Some brides do find choosing a wedding dress for their big day quite difficult. So to help you, I've written a brief guide here to help you choose exactly the right wedding dress. With care and planning, this ought to to prevent all you future brides from making any glaring fashion faux pas!

1. What's My Body Shape?
   
   This is probably the most important question to consider. Your wedding gown must complement and flatter your figure no matter what. Now, of course, there are lots of body shapes - pear, apple, hour-glass or top-heavy - and no two women are the same - but above all, the dress must flatter you. By way of example, if you have a pear shape - i.e. with wider hips - then I'd probably suggest a soft 'a-line' gown would likely suit you more than a fish-tail skirt.
   
   
2. Complementing the venue:
   
   Secondly, your dress must compliment the wedding ceremony venue. For a wedding reception I would suggest a contemporary dress; at a religious ceremony - perhaps in a temple - I'd always suggest a more traditional dress.
   
   
3. What's My Budget?
   
   Now ask yourself, "what am I willing to pay"? Having a realistic budget helps you to be much more organised when it comes to choosing your wedding dress. For instance, if your budget is under £1,000 then a great-looking ready-made dress can most certainly be bought. However, if you can stretch to it (pardoning the pun!) a higher budget of over £1,000 will almost certainly enable you to buy a bespoke, couture gown.
   
   
4. Choose the 'look':
   
   Do you have a vision as to how you want your overall look to be? Some brides like the Grecian look which is flowy and soft, whereas a Cinderella fairytale look is usually big and grand.
   
   
5. Have I Done My Research?
   
   Have you really considered the choices of designer or retailer? Think about where you would like to buy your wedding dress from. If relevant, make sure you are happy with the designer who is going to make it for you. More than anything, make sure you have researched which retailers and designers have been recommended, taking a good look at their customer testimonials.
   
   
6. Enjoy Yourself!
   
   Finally, don't forget to enjoy the process of choosing and buying your dress! This is probably the most enjoyable part of your wedding preps, so go hit the shops and have fun!
   

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