Many women have dreamed about their perfect wedding dress since they were little, while others have no idea what they're looking for. The pressure of finding the perfect wedding dress can detract from what is otherwise a joyous occasion. To avoid stress and disappointment, it helps to take a considered approach to wedding dress shopping rather than going at it unprepared.

When shopping for a wedding dress, it's a good idea to know what style you're looking for. Wedding dresses come in a variety of silhouettes, from ball gown, to empire, to sheath, to mermaid and many more. Before you hit the shops, it helps to peruse wedding dress catalogues so that you know what style you like best. However, when the time comes to try on dresses, you might want to keep an open mind just in case your preferred style doesn't end up suiting your body type. Sometimes you can be surprised by what silhouettes actually end up working the best.

Another essential component of your perfect wedding dress will be the fit, as it is important for the gown to drape elegantly, accenting your best assets and hiding the areas you're less happy with. Also, when you're fitted by the dress shop's tailor, it's crucial that you pinpoint the areas of the dress that need alterations. If you feel that an area of the dress needs loosening or taking-in, it's wise to let the tailor know rather than assuming it will be taken care of. Common areas that need adjustment are the waist, the dress length and the bust area (particularly for strapless dresses, which can slide downward when they aren't fitted correctly). Also, when you go to your dress fitting, it's important to wear the shoes that you plan to wear on your wedding day so that the tailor can adjust the length accordingly.

Aside from style and fit, there are two other key elements of the perfect wedding dress that are worthy of consideration - they are comfort and confidence. Though you may think that you can put up with slight discomforts just for one evening, it's important to remember that weddings are meant to be enjoyed, not suffered through. There is no reason why wedding dresses cannot be beautiful and comfortable at the same time. Also, it's essential that you feel confident in your wedding dress - so don't stop shopping until you find a dress that makes you feel great. Though it may be tempting to settle with a dress that's just OK, it's worthwhile to keep hunting until you find one that you feel confident in.

Dave MacKinder writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.