Choose your Unique Wedding Gowns & Dresses

No matter what kind of wedding you envision - a small, intimate affair or a lavish affair with more than 400 attendees - finding the perfect dress for your big day can be an arduous task. There's so many things to consider: where you'll look for your gown; what type of gown will fit your personality and budget; which fashion designer is best suited for your needs.

Luckily, we've compiled this list of the most popular options on the market to make it easier for you. We've included the top wedding dress designers, the best online resources for finding dresses and even tips for what to bring to your first dress fitting.

Picking Your Wedding Gown Designer

You've probably seen many celebrity-inspired gowns, which have been personalized by a famous fashion designer. While it may be tempting to order a gown created by one of these glamourous designers, keep in mind that they are usually too expensive and too over-the-top for most brides' tastes. Save yourself from a decision you might later regret: don't get a designer wedding dress unless it's from a designer who specializes in wedding dresses.

Instead, look for a designer who understands the many different factors that affect your wedding day. A great designer will know what silhouette will look best on you based on your body type and bust size. They'll also stress the importance of choosing a gown that you love above all else, and will work with you to customize the gown even further if desired.

While there are many talented designers whose work is available online or in bridal salons, we encourage our readers to try hundreds of dresses from dozens of designers before making their final decision. Finding the right dress is a lot like falling in love: it can take some time and requires patience. People often spend more than a year looking for the "perfect dress," so don't feel like you have to rush your decision.

What are the most popular designer wedding dresses? Some of our favorites include Allure Bridals, Jenny Packham, Mori Lee, Lace and Whimsy and Blush by Hayley Paige. Whether you're looking for an A-line wedding gown or want to show off your curves with lace detailing on a trumpet skirt, there's something for every bride on this list.

Top Online Resources for Unique Wedding Gowns & Dresses

You'll find some gorgeous gowns online. Try browsing these top websites to shop for dresses:

What are the popular bridal boutiques used by brides? You can also find some unique gowns at local bridal boutiques. To find one near you, search your city or town, and add the word "bridal" or "wedding" to your search. Some big box stores also carry wedding gowns in limited styles and sizes, so check out department stores as well.

Once you have found a few places where you can try on dresses, it's time to narrow down the selection by meeting with their in-store experts.

Conclusion

Choosing a dress is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make when it comes to planning your wedding. When you're looking for a designer, consider the following factors:

Your body type and bust size. What silhouette is best for you? This is very important because different gowns will look different on different body types. Does the designer offer samples in every size? The more sizes they have, the better! A good designer will custom-make a gown for you that fits your figure perfectly and looks amazing on you -- which means there should be at least 2-4 sizes to choose from. Your budget.