Bridal gowns and more

Check out the Wedding Directory for suppliers of wedding gowns

View the e-edition for the latest styles

House of Couture                        Annette, Pure Bridal

Baboushka                                     House of Couture

Expert bridal consultants Marie Canty and Anna Hare from Pure Bridalwear offer advice on finding that gorgeous gown.

1. If you plan to visit a particular store, ring to make an appointment. Most stores are happy for you to browse, but booking an appointment will enable the staff to give you more time and attention.

2. We recommend that you bring one or two trusted friends or relations when looking for dresses so that you don't get too many conflicting opinions.

3. Consider your budget before you go looking as the cost of Wedding dresses can vary from £500 to £3,000.

4. Although the internet can be a good place to do research, we don't advise brides to buy their dress online as they are rarely genuine dresses and are often a cause of stress and disappointment.

5. A good bridal shop will want to learn more about you and your day, including where you are getting married, what time of year it will be, and any ideas you have - but most importantly, tell them about your personality so they can find you dresses that will complement who you are.

6. Give some thought to your underwear. Don't feel embarrassed trying on dresses in your Sunday bra or mismatched separates. Just make sure it's something you feel confident and comfortable in.

7. Take your time. Feel the fabrics of the dresses and consider all the different colours and styles available to you.

8. Be open to suggestions and willing to try on dresses you might not have considered before. The staff in the bridal store will be able to advise you on the best styles to suit your shape and personality.

9. Look at the accessories the store may stock. Some bridal shops will carefully select their accessories to complement their gowns.

10. Where possible, take a sample swatch of your dress when you leave so you can use it to match the accessories and attendants' outfits with your look.

Pure Bridalwear's hot predictions... Look out for:

• Lace detailing
• Boleros and shrugs
• Halter-neck styles
• Ballerina lengths

Pure Bridalwear, 01603 625000, www.purebridalwear.com

Crown Joolz                                  Prima Donna

Dreams Bridal                                 Donna Salada

Think about:

Your hairstyle and what you will wear on your head: a veil, a tiara - or nothing?

Accessories: most bridal shops will have some to try

Lingerie: It needs to feel feminine and comfortable as well as helping the outfit lie properly.

That’s quite a lot to ask from one set of underwear, but with new wedding ranges released all the time, it is possible. Do wait until you have your dress or outfit before buying, as you need to be sure it won’t show, but then wear it to all dress fittings.

Many brides suddenly decide they need the full basque and suspenders outfit for their wedding day and spend their time worrying the stocking are going to ping off or wishing they had their big knickers on.

So why not wear something comfortable and which doesn’t show through the dress for the ceremony and reception and then change into a slightly more interesting lingerie outfit before heading off with your new husband?

Bridesmaids: can you get a complementary style for them?

House of Couture                            Crown Joolz

Prima Donna                                 Pure Bridal