When purchasing your gown there are a few things that you need to know. The fit and the proper style for your body.  The fit on a strapless gown should be snug under the bust through the rib cage, this is where the gown should be held up: not across the bust.  The bust should fit snug but you must be able to run your finger through the top.  This will keep the gown from looking like it is cutting your breast in half.  It should just show the soft mounds without being to tight.  Just remember you will want to fit the largest part of your body and have the rest altered to fit you.  Wedding gowns are made smaller than the usual size so don't get upset if you have to buy a larger size, the gowns run small.  Few of us women will be able to buy a gown and wear it off the rack.  It is worth the money to add alterations in the budget to make the gown look custom made for you.

When zipping the gown you should have to take a short little breath in to get it to zip and it still feel comfortable.  If you have a halter it should be comfortable at the back of the neck without cutting into you.  The halter is not made to hold the dress but just give extra help to the bodice for the well busted woman.

On the hem, if you have a full gown with petticoat there should be atleast a 1/2" gap from gown to the floor.  It should appear as if you are floating down the isle.  The train of the dress will pull the front towards your feet and will make it longer in the front.  So make sure you walk at the fitting enough that the hem does not drop and trip you.  Also, when the dress is bustled the weight of the dress changes and will drop the front down some.  So make sure it is above the ground.  For the mermaid and most A-line dresses the hem can be closer to the ground because the dress will flow up the shoe and when standing be back down above the floor.  When bustled most of the dresses will be longer in the front so at your fitting make sure to walk with the bustle also to make sure the hem doesn't need to be adjusted because you are in the gown longer at the reception with it bustled than at the wedding with the flowing train.

Make sure that you have a sewing emergency kit for your wedding.  This will include needle, thread of every color that is in the wedding, scissors, safety pins.  Just be prepared because anything can happen.  I also advise my brides to bring baby wipes just encase something gets on the dress they will be able to wipe it clean.  It will work if you do it as soon as the spot happens. 

On style for your body; if you are vertically challenged you will need to stay with the A-line or sheath style.  The full cinderella dress will make you look shorter. 

The lucky women with full bust-the halter is usually the best for you.  If you want a strapless make sure you fit your bust and then have the rest altered to fit your body. 

For the tall women the floor is open for what you want.  Just make sure you are getting the fit and style that best becomes you.

Check back and I will keep adding helpful hints.  If you have any questions feel free to call I will help in anyway possible.