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Shopping for your wedding dress can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, so it’s important to know what to expect. Insider spoke with four wedding experts to learn more about what brides should keep in mind before they begin trying on gowns.

Before you visit a bridal salon, be sure to have a list of questions ready. During your appointment ask about how long it takes to make your gown and if they offer expert alterations services.

Size

When shopping for a wedding gown, it’s important to know the size of the dress you want to purchase. Bridal dresses are typically sized two to four sizes smaller than retail clothing, so you should always measure yourself before purchasing your gown to ensure that it fits perfectly.

You’ll need to measure the fullest part of your bust, waist and hips (not the smallest point). Wrap a tape measure around these areas, making sure that you mark off the fullest portion of your body.

It’s important to note that bridal sizing is based on traditional European sizing from the 1940s, so it’s often two or more sizes smaller than your regular “street size” for everyday clothing.

This doesn’t mean you’re going to be unhappy with your gown; it just means that it may not fit exactly how you think it will. To ensure that you have the best possible fit on your big day, measure yourself before trying on any samples at the boutique.

Style

Choosing your wedding dress is one of …