Wedding dresses are an important part of almost all weddings. Whether they want beach wedding dresses or vintage wedding dresses, many women have spent years thinking about what their perfect dress looks like.

If your business needs wedding dresses, you should have no problem finding them. It's finding the perfect wedding dress that's a bit more difficult. Luckily, most business owners aren't quite as picky as a bride is, so you should be able to find a suitable dress in no time at all.

When looking for wedding dresses, think about the following things:

1. Who will be wearing the dress? Many wedding dresses require alterations to get the perfect fit.

2. How many dresses do you need? A shop that rents used wedding dresses may be able to get a wholesale discount.

3. What is the purpose of the dress? If it is for a photo shoot or theatrical performance, you may want to consider the functionality of the dress. Strapless wedding dresses may look great for a photo shoot, but will be difficult for an actress who has to move around a lot.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Stock up on a variety of wedding dresses for your wedding dress rental store

Many brides are wising up to the fact that it's hard to justify the high cost of wedding dresses on a dress that you will only wear once. That makes the dress rental industry a particularly lucrative one.

I recommend: Purchase dresses wholesale through Wholesale Wedding Gowns. You should have gowns in a variety of styles and sizes so that there is something for everyone. Don't forget to stock up on plus size wedding dresses. You can purchase them at Plus Size Bridal.

Make contact with local wedding dress vendors to complement your wedding planning business

A good wedding planner will be able to tell her bride where to get a wedding dress, whether she wants a cheap wedding dress or a designer wedding dress. Establishing a relationship with dress shops will help you gain more business. You refer your customers to the shop; they'll refer their customers to your planning services.

I recommend: Find local vendors through the Bridal Association of America. You can also find dress shops listed at The Knot, a popular wedding site.

Buy a used wedding dress for photo shoots or costumes

If you don't need a wedding dress for a real wedding, then you may not want to pay real wedding dress prices. In most cases, used or otherwise cheap wedding dresses will suit your needs.

I recommend: Use a wedding dress broker, such as UsedWeddingDresses.com to connect you with people who want to sell their wedding dress. Alternatively, purchase designer wedding dresses at discount prices through Perfect Bridal.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A wedding dress made from a stretchy fabric often requires fewer alterations than one made from a stiff fabric.