Confession time: I don?t know the first thing about designer clothes. If I need an outfit for an event, I?ll start off at a consignment shop and slowly work my way over to Nordstrom Rack if I don?t have any luck thrifting. In the end, I?ll just pick something that works with my body and is within my budget because it?s just a dress and not worth obsessing over.
After finally (emphasis on the finally for everyone who stuck with me through my hemming and hawing) picking a wedding dress, I can say I?m slightly more knowledgeable about what it takes to have a wonderful and successful dress shopping experience. Get ready for some knowledge dropping.
1. Wedding dresses take a long time to make. Like, a really long time. I never understood why the first thing women did after getting engaged was run out to try on dresses. What?s the rush"
Psssh, these ladies clearly just aren?t as Zen as I am. // Image via Mint Design Blog // Photo by George Rizer, Boston.com

I called a couple dress shops just for fun the week after we got engaged. Hey, when?s your next available appointment" Can I come in and see how I look in a big white dress" Shed a couple emotional tears and walk away, bank account still intact"
My illusions were quickly shattered when the very first shop I called that asked my wedding date freaked out a little bit. ?July"!" You need to order a dress NOW.?
Cue panic. Cue fire and brimstone. Cue the feelings that arise when I suddenly realiz...