1. Start looking at styles and fabrics now. Look everywhere, in magazines, shops and general advertising.
  2. Go to wedding dress sales, specialist and department stores. Keep your eyes open and always have an open mind, you never know what you will see!
  3. Spend time with your Mum, wedding co-ordinator or best friend to try on dresses. Make appointments and try to go mid-week when they are less busy, you will have more time and feel relaxed.
  4. Choose about six from each shop and try lots of different styles. Don’t just try the ones you think you will like or the styles you have in your head! Be prepared to listen to the sales assistant and the people accompanying you, you don’t have to buy but take advantage of the chance to try on something different!
  5. Try at least one from the main style groups, strapless, sleeveless, with sleeves, off the shoulder, full skirt, straight, narrow simplicity and full-on fairytale princess! You will never know how you will look or feel if you don’t try them on; you may well be very surprised.
  6. When you have decided on the basic shape, look closely at the colour – there are many shades of white, ivory and cream. Look how the colour of the dress affects your skin tone.
  7. Some brides choose a coloured wedding dress or a dress with coloured embroidery or beadwork on them. Always remember the choice is yours!
  8. Remember your budget, or bring someone along who can remind you of it from time to time!
  9. When you have made that all important decision, look at the accessories that may accompany the dress. Veil, tiara, hooped petticoat, wrap, shoes, bag, the list can be endless. Try different styles of head dress and tiaras to find the one that makes you feel good and goes well with the dress. Make a second appointment to go back to place your order. This gives you time to sleep on your decision, ensure you have the money within your budget and then go back, try it on to make double sure it’s what you want, then pay the deposit.
  10. At this time check the price you are committing to, make sure you have it in writing with a receipt for your deposit. It is also prudent to ask about any alterations that may be needed when your dress arrives. Is the cost of alteration included in the price? Beware: sometimes alterations and further fittings are extra! Again get this in writing so you know exactly what you have to pay and when.
  11. At this point there is a minimum of three months before the date of the wedding often four if the dress is coming from abroad. When ordering, it is a good idea to give the date of your wedding two weeks earlier than it actually is to ensure your dress is ready in good time.
  12. Check the length of your dress with your wedding shoes and most importantly wear your wedding underwear at your fitting.
  13. Shoes are very important as you will be on your feet all day and all evening. Don’t restrict yourself to wedding shoes, look around – go for comfort and even consider sandals. Get footwear 8 to 12 weeks before the wedding to give you time to have them for your fitting and to walk them in around the house.
  14. Most importantly of all, enjoy it!