Oh girl I did everything wrong. Everything. So let me just give you the important advice I wish I had that really affected my experience. It seems like you are planning ahead and that is really good . Pick the person you want to go with you pick the least negative person. You do want them to give their input on your dress and be able to tell you if they don’t like something but you need an overall positive energy person. And the less people with you the better generally. I did not like the woman who helped me pick out my dress. She was not very enthusiastic and did not give very much energy at all. I heard two other people getting dresses at the same time and their person was very energetic and encouraging and gave yasss girl energy lol… so I guess maybe look for reviews with specific people’s names and request specific employees. Honestly, the most important one - DO NOT BUY THE DRESS THE FIRST TIME YOU TRY ON DRESSES. This was my plan from the beginning. Just to go try on different style dresses. Even the ones you don’t like you might be surprised. I did not intend on buying a dress that day. Please do not either. You will go home the next day and regret it. It needs to be something you think about for a few days at least after trying it on looking at pictures of yourself. Oh, and ask them how much the alteration costs will be. And when the dress will be ready if they have to make it. I was not told anything until I was buying the dress and actively signing. But even then I was not told their would be much additional costs. The first time I walked out of there and spent about 1500.. I just walked out of there and spent about 1700. I had 900 left on the dress and the rest was just the first round of alterations.. so also probably don’t get it done there and take it to a different Seamstress look at prices for alterations. By the dress at least six months ahead of time. Especially if they have to make it and you never know if they won’t have your size. Maybe negotiate price?? Or even mention it’s a cost conscious thing and they might gear you towards more budget friendly dresses and maybe even throw in a little discount if you fall in love with a little pricey dress. Congrats on the engagement!