You will be wearing what is probably the most expensive garment you'll ever buy, for just one day. So do you know your chiffon from your organza? Take some tips from a bride-to-be

Suits you, madam
As soon as the excuse comes along, most newly engaged women can't resist trying on a few gowns - there really is a princess lurking within us all. And there's a lot to be said for getting your dress chosen and organised well in advance. Whether you're looking to pick up a beautiful secondhand dress for £100 or splash out on a £4000 designer number, don't leave your dress shopping until the last minute. If you choose to order a dress from a wedding dress supplier or shop it can take between four and six months to be delivered. And make sure you leave time nearer to the 'big day' for any minor adjustments and final fittings to allow for any fluctuations in weight - pounds, in theory, should fall off with all the stress.

Dress fittings
Well, they can be an experience. A friend of mine was appalled when she was asked to go into an open-plan changing room and strip to her knickers - she then stood waiting for 15 minutes. Self-conscious and shivering, she was on the verge of tears by the time the assistant brought the dresses in. And you can't be coy about people seeing you half naked. On several occasions I found myself standing in my knickers while shop assistants hoisted what seemed like a parachute's worth of material over my head.

Of course, you can opt for the luxury of having one made privately. Fittings take place in a comfortable home environment and, usually, it doesn't work out much more expensive. I opted for a happy medium - a bridal dress dealer, who runs a bridal business from home and without the overhead cost of a shop can afford to charge less.

When it comes to fittings, it's best to book an appointment in advance. Smaller, local shops can be more accommodating if you turn up without an appointment, but department stores won't let you try on a dress unless you call first.

One-size-fits-all
Don't be disheartened by the size of the dresses as they come up a size or two too small. You would think on the most important day of your life, they would try to help you feel slimmer than you actually are. I had to buy a size fourteen dress because I couldn't squeeze into my usual size ten. I was nearly in tears at my unexpected weight gain - but once I was informed of the 'small size rule', I took a sigh of relief and accepted it. My sister-in-law, a sexy size 16, had to order a size 20 for her wedding dress.

To make matters worse, the boutique rails only have tiny dresses on display for you to try. As a result, most brides-to-be are made to feel self-conscious from the start and can only dream of fastening the back. This doesn't stop the shop assistants trying to strap you in - so take a deep breath!

Getting the style right
No matter how many bridal magazines you've read, it's very difficult to judge the style of dress that actually suits you without trying different styles on. Let's face it, how often do you get to wear a dress like this?

Try on all styles - even the ones you think are ridiculous. I decided that a straight chiffon number would look fabulous, only to find that it revealed every lump, bump and fold on my body. Or as my mum put it, 'It's not very forgiving, darling'.

Throw caution to the wind and try everything - empire line, fishtail, mermaid, A-line, straight, even meringue. I was quite surprised when a Lady Diana style meringue actually looked quite flattering. If it wasn't for the stigma attached to a puffball shape, I probably would have been tempted. In the end I compromised with an elegant A-line.

One final tip, chances are you'll be forking out at least a couple of hundred pounds for your dress, so make it a girl's day out. Don't be self-conscious and, of course, wear knickers that you're not embarrassed to be seen in.