Clueless about dress shopping

I am going dress shopping next weekend. I did stop by another bridal place yesterday just to browse through and had a funny experience. Exactly how does this work? Do you go there with the styles you like and they show you what they have in stock that is similar? The place I went to yest. said that I try on the style I think I want then she can go through her books with me (which supposedly have more detailed pics than the bridal books) and then order the one I like. But then when she orders it, it's mine. So the first time I will try it on, I basically own it. Is this the standard way it works..any input from all who have been there before is appreciated.

I too had people from NJ, NYC and then all the way out to Orient attending my wedding, so we picked Wading River right in the middle, sort of. Anyway, I chose a Friday afternoon. 12pm church and 1pm reception. Only 2 people didn't come. It was memorial day weekend. If you choose an early day time, people probably won't have a problem driving out. Weekends are tough to drive out east, unless! you do it early Saturday. like 1pm - 2pm, this way people can drive back in the light. If I can help with any questions, let me know.