Choosing a Wedding Dress

The sooner you start shopping for your wedding dress the better. You'll have time to find exactly what you want and either save up for it or have it made to fit. You'll also have more chance of finding a bargain in a sale (usually January and midsummer). Wedding-dress shopping is a lengthy process: you will usually need to make an appointment and allow at least two hours. Each of the shops will specialise in just a few designers so, to get a good idea of the range that's available, you have to be prepared to visit quite a few of them. It takes stamina and determination and, after a while, they all start to look the same.

• This is a major expenditure. A dress can cost between £250 and £5,000, but don't assume the more expensive ones will necessarily suit you better.
• Ask yourself what look you want to achieve and then bear it in mind when you're trying on your dresses. Is it glamour? Innocence? Sophistication? Sex appeal? Do you want to be Grace Kelly? Audrey Hepburn? Marilyn Monroe? Madonna?
• Always take somebody with you - two people are even better because you get more than one opinion and they can talk among themselves while you're being pinned into yet another long white frock.
• Make sure it's actually wearable - wedding receptions are getting longer and more elaborate so it's not unusual to be wearing your wedding outfit (and dancing in it too) for 12 hours or more. Wear the shoes at home in the pre-wedding week and don't go for very high heels if you don't normally wear them - you'll look like a drag queen.
• The most important thing to remember about choosing a wedding dress is to allow time after each shopping session to have a drink and something to eat with your supporting team. This whole process is fun, it's not a chore. So enjoy it.