I had a fun adventure where I purchased my dress even before we booked our venue or photographer or ANYTHING.
But I was moving away from the west coast and it was my last chance at Brides for a Cause... the dress I had tried on a month before was still there. And I couldn't walk away a second time.
Thankfully, it was under budget ($180 out of budgeted $300 for my outfit). My mom agreed she'd cover alterations and dry cleaning. I walked out with it that day! (Stuffed in my suitcase because I was on my way to the airport!)