike up, some are so tight that stairs are a challenge, and some may not be a problem provided that the bride has a free hand (which she often does not, in a wedding ceremony). The key is to plan ahead for every step and stair you will encounter, from pinning your gown up until the reception to planning for exactly how you will get up a set of steps.

You might choose a fun and humorous option, like having two groomsmen “kidnap” you from your father at the end of the aisle and carry you up the steps to your waiting groom. You can also choose the practical, like carefully sewing or pinning the front of your gown up a couple of inches. You can also have a bridesmaid assigned to duck in and lift the front of your gown enough to let you get up the steps. Whatever option you choose, even if your choice is to hoist your own skirts and take your changes, try to arrange a dress rehearsal so you can get a feel for how those steps feel in a long gown and heels.

Before you choose your gown, consider the ceremony location as well as the season. Find out for sure whether your wedding site and reception site have air conditioning, and if they do not, keep that in mind when you’re choosing your gown.

A strapless gown, meant to show off your shoulders and maybe your beautiful collar bone, will be totally wasted on a style that leaves your hair down, perhaps even falling around your shoulders, while wearing a sleeved gown to hide your arms or shoulders backfires if you wear your hair in an up do that attracts the eye to that area.

To get the right look for your wedding, have your hair styled just like you will for your wedding before your gown fitting, or at least approximate the style at home if you are on a budget. Don’t know how you want your hair yet? No problem; choose a gown that you totally love, and bring a photo to show your hairstylist to get her opinion on how to best do your hair to show off your lovely gown.