Not all brides are lucky enough to realize it when they come across the right wedding dresses. Unless you have a very specific idea about the dress you want to wear, and find one that matches every one of your expectations, wedding shopping may not be so straightforward. So, let's look at when you should say “No” to a wedding dress.

When the dress is way over-budget
We cannot emphasize how important it is to first fix your wedding dress budget, and then go shopping. Wedding dresses can be as expensive as you want them to be. However, there are plenty of gems that are affordable as well. Don't make the mistake of even trying on a dress that you cannot afford. If you fall in love with it, imagine the disappointment when you realize you simply cannot have it. And if, for some reason, you end up trying on a dress that is above budget or even think of wearing it just for the fun of it, keep in mind that you will not be buying it. The single reason that it costs more than your budget allows is enough for you to say “No” to it, this time.

Tip: When you calculate your mermaid wedding dresses budget, don't forget to account for alteration costs. This can easily add up to a few extra hundreds. So, look for a dress that will still be within your range, after the possible alteration charges that you may incur.

Your entourage is in love with it, though you aren't
You know how it is when everyone around you seems to think this is the real deal, but you aren't so sure. In some cases, you may be certain that this is not the dress, but your entourage may compel you to think otherwise. Don't succumb to such pressure. Remember that no matter what the others think, a dress will simply not be best, unless you feel it yourself. Don't force yourself to see their point of view and make the mistake of saying yes, because everyone thinks it is the one! We repeat, you do not want to be married in a dress that will leave you regretting the choice, simply because it wasn't the one that you loved. Check out our previous article on how to choose your entourage wisely, so you minimize your chances of ending up in such a situation.

When you are pressed for time
If you have been trying dresses on for the entire appointment and are satisfied almost to a great extent with the one you finally wear, do you take it? No, you shouldn't!
Remember that your decision may be influenced by the other dresses that you tried on, and that you are running out of time and energy. Don't make this mistake. Love a dress only because it is a dress you want to be married in, and not something you settled for. If you are saturated with lace, chiffon and organza gowns, stop the ordeal and go home. Come back for another appointment when you will be fresh and energetic. If you are almost certain that a dress is the right one, but not 100% sure, still don't go for it. Instead go home and sleep over it. If you still find yourself attracted to the dress the next day, then it may be the one after all. Otherwise, you will be glad you didn't finalize the decision without thinking it through, only to regret it later.

If it is not your style
The right wedding dress would be an extension of your personality, and it should reflect your taste and personal preferences. However beautiful a dress may be, if you cannot connect with it, it is best you simply say no. We have seen many brides agree to a certain silhouette just because their mom or friends think it is right and coerce them into agreeing. Other times, brides are tempted to try on the trendiest a-line wedding dresses in the shop. However, a wedding dress is not just about the look. It is about becoming the bride that you always dreamed of being. So, if you have never turned towards a ball gown all your life, don't do it on your wedding day. Similarly, if the latest trend statement, say a halter neck, isn't one that you feel comfortable in, just stay away from it. Take cues from your current wardrobe and the look you love most on yourself, to decide what your wedding dress should be.

If the gown doesn't match your theme
If your wedding is based on a theme, it may not be the best idea to choose a dress that doesn't match it. For example, an ultra-modern sleek gown may look out of place at a rustic vintage wedding, just as a traditional ball gown would be inappropriate at a beach wedding. So, pick your theme and find a wedding gown that matches it, or do the reverse. Do your homework on the types of silhouettes, fabrics and gown designs that would be best for your chosen wedding theme. Then go shopping and pick a gown that is suitable for the theme, and not just one that you are attracted to at the moment.

When the dress feels uncomfortable
Although you may find yourself look amazing in a dress, you should also feel comfortable in it. Wearing anything that you aren't accustomed to will make you uncomfortable, whether it is on any other day or your wedding day. So, stick to wearing only a dress that is comfortable and doesn't make you extra-conscious on your wedding day. The world of wedding gowns is ruled by strapless and sweetheart neckline gowns, but this design feature isn't for every bride. It can be pretty annoying if you have to keep pulling up your neckline throughout the day, if you aren't used to wearing it before. So, if you have never worn a strapless gown yet, or find yourself highly uncomfortable in it, it is best to avoid this on your wedding day. Similarly, other bold wedding dress features, like a fully-exposed back or a silhouette that is too clingy may not be suitable for all brides. If you choose a dress that has sleeves, you should be able to comfortably lift your arms. Unless you can alter the design to suit your personal taste and it doesn't drastically alter the look of the dress, it is better to continue looking.

When you find more flaws than favorites
A few alterations or custom changes are fine, when you choose a gown. But, if you think a dress is alright, but you will have to fix at least five or more things for it to be good enough for your wedding day, it certainly isn't the right gown. When there is just that one feature that is perfect, but all the rest of the features do not appeal to you, it simply means you will have to spend a lot of time, effort and not to mention money, to fix it. Remember that every alteration costs money, and you may end up paying a lot of money if you have to make many custom changes. This is usually not worth it. You are better off looking for another gown with the features that you like.

When your mind is still on another dress
Don't always expect to cry and get all emotional when you come across the right dress. This doesn't happen to all brides. Sometimes, you may not be sure that you have already found the right dress, till you try on more and your mind keeps going back to the previous one. So, if you find yourself torn between two dresses, and if you seem to get nowhere with your decision, don't try to force yourself to like the one that you are wearing. It could be that you are inclined towards the current choice only because of it's features that are similar to your original choice. Just to make sure, step out of the dress and think objectively about both. Unless the second one has a clear advantage over the first, it may be the first that actually appeals to you. Either way, it would be a good idea to take your time to make a decision. Go home, think over it for a day or two, and then return to place your order for the one you actually love.

If the gown doesn't look great on the body you have now
Many brides anticipate a pre-wedding weight loss, which they expect to successfully happen in the months preceding the wedding. Whether this is possible or not, do not let this factor impact your dress decision. It is always better to choose a dress that looks good on your currently, and also buy it in your current size than take it in a smaller size. If the gown doesn't flatter you right now, it is possible that it may not look good on you even after you shed the extra pounds. And if you are unable to lose the intended weight, it would be an even bigger tragedy. So, if the dress isn't figure flattering or attractive on you at your dress appointment, say “no” to it without hesitation.

Author's Bio: 

Not all brides are lucky enough to realize it when they come across the right wedding dresses. Unless you have a very specific idea about the dress you want to wear, and find one that matches every one of your expectations, wedding shopping may not be so straightforward.