“Check out stockists of your favourite designer and see if you can just have a peek at their stock – not necessarily at the weekend,” says Y&YW’s fashion director Peta Hunt. “And make sure you get on with the assistant helping you – you could be spending the next year in your underwear with her!  Remember, you are spending more money on this dress than on any other, so expect friendly, courteous, helpful service and information. If you don’t get it – walk out!”

Do I need to make an appointment?

You may find you can walk in without an appointment midweek, but you will almost always need an appointment at the weekend.

“It’s a good idea to make an appointment as most bridal showrooms have an ‘appointment-only’ policy so if you just turn up expecting to be seen you might be disappointed. Also if you have an appointment, it means you’ll be more prepared for the day and the bridal shop will have some idea too of what you’re looking for before you arrive,” advises Terri Baccino, Aphrodite Bridalwear in Cheshire

Can I look through sample dresses myself, or am I restricted to dresses the salesperson selects for me?

 “After your initial phone call, the consultant prepares for your appointment with the information you’ve given,” says Karen Kelly of Anne Priscilla Bridal. “On the day, as well as our expert guidance, you’ll have the opportunity to look through all the sample gowns yourself.”

Terri Baccino agrees. “You should always be able to choose your own dresses – I let brides wander around the shop and turn the hangers for dresses they want to try on. You should never feel pressured to try on dresses that you don’t like the look of – although it’s good to keep an open mind, too.”

When should I start looking?

“We suggest eight months to a year before the wedding if you can,” says Carol Davies of Morgan Davies Bridal.

“Most designers take at least 12 weeks to make a gown and the more time you give them, the happier you’ll be with it,” says Ian Stuart.

Designer Sassi Holford believes six months is ideal. “Although that’s negotiable depending on the time of year and the availability of the bride and fittings,” she says.

What should I expect from a bridal shop?

Look for well laid out stock, and staff who are friendly and knowledgeable. They shouldn’t push you to buy the dress – they’re there to assist, advise and help you look beyond the image you’ve settled on. “If the store is a member of the Retail Bridal Association, it means it’s been in business for at least five years and its standards are checked annually,” says Alan Sanders, chairman of the Retail Bridal Association. “If a store’s not a member, it may still be very good but you need to do your research.”

What should I wear?

Overall, you should feel comfortable. “Some girls go in to a bridal shop for the first time all dressed up – but you really don’t need to,” says Maria Yiannikaris of Mirror Mirror Couture. “Within five minutes of meeting the assistant, you’re going to be taking your clothes off. It gets personal very quickly!”

Who should I take with me?

“Go shopping with someone who loves you (mum, sister, or best friend) who will give you honest feedback,” says Y&YW fashion director Peta Hunt. And keep the numbers down. Don’t bring babies in buggies or toddlers. Bridal shops are full of expensive dresses, there’s hardly any room, and there are pins and beads on the floor.

What should I bring with me?

“Some shops keep lingerie such as strapless bras for girls to wear when they’re trying on dresses, but with others you’ll need to bring your own,” says Susi Rogol of Bridal Buyer Magazine. “Wear a good strapless bra and slimming high-waisted pants, not old grey undies!” says Peta Hunt. “And take a pair of shoes of roughly the same height you’ll be wearing on the big day.”  Take grips or hair bands if you have long hair so you can see how each dress looks with your hair up or down.”

How many fittings are usual?

Two or three is average. “You’ll usually have an initial fitting, then a further one after those alterations have been done,” says Alan Sanders. “ After that, a small final adjustment may be needed.” If you feel unhappy about your fitting at any time – say so!

Will alterations be included in the price?

“At a bridal retailer you try on the style you like in the size they have in store,” says Susi Rogal. “Then they order it in the size closest to yours, and alter to fit.” Some retailers include alteration costs in the price but you may find that the dress therefore costs more.

“We would charge extra for alterations but would discuss the bride’s needs fully before asking for payment,” says Terri Baccino. “It’s so important to bring the correct shoes and underwear to the fittings – and try not to have a spray tan the day before in case it rubs off on your dress.”

Don’t forget, if you buy from a home trader or via the internet, you won’t get the fittings and alterations service you would get from a shop.

How will my dress be delivered?

You normally collect your dress as most shops will charge a delivery fee. If you are getting married abroad, ask the shop if they will pack it up for you.

How should I store my dress?

Hang the dress long, out of its bag, covered with a cotton sheet – this protects it but allows it to breathe. “There’s a slight chance of white taking on the colour of, say, a pink painted room,” says Maria from Mirror Mirror. “Just make sure you cover it with a white cotton sheet, both before and after the wedding.”

Can I change my mind and get the deposit back?

Always check the terms and conditions. You normally pay a 50% deposit when you order the dress.  You may be given a fixed time of, say, 14 days to change your mind, but there may well be a penalty.

Visit the Y&YW Directory for bridal shops in your area.