Pressure to find the right gown can take away from the larger thrill of a wedding. Even after you choose between one piece or two, strapless or sleeved, white or manila, long or short, A-line or mermaid, the perfect dress won't just appear. The instructions in this article will help you decide what type of gown is best for you so you can focus on the bigger picture--your marriage.

• Step 1

Look through wedding magazines and on wedding websites such as The Knot (see Resources below) for preliminary ideas.

• Step 2

  Make a list of styles and designers you admire.

• Step 3

  Gather a few bridesmaids or friends for support and hit a bridal shop in your area. Be sure to call first and see if they require appointments.

• Step 4

  Enlist the help of a sales professional.

• Step 5

  Start experimenting. Bring your list to guide you but don't limit yourself to those styles or designers-you don't know how a particular dress will look until you're in it.

• Step 6

  Have a friend take photos of dresses (or segments of dresses, such as sleeve or waist embellishment) that flatter your frame.

• Step 7

  Narrow your idea of the "perfect dress" based on your experience and begin looking for it!