Dress shopping: a bride-to-be's experience

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.

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