Saying yes to your dress feels almost as important as saying I do at the alter. Whether you've been dreaming of your exact dress since you were a little girl or this is the first time you've given it some actual thought, here are some things to keep in mind when searching for the perfect dress! And if you've already celebrated your special day and aren't sure what to do with the dress now, check out some ideas below!

There are so many styles of dresses to choose from! While it is exciting, it can be a bit daunting if you don't know what you want. These three styles below are all very different but still extraordinarily stunning. From simply chic and modern mermaid to the Cinderella ballgown wedding dress, you can't help but fall in love! Which style catches your eye the most?

Photos: Studio I Do

If you'd rather search by the designer, Studio I Do has several successful and well acclaimed designer dresses like Madison James, Signature Justin Alexander, Essence of Australia, Allure Bridals, Morilee Madeline Gardner, and many more!

When budgeting for your wedding maybe the dress got the short end of the stick. Dont feel discouraged! There are cost effective ways to still find your perfect dress! Check out Ava Clara Couture Bridal's Brides 4 Brides Bridal Sample Sale and support their mission to honor educators and frontline health care workers with free bridal gowns. They believe in women uplifting and helping other women. They bring everything full circle with the T4A bridal boutique. When you purchase a T4A gown, you receive a wedding dress at an amazing discount and help provide a dress for a deserving teacher or medical worker bride-to-be.

Photo: Ava Clara Couture Bridal

The dress is guaranteed to be gorgeous on you, but why not step it up another level and add some accessories? Milk and Honey has got you covered whether you need a veil, hair pieces, or even a belt!

Photo: Milk and Honey Bride

Photo: Dragon Studio Photography

Blush Bridal Boutique is an intimate, custom-order bridal shop that also knows the importance of adding some extra glam and have an assortment of accessories to choose from! And if you're trying to find a way to incorporate a loved one who can't be there, adding a photo of them in a piece of your wedding jewelry can be special and sweet.

Photo: Bailey Sturgeon Photography

When the day is over, the marriage has begun, and the photos are framed, you want to ensure you take excellent care of the dress. Treat it right like it treated you and maybe one day pass it down to your daughter! At Avenir Bridal Boutique, they provide wedding dress preservations through Wedding Gown Preservation Co. It is an organic and environmentally friendly cleaning service trusted since 1913. When the gown and accessories are brought to their Chesapeake, VA store they are then mailed to their facility where it is professionally cleaned, preserved and put in a beautiful box that can be shipped directly to your home or back to Avenir Bridal Boutique!

Photo: Avenir Bridal Boutique

If you decide you dont want to keep your dress, consider consigning it! Consigning your wedding gown and accessories is a great way to recoup some of the cost of a wedding. At Silk Bridal Studio all consignment is a 50/50 split, paid the month following the sale. All items are marked down from the purchase price based on age and condition. Unworn items are generally priced 25-35% off, and pre-worn items are generally priced 40-70% off. Just make sure you save your proof of purchase and get it cleaned beforehand.

You can say goodbye to the dress and hello to a bright future with your best friend!

Photos: Silk Bridal Studio

Photo: Dragon Studio Photography

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