Dating | Weddings

Wedding Gowns

Firstly, you must not go into a bridal shop with any fixed ideas; that way madness lies. All kinds of married women will tell you that the dress they tried on for a laugh, the wedding dress they would never have considered in a million years, turned out to be the one they tripped up the aisle in. So leave trawling the wedding magazines until you have had at least one major trying-on session.

Your wedding dress is unlike any dress you will ever have worn. For starters, it is likely to be white or cream, and much longer, and a much more unusual shape, than anything currently hanging in your wardrobe. So throw away your preconceptions of what will suit you: you'll be wrong. Try on every shape you can get your hands on, even if you don't like the style. You are guaranteed to be surprised by what flatters you. And that goes for your complexion, too: pure white doesn't work for everyone so make sure you see the bridal gown against your skin in daylight as well as in the shop, because your guests will.

When you have found a style that suits, compare the cost of materials. (A plain silk shift is likely to differ from a boned, beaded bodice with full skirt.) This will give you an idea of what you need to consider when setting your budget. Now you can look at the wedding magazines, to help you find variations on your theme. Bear in mind, you will need to order at least three to four months before your big day and, if you are indecisive, work back from this date to make sure you don't end up panic buying.

ANYONE COVERING YOUR BACK?

You need a dress buddy to talk you out of any childish Cinderella fantasy and give her free reign to say, 'Yes, your bum does look big in that'. (When you say your vows, most guests won't be looking at your face.) And make sure one of you remembers to bring some heels, unless you will be wearing flat (or no) shoes. Having your dress cut a few inches too short could be devastating, sartorially speaking.

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