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This post has tons of great tips:
http://www.weddingbee.com/2007/07/18/words-of-wisdom-gown-shopping/
You have plenty of time, so just take a look at dresses and details you like. But you might find.. as many brides do... that you fall in love with something you didn't expect at all.
Good luck!
Thanks Mrs. Bee!! I checked out the wisdom post and there are great tips on there! BTW... I love your site here! Happy Holidays! 
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I had a huge bridal binder with lots of favorite dresses cut out in it, and none of the bridal shops I went to even looked at them, which surprised me. Most of the attendants I dealt with just asked me what I was looking for, and I gave her general "must haves" and "must not haves" based on the dresses I had found and put in my binder, but that was it. One place actually just sent me into the racks to pull dresses for myself.
The attendant who actually brought me "the dress" didn't do any of the above, though. She talked to me a little bit, asked me about my personal style, and pulled dresses based on that. She then modified her pulls based on my feedback on the dresses I tried, and came out with THE ONE. I was amazed. :)
So, I'd recommend having some general ideas in mind about what flatters your body and what you're drawn towards in terms of fabrics and detailing, but be willing to try on anything that sparks your interest. Good luck with your shopping!
I think that bringing a few pics with you can be a good idea. But don't be set in them, the pics I brought ended up not looking good on me. Be willing to try on all the different shapes if you aren't sure, this was the best thing for me because I was able to instantly see ok mermaid wasn't for me, etc. Then once you have a style or styles you can start narrowing it down. Good luck and have fun.
I think finding some pictures of what you like is a good first step. One of my friends also suggested thinking of dresses you've worn in the past (like for prom or formals) that you've liked/found flattering on you. If you like a certain neckline or something, this could help steer you in the right direction.
I also think you just have to try on dresses and see what really works for you. The most important thing is to keep an open mind and try a variety of looks. I probably tried on 40 dresses before I found The Dress! I was convinced a certain dress was The One from a photo and when I saw it on in person, I hated it. I was totally heartbroken, until the consultant pulled a few other dresses for me. The Dress ended up being a dress that she picked out, and it was nothing like what I thought I wanted. Even on the hanger, I didn't think I would like it, but as soon as I put it on, it just felt right.
Also, I'd suggest that you try to limit the number of folks you bring with you to shop. I went with just my sister and my mom, and it was easier than managing a whole group of people. Everyone will have an opinion and it's easier to know what YOU want without a bunch of other ideas.
You know what I started my dress shopping early to. Not only did I go store to store but I found my dress for 70% off. And they gave me free alterations. And gave me a 30% for all my flower girl and bridesmaid dresses. What a steal, right!
But I would keep an open mind. You never know what you might like.
I just wanted to 2nd Jessie516's friend's advice-- bringing pics of you in formal non-wedding dresses can be super helpful and also let the consultants get a sense of your personal style.
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As someone who is a normal size but isn't exactly a sample size girl, call ahead any stores to check and see if they have samples in all sizes. I drove an hour to a store only to find no dresses that would fit for me to try on.
Thanks everyone for the feedback! I have another question now! Some of you suggested to bring only one or two people with me. But I wanted to knock everything out in one day and bring my MOH and my two bridesmaids with so they could try on dresses too. Especially because my MOH lives 2 hours from me and my bridesmaids are my future step daughters and they are as excited as I am to try on dresses. I know that we may not find what we are looking for in one day...but I wanted us all to get an idea. I know bringing a lot of people can be hectic especially when you have so many opinions...I've seen "Say Yes to the Dress"! But I probably will bring the three of them and my mom too of coarse...I also want to bring my FMIL!!! 
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I actually brought a bunch of pictures with me when i went to try on dresses - I thought I wanted a huge ballgown with a sash. Sadly enough the sash cut me off in the middle and the huge skirt did nothing for my body shape. After 3 bridal salons and a trip to David's Bridal with my mom, MOH, and sister, I ended up frustrated. Everyone had a different opinion, I didn't like anything on me, and the only dress my mom/sister fell in love with (on me) was a mermaid shape that made me feel soooo uncomfortable (I have some hips). So I went alone. I wouldn't recomend it, but it was great for me. I told the woman what I had tried on - how the ballgowns didn't work, and that I didn't want ANY beads or lace and she went to work bringing stuff in for me to try on. Finally I put on a Maggie Sottero (Karen Marie) and that was it. My mom ended up ordering it for me without having ever seen it... and I STRESSED about it for the 4 months it took to come in. When we went for my first fitting, I was sweating and shaking, so afraid that I made a terrible decison and that they'd all hate it. Well, I put it on, took one look at myself and all of the stress was gone. It was perfect. Luckily, when I exited the dressing room to show my mom and bridesmaids, they all teared up!
But yes, in my case, 3 was too many opinions for me.
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Bringing too many people for the first bridal dress shopping adventure can be overwhelming and frustrating. I suggest taking only your mom and sisters the first time. Most of the time, they know you best and can help you with all those little details you might overlook.
I tried doing bridesmaid dresses and wedding dresses in one day and it was waaay too much dress overload. I was tired from looking at and trying on dresses that I got easily frustrated by trying to pick out the bridesmaid dresses. I definitely don't recommend it.
I would go on a second (or third) trip with all your bridesmaids and FMIL after you have at least narrowed it down to 3 or 4 dresses and then let them all help you make the final decision. but I wouldn't try to take everyone at the same time. then you won't feel too exhausted to look for bridesmaid dresses and you can give it more of your attention.
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This coming April I will start my hunt for the "perfect" dress!! But where do I begin? Do I bring pics with me? Do I not bring pics because I don't want them to stick to one style? If I had all the time in the world I would try on every dress in my size! April gives me a year to find a dress and get anything altered...so I know I have some time...but what's the first thing I do? I know there are so many dresses and I have an idea what i want and what I dont want...but what if the dress I think I want doesn't look good on me? PLEASE HELP!!! Thank you!
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