3. RESEARCH DIFFERENT STYLES

  1. Every bride-to-be's first instinct is to hit the newsstands and stock up on bridal and wedding magazines. Good idea. Leaf through the pages, dog-ear them, and tear out the pages that contain the dresses, accessories, hair and makeup styles that you like the best (of course remembering to purchase the magazines first). Put these pictures in a book and carry that book with you into bridal boutiques.

  2. Talk to married friends. No, you're not going to copy 'em, but if they were really happy with their dress (and you think they had a right to be), it would be insane to not consider going to the same place. Besides, if your friends are in the same financial bracket as you, then you know you can get a nice dress and not get stuck eating beans out of rusty cans for the next year.

  3. Ask your friends for advice. Believe us, EVERYONE will have an opinion. Suggestions from overzealous bridesmaids, sisters and maternal figures are annoying, but often helpful.

  4. While we'll do our best to help you out, here are a couple of links that you might want to check out when you get started:

  • www.theknot.com
    This site is perhaps the best on the Internet as far as wedding and bridal resources go. There are links for wedding gown designers and pictures of dresses, trains, veils and footwear are included. There's even a Q&A with a wedding expert.

  • www.ourmarriage.com
    Awww, the name of this web page gets us all misty-eyed. But let's face it: the groom has zero say in what you wear on the big day. Nevertheless, this site is chock full o' advice pertaining to wedding day attire.

  • www.bridalgloves.com
    This site features exactly what it says - bridal gloves. While there aren't many brides who consider gloves an essential accessory, a more traditional or classic bride may want to slip on a pair of silkies to cover her hands before the ceremony. Brides with late fall or winter weddings will want to check out this site. If you need to keep your hands warm on your wedding day, why not do it right?

  • Other web sites include www.theweddingchannel.com, www.bridalonlinestore.com and http://www.bridecouture.com.