Wedding dresses: how to choose 'the one' for you

Dress shopping is one of the most wonderful and exciting parts of planning your day.

But dress shopping can be quite daunting and overwhelming unless you do a bit of research in advance—especially as it can be the most expensive dress you've ever worn.

Often, the dress you think will be the perfect gown looks quite different when you put it on, so try on a few different styles before you make a decision.

And budget plays a big part in what you buy so it is wise to set yourself a limit and check what a different kinds of gowns cost

Don’t forget you’ll have accessories to pay for as well.

We’ll be featuring all kinds of dresses in all kinds of styles, but here are a few tips to help you start thinking about your perfect wedding dress.

Do your researcn

Magazines are a great way to start. Have a flick through, turn down pages or cut out the ones you like and start a scrap book.

You may find a pattern emerging or like most brides, you'll probably see lots that you like and find it hard to pick a winner.

Sometimes it's easier to start with what you know you really don’t want - for example a halter neck or a long train.

It is still better to just try one on, just in case but there will be some things you will know are a complete no-no.

Booking an appointment

Once you’ve got a few cuttings and ideas, have a look at the designers and their stockists.

You may find one locally so it makes sense to give them a ring and find out what they have before you book an appointment. It is wise to ask about the budget at this stage.

Ask you married friends if they have any recommendations for dress shops or have a bit of a window shop before you book an appointment to see if you like the look and feel of a shop.

If you would like to have a trying on sessions, you will almost always have to book in advance as shops often have one or two fitting rooms and will designate a member of staff to help you try on gowns.

It is probably wise to book two or three appointments to start with. Don’t overwhelm yourself especially if you're indecisive because you may find the more you look at the harder it gets.

Who to take?

Choosing who to take dress shopping is never easy but more often than not brides rely on the help of their mum, sister or best friend to give them guidance.

If you have a number of bridesmaids or best friend, you may be tempted to take them all but often there is not a lot of room in a bridal boutique and a number of different opinions may make it harder to make a choice.

What to wear?

Bridal stores generally have their own shoes for you to use to try on with dresses. They will often have veils and accessories for you to try on to complete the look.

It is best to wear a strapless bra and it helps to make a bit of an effort with your hair and make-up to give you a feel of the end result - especially if you have a specific look in mind.

In most bridal stores you will be able to browse all the gowns and then selected a handful that you like using pegs or with the help of an assistant. Then comes the trying on session when you will be helped into each gown.

Sample gowns are usually around a size 14 /16 which is then pinned or let out, according to your shape.

To buy or not to buy . . .

Make a note of the style and price of any that you like. Take some photos so you can look back once you are home .

You may fall in love with the first one you try on but try not to put a deposit down until you've had a look around a few stores. Until you’ve tried a selection on, you may find that your opinion changes about the look you will go for.

Ordering

Give yourself plenty of time—gowns can take up to six months to be ordered. Once they arrive they will be altered to fit you exactly unless you buy a dress by a designer which is made to measure which is usually the top end of the price scale.

Make sure you order the dress so there is plenty of time for the alterations, especially if your wedding is during the busy summer months. Ask the store to give you a rough idea of how long the alterations will take and whether there is any extra cost involved.

Unlike the High Street, bridal stores have strict return policies which state that once you have ordered your dress you will not be able to change your mind or exchange it. This is something to check with each store as they will have their own list of terms and conditions.

Ask for a copy of the contract /terms and conditions and read it through thoroughly so you don't have any nasty surprises like additional charges or extra ordering time for certain dresses.

If you only have a couple of months to your wedding you may be able to order a 'rush cut' which will be an added expense, but means you can get your dream gown in less than six months.

Take your time

Often brides end up buying more than one dress because they changed their mind nearer the big day. This is a costly way to do things and it is much better to get it right the first time with some research and thought.

It’s not easy with so many colours, styles and shapes but most brides say they just know when they've found “the one.”

Budget buys

Sample gowns are a good way of buying a designer dress at a fraction of the cost.

These are the gowns that a supplier sends for brides-to-be to try on. You may have to get one altered or professionally dry-cleaned (which can be £100) but they can still work out cheaper than ordering one from scratch.

Many High Street stores also stock good quality wedding gowns which you can return if you change your mind (within the terms and conditions).

There are also some fantastic vintage and second-hand gowns on offer, but size and condition can sometimes pose a problem with pre-worn or pre-owned dresses.

Good luck and happy shopping!

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