You have probably spent weeks -- if not months -- pouring through bridal magazine after magazine looking for inspiration for the perfect wedding gown. You have torn out the ones that jumped out at you, and it is now time to go on the hunt in real life. So, here are a few tips that will help ensure you get the most out of your wedding dress shopping experience:

Tip #1: Make Sure You Make an Appointment.

While there are always those days that Lady Luck is on your side, you don't want to take the risk by walking into a dress shop and hoping that a salesperson will be able to have time for you. To ensure that you have someone's undivided attention, schedule an appointment ahead of time. Finding a wedding dress is important, so it is worth taking the extra time to make that phone call and potentially having to wait a week or two. 

Tip #2: Don't Take Your Entire Squad with You.

As tempting as it may be to take all of your girlfriends and your entire family with you to the dress shop, you need to limit your entourage. As you begin the search for the perfect dress, you need to enlist just a couple of your closest family members or friends. The reason for this is because you are looking for a wedding gown that suits you, your personality, and your style. While their opinion is important to you, you don't want to feel too pressured by them to pick a certain dress over what you want.

Tip #3: Always Shop with Your Body Shape in Mind.

Every bride wants to lose weight before her wedding; however, don't let your weight be the primary focus of your dress shopping experience. Instead, focus on the shape of your body. With the stress of the wedding, your weight is going to fluctuate up and down. Look at dresses that will highlight the various body features that you love so that you will look and feel amazing regardless of your weight. 

Tip #4: Don't Get Discouraged.

If you were to try to count the number of bridal designers or their designs that there are out there, there is no way you could count them on your fingers and toes. The good news about this is that there is a very high probability that you will find that perfect gown of yours out there sooner or later, but you can't give up. If you don't find it at the first appointment, make another one at a different dress shop and try again. You will find it.

With these tips, you're sure to find the perfect wedding dress for sale before your big day.