Vera Wang Spring 2012 Bridal dresses

Oscar de le Renta Bridal 2012

I have been looking at some gorgeous wedding gowns online this week, doing research for an upcoming feature I'm working on. Aren't they beautiful?

And, there's the Winter Wedding Show coming up this weekend that I'm going to. Heavens Angels Events is producing the show and It will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Northgreen Country Club. Carolina Charm is going to have a table there (early, from 1 to 3 p.m., so come and visit us then) with wedding and engagement forms available for brides so you can get your engagement and wedding in the Rocky Mount Telegram Life section. Everyone needs a newspaper clipping of their good news for a scrapbook, right?

One of the vendors who will be there is Elizabeth Michaels Bridal and Specialty Shop at the Shoppes at Tiffany. Owner and stylist Elizabeth Simmons will be on hand at the wedding show to help brides make a plan of attack for finding the perfect wedding gown. Some of her top tips include:

• Brides should shop for the bridal gown before shopping or purchasing the bridesmaid dress.
• She should have a date, time and place locked in before shopping her dress. The type of dress and train sets the tone for what type of wedding you desire.
• So many girls come in with the idea that they should wear ivory because they have been married before. Old Tradition. Wear the color that best compliments your skin color.
• Set time aside time to shop for a wedding dress preferably, not less than two hours. Call ahead to make an appointment if the bridal shop operates by appointments.
• Once you find your dress, your decision to wear a headpiece should be based on your personality and what you want. Try to pick a veil that will enhance your dress not take away from the dress.
• Girls come in the store looking for a particular dress or style, chances of the store having that particular dress style size is slim. Call before the appointment and ask what brands of gowns the store carries.
• Start looking for your dress at least six months in advance.
• Come with no more than two friends or family members to help you decide if you don't want to decide alone. More than two can muddy the water.
• Investigate the fine print details: Find out what discounts are being offerred. Find out if there is an on-site alterations and how alterations are handled. Most gowns have to be ordered. Find out about the ordering policy, turnaround time for ordering and layaway procedures if available.