The Bride
	1. Look at bridal magazines before you go shopping. Get a good idea of what is out there. 2. Be open minded, try different shapes to see what works on you.
3. Once you identify the shape that works best for you, narrow your search. 4. Shop with select friends or family who understand your personal style to avoid too many conflicting opinions.
	5. Go to a reputable, full service salon. This will insure proper alterations and treatment of your gown. 6. Decide how formal or how casual your wedding will be before you choose a gown.
7. If simplicity is your style, don't worry that a dress is too simple. Picture it with a headpiece, flowers and accessories. 8. Decide how you want to wear your hair before you shop for a headpiece. Style the headpiece around your hair, not vice versa.
	9. Set a budget, but remember to be flexible and understanding. 10. Look early when choosing a gown so you won't feel pressured.

The Men

	Ideally the groom, should go to the formalwear shop two to three months in advance of the wedding. You will need to go to the formalwear shop twice: once to get fitted and to register, and a second time, to pick up the suit.
Since the bride's father usually walks her down the aisle, it is important that he dress similarly to the groomsmen. The father of the groom may also dress in the more formal attire if he so chooses. If there is a stepfather involved in the wedding ceremony, he should be dressed in similar attire to the groom's attendants. If he will be present but not involved in the ceremony, he may dress similarly to the guests.

The Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids' dresses should be similar in style and formality to your own. If you're wearing a very formal gown with a cathedral-length train, your bridesmaids might be in floor-length gowns accessorized with headpieces and gloves. If you've chosen a simpler floor-length dress, your attendants could wear cocktail suits or tea-length floral prints.  You may choose a complementary but unique look for your maid of honor, or have all the bridesmaids wear a different style in the same color or fabric.

While you might want a few of your bridesmaids' opinions about what kind of dress they prefer, you would be wise to do your shopping with just the maid of honor.  Try to choose a color and style that will look as attractive as possible on everyone and might even be worn again for another occasion. When making a selection, look carefully at the backs of all the dresses as they will be facing the guests throughout the ceremony. Once you have made your decision, you can arrange a time for the bridesmaids to go for measurements and ordering.

Bridesmaids are responsible for purchasing their gowns, accessories, and shoes. However, if there is a woman you want as your attendant that you know cannot afford the costs, you might offer to purchase the gown (keep this between the two of you however).

The Flower Girls

Mothers

Traditionally speaking, the mother of the bride usually chooses her gown first and then calls the groom's mother to inform her of her choice, describing the dress in detail. This is done so that both dresses complement one another.

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