You’ve found the one to marry. Now you’ve got to snag the dress for the big day.

Bridal salon associates shared their tips for what you should and should not be doing when shopping for your bridal gown.

Budget for the extras. Many people forget that they have to pay for alterations, a headpiece, a veil and undergarments.

“There are a lot of extras, and sometimes, those extras can add up to more than the cost of the gown,” said Mara Urshel, co-owner of Kleinfeld, a massive bridal gown store in New York that’s been in business for more than six decades and is the home to TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress.”

Be realistic about your budget. You can find a gorgeous gown at every price point, and stylists want to hear a bride’s price range.

“If you have a maximum budget versus an ideal price range, don’t be afraid to be upfront with your stylist,” said Erica Chasco-Smith, director of stores for the New York-based Lovely Bride.

Don’t shop until you’re ready to buy.

“If you start too early but don’t plan on purchasing for weeks or even months, then the dress you’re in love with could become discontinued or could even go up in price,” Chasco-Smith said. Don’t create more hurdles for yourself than necessary, she said.

Bring photos. Bring photos of gowns from magazines and websites to your appointment; it will give your bridal consultant a general idea of the kind of dress you like: Traditional, straight, empire, princess ball gown, Urshel said.

Bring people. “Do not bring an army of friends and relatives to your bridal gown appointment,” Urshel said.

Take along one or two trusted partners such as your mother and a close friend. “Make sure you bring people you can trust and that you select a dress that works for you, not for them,” she said.

But set boundaries. Tell your friends and family beforehand about the amount of input you want. If you want them to be brutally honest with you, say so.

If you want them to only give their opinion on your top two dresses, certainly say that as well, Chasco-Smith said.

Keep an open mind. Listen to the consultant, and try on gowns that she suggests. “Gowns don’t always look as good on the hanger as they do on the body,” Urshel said. Try on as many styles as you can.

Wear appropriate undergarments. “You will be undressing in front of a sales consultant that you never met,” Urshel said. You may want to wear a strapless bra, though this isn’t necessary, as the salon might have samples for you to use, she said.

Trust your instincts. If you have to be reassured that the gown looks great on you, then it’s probably not “the one.” Is this how you pictured yourself looking as a bride? Does the gown suit your personality? Are you comfortable enough in it to enjoy your wedding day? Urshel asked.

Make sure it’s comfortable. You will be wearing this dress for many hours.

Sit in it when you try it on. Lift your arms to make sure you have reach when dancing in it. You don’t want to constantly adjust your dress, or even think about it on your special day, said Jose Solis, David’s Bridal vice president of design.

Bring the extras. Take the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear with the dress to your fittings, so that the alterations are done correctly. If your dress is strapless, bring the strapless bra you will be wearing with it. This will eliminate any guessing of how your dress will fit, Solis said.