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Ready to make that special purchase? The one that will make you look and feel like the most special woman in the world? Ok, where do you start?

Bridal Magazines and the internet are usually the first stops to find a bridal shop carrying the designer's dresses you want to view. These places list the shops carrying their dresses and provide addresses and phone numbers of the shops near where you live.

But, beware. All bridal shops and boutiques are not alike. Some are just high volume shops that don't take the time and effort to explore what you are looking for. Some just want to steer you to the most expensive gowns, while others will try to steer you to outdated styles that they have in stock.

Many times, the smaller shops and bridal boutiques are the best alternative to finding what you truely want to make your day special. Oftentimes, they will work with a bride to look for many sessions until they find the perfect gown, or they will track down a gown for the customer if they don't carry the line themselves.

What you want to look for is a shop that has very friendly, upbeat sales personnel that take the time to "listen" to what you are looking for, not one that is trying to force a solution on you that you don't want. Take a look at the cleanliness of the shop and at how things are displayed and presented to you. Most times, this atmosphere will truely reflect the type of service and satisfaction you will receive. Also look at the sales staff. Are they anywhere close to your age, do they know the latest styles, or are they very traditional and outdated?

Keep in mind that you are the bride, the customer. Don't settle for something that is beneath your expectations. Work with the salesperson or shop owner to customize your look. Most smaller shops are very willing to accomodate brides who don't become bridezilla's in their store.

Choose wisely and don't forget that there are many shops to choose from. Select the one that you feel comfortable with and that will accomodate all your questions and concerns. Good luck and happy shopping!

Learn more about this author, John Tierney.
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