I've posted before about looking for something A-line with long sleeves. I still think "the dress" would have turned up on ebay eventually, but at the urging of older women, I went to a bridal shop recommended by people at church where they do custom orders. I wish I'd done it months ago just to have a sensible answer to the "Do you have a dress?" questions.
Advice, in no particular order:
*Know exactly what you want, and bring pictures of each element (train, bows, neckline, etc.)
*Be prepared to leave these pictures with the shop.
*They didn't make me try anything on, and certainly weren't interested in presenting me with the "whole look" like other bridal salons. So, no need to arrange your hair or make-up close to what you'll have on the "big day."
*Do know if you'll wear heels or flats, and your plan re: any shapewear that would affect your measurements.
*I wore a pencil skirt and loose blouse and almost didn't even have to take anything off to be measured. I did end up having to take off my blouse (in a fitting room, of course), to get some of the many measurements they took between my neck and belly button (not just bust and waist, but shoulders and the armhole and my bra band, etc.).
*Besides style, consider fabric before you go in. The swatches were tiny, and I doubt they had dresses in each version of "white." It was helpful to have tried on dresses before where I didn't like the style, to know I'm one of those rare people who really does look best in white-white, not "diamond white" or anything close to ivory.
They estimate the dress will be in the first week of August, so, 11 weeks. Of course, it could be a disaster. So far, it feels like a really good route for brides who know exactly what they want but can't find it. Also, my very simple dress (no lace, beading, or embroidery), was $350, so it may be a good way to save money, too, and 11 weeks is a shorter turn-around than others we read about on theknot.