Your guide to choosing a wedding dress

The first steps to finding the perfect wedding dress

• Start looking at least six months before the wedding.
• Set your budget. There are price tags to suit every pocket, from off-the-peg wedding dresses to bespoke couture.
• Choose your dress style. Are you looking for a traditional and romantic wedding dress or something more modern, elegant or unusual?
• Decide on the colour of your wedding dress and accessories. You may also want to reflect your choice in the outfits of the wedding party and the venue too.
• What will suit your body shape? Wedding dresses come in many different cuts and fittings. Choosing the right sleeves, neckline, detailing and skirt will help you look and feel your most beautiful.

Where to look

• If it's not essential to keep your wedding dress after the ceremony, a specialist hire shop may be the answer.
• If you're on a tight budget, try second-hand or retro dresses. Visit dress agencies, charity shops or vintage clothing stores.
• The high street offers a huge choice, whether you're looking in department stores or bridal boutiques.
• For a wedding dress that is uniquely yours, consider the made-to-measure approach. A dressmaker will follow the pattern of your choice or, for a one-off creation, a couture wedding dress will meet your exact requirements.

Wedding dress essentials

• Few brides-to-be shop alone. Take a close friend or family member whose fashion sense you trust.
• Make appointments to try on a variety of different wedding dresses and make a note of your favourites.
• You will need to order your wedding dress at least five months before the big day. Most bridal shops will require a 50 per cent deposit at this point.
• Make sure that whoever is providing your wedding dress is clear about the date that it is required and what you need to have done by when, particularly if it's being made for you.
• Experiment with accessories, including veils, shoes and jewellery. Take your final choices to your first wedding dress fitting.
• If you're on a diet, try to reach your target weight before the first dress fitting. If need be, book a second and final fitting to make sure your wedding dress looks perfect on that special day.