Romona Keveza won Couture Bridal Award's Classic Designer of the year award in 2004 and 2005, and her gowns are featured on the pages of every major bridal magazine. Her tips:

Trust your instincts.

When you find it, you'll know. "One of the biggest mistakes brides make is not trusting their instincts and then, 10 salons later, they'll go back to the first dress."

Go to a reputable salon.

It's the only way to guarantee quality and service. Most salons that carry upscale designers will have you try a limited number at a time, so you aren't overwhelmed.

Don't worry about fit.

If you fall in love with a certain dress, the salon can often make it work.

Expect multiple fittings.

It takes an average of three sessions for a perfect fit.

Don't wait to shop until after you've lost weight.

Upscale designers such as Keveza are booked six to nine months in advance. You can place the order and ask for another pre-production fitting.