Most of us have been dreaming of our wedding day since we were little. One of the most important parts of making that dream come true is wearing an amazing gown. Everyone wants to feel like a princess on their wedding day. Unfortunately, the reality of shopping for a wedding dress can make your dream feel like a nightmare.

First, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to pick out a dress that's flattering, as well as to have alterations done to make it fit perfectly. Remember to take someone else with you when you try gowns on. Once you've put on a lot of dresses, you'll lose the ability to tell which ones look best.

Remember to take someone with you who'll be honest about how you look in the most important dress of your life. They should be willing to tell you if a dress isn't flattering, and help you select one that is.

Collect pictures before you make an appointment, so you'll have a good idea what type of gowns you prefer. It's also a good idea to find out your figure shape and what flatters it before you go shopping. That will allow you to rule out types of wedding dresses that don't look good on your shape.

Select a price range well in advance, and stick to it. Don't let enthusiastic sales people talk you into a more expensive dress, or bring you gowns that are well out of your range. If you're looking for a budget wedding dress, consider second hand stores, simple dresses, and online ordering.

Remember to think about more than looks. After all, you'll be wearing your wedding dress for most of the day, and it should be comfortable to wear. Don't buy a gown that's itchy, rides up, or pinches, because it'll be hard to wear after an hour or more.

Talk to your seamstress early about alterations, too. She should know that your dress is coming, so that it's not done in a rush. That will give you a better chance of a good fit that doesn't cost a bundle.

It's important to pick your dress according to where and when you'll be married. A long train is an acceptable indoor choice, but will pick up debris outside. Hot or cold weather should be dressed for accordingly - you'll be happier and more comfortable in the long run.

Be realistic about sizing, too. Most of us expect to slim down and look great on our wedding day. However, our bodies won't necessarily cooperate - if you're planning to reduce before your wedding, pick a realistic size.

Remember that it's much easier to have a wedding dress taken in than let out, and stop dieting after alterations have been made. That ensures a perfect fit on your big day.

Most importantly, don't allow your wedding gown to make you feel stressed or tired. If you're not enjoying yourself, it's time to take a break. A great wedding gown will make you feel beautiful, not worn out!