Level 1: Choosing a Costume

What season is the event in? What are the chances of rain, cold temperatures, extreme heat, or strong wind conditions? You'll want to pick something you won't overheat or freeze in, and some materials are temperature sensitive. Armor made of thermoplastics can warp in extreme heat and some glues will liquify!

Is it held in a convention center? A park? A shopping mall? A college campus? Many venues do not have places where you can change into a costume, so keep that in mind.
Some places have restrictions on what you can wear and what props are allowed. Check beforehand.

How many people attend the event? Will your costume be okay in a crowded hall? If your costume or prop is large, it can be a safety hazard in crowds.

Be Realistic. Biting off more than you can chew can spoil the experience.
It’s okay to cosplay something simple. Not every costume needs to be the biggest or the most complex.

Will you be able to finish a complicated costume -or- will you end up working with no sleep the night before the convention?

Is it something shows more skin than is normal for you?
Can you walk in your cosplay shoes without pain for many hours?
Is it very tight? Are you use to wearing similar fitting clothing? Corsets and shape-wear take time to adjust to.
You will be more comfortable in costumes that are similar to your normal manner of dress. Work up to uncomfortable projects as you gain EXP.

If you are going to be active, make sure it allows you to be mobile. Do you have full movement of your arms and legs?
If not, have friends who are committed to help you get around in costume.

Sign up for coupons from major retailers like Michael’s and Joann. These retailers price everything with coupons in mind!
Look for warehouse fabric stores in your area. Most large cities have one, and some smaller markets will too. These places sell fabric in big volumes and tend to be a chaotic maze. It can be a challenge to find what you need but it will often be much cheaper than normal fabric retailers.
Order from online fabric wholesalers like Fabric Wholesale Direct. If you buy fabric online, don't forget to order swatches of fabric first!
Check thrift stores for used shoes, belts, and clothes you can modify.

Factor in the cost of the equipment and your time. Some projects will cost much more to make if you need to invest in new tools.
Your time equals money! Spend it how you will.
Marketplaces like Taobao and Amazon make some items cheaper to buy than make yourself. Hoop skirts & petticoats, for example, are available in all sorts of shapes and sizes for cheap.