One of the first and foremost tasks you need to consider when beginning the wedding preparations is the bridal gown. You're only going to be getting married once in your lifetime, and it's important that you wear a dress that you love. If you end up settling on something that's less than the best – you'll look back on the wedding festivities with longing and regret. So before you start putting deposits on a cake and reception venue, make sure that you know exactly how much you're going to need for your bridal ensemble.

Columbia is filled with bridal shops which promise affordable as well as high-end wedding dress designs. Don't make up your mind about the more cost-effective stores until you visit one in person. Try on a few gowns – you never know, you may find that your ideal gown is only $500! Sometimes the prices of the gowns are lower because they are last season's styles. Wedding dress styles stay relevant for years; what was beautiful ten months ago is still current today. Save yourself thousands of dollars and wear something from one of these collections.

If you want an expensive couture bridal gown, you'll have no problem finding one in Columbia. There are plenty of places which are selling gorgeous custom-designed dresses – the only catch is they can be fairly expensive. Bridal gowns by Vera Wang and Kirstie Kelly come at a cost; but for the bride who is looking to spend more than $3,000, this is extremely attainable. Sometimes you can find their designs for a slightly cheaper cost at trunk shows, so keep an eye out for any that are coming to town soon.

There are many bridal shops which carry gowns from various designers. The Brides Corner of Columbia, for example, sells Columbia wedding dresses by Casablanca, Impression, Forever Yours, Eden Bridal and Alfred Angelo. In one trip you could knock out over 12 different design companies. This is a highly practical option for the bride who also works full-time.

You may realize as you shop for the wedding dress that there are areas of your body which could use some toning. Don't feel down – over 80% of women getting married decide to get in shape prior to the big day. Guests will first notice your arms and torso, so target these areas when working out. Drink more water to alleviate bloating; integrate fruits and vegetables into your diet. Start small and work up into a larger plan.


Columbia Wedding Dresses and Bridal Shops
Jordan's Modern Bride and Groom (803-419-4471; www.jordansmodernbrideandgroom.com)
Jordan's is a full-service salon with an incredible selection of apparel for brides, mothers, bridesmaids, and flower girls; as well as veils, headpieces, jewelry, and shoes. With your bridal gown purchase they throw in 2 free steam-cleanings. Jordan's sells gowns by DaVinci, Private Label by G, Jacquelin, and Alfred Angelo. Their store is located at 224 O'Neil Court, Suite 17 in Columbia. No appointment is necessary, so stop on by and see what they have in store for you!

 Jo-Lin's Bridal & Formal Wear (803-781-9697; www.jolinsbridal.com)
Jo-Lin is passionate about finding the perfect bridal gown for each and every client. They promise high-quality products and always-friendly service. They restock their showroom constantly so that there is always a large variety of wedding dress designs to choose from so that their clients “can enjoy one stop shopping.” She also a wide assortment of bridal accessories and veils which would look perfect with your bridal gown! Walk-ins are welcome, so come and visit them at 7579 St. Andrews Road in Irmo, SC.