WHATEVER the season you choose to marry your sweetheart in, there's bound to be an overwhelming amount of dress styles to choose from. Feathers, plunging necklines, applique florals and A-line designs are all potential trends for 2016. But how do you make sure you buy the best dress for you?

Here are ten tips for the perfect fit:

It's always advisable to book an appointment with a dress shop rather than dropping in spontaneously. Sales

assistants work one-to-one with a bride-to-be and you could be waiting a while for a free slot as appointments usually last an hour.

Wedding dress shops


stock sample sizes for each gown. The one you actually get to take away with you is ordered in, which can take a number of months, so book your dress appointment in plenty of time. You'll then need to come back for up to three fittings.
Just to keep you on your toes, bridal gown sizes often don't match up to ordinary clothing sizes and can vary from one designer to another. Make sure you're measured and don't be alarmed if you go up a couple of sizes – it's just a number and what matters is your dress fits you in all the right places.

By the same token, your dress may need alterations. Some fabrics are hard to alter and they could take more time to get right. Your friendly sales assistant can advise you on what can be adjusted so your dress fits like a glove. Remember a dress that's too big can be taken in, but a dress that's too small can't be made larger. If in doubt, always go a size up.

It might sound odd but make sure you're wearing supportive underwear in a neutral colour and a strapless bra if possible. Not only will this help you to see how a dress will fit your figure, but it will also save you any embarrassment in the changing room – sales assistants will often be in there with you to help you in and out of each dress.

Don't take too many people to your appointment – this should be your decision and a lot of opinions in the room will only confuse you. Bring a trusted friend and your mum, or a sister. They can see how you dress fits and get tips on how to help you dress on the big day if there is any complicated corsetry or fiddly buttons you can't reach yourself.

Take your wedding shoes to the appointment with you. Whether you're going for flats, heels or sparkly pumps, wearing the shoes you've chosen for the day will help you and your assistant see where the dress falls and whether it needs to be taken up. It also gives you a chance to practice your aisle walk – particularly if you've chosen heels.

When you go back for your fitting and it's complete, make sure to move around in your dress. You need to know that you can breathe, walk, dance and sit in your dress.

Wedding planning can be stressful and you might find yourself putting on or losing weight. If you feel your body shape changing, arrange for another fitting as soon as possible.

Have a final fitting two weeks before the wedding. Any closer to the big day may cause problems for alterations.