by Sarah Rees

Set a budget for your wedding dress before going shopping. It will help prevent you setting your heart on a particular dress only to find it is far too expensive.

Comfort is imperative because you will be wearing your dress all day and possibly into the night. Practice sitting, bending and dancing in your dress. Also test your shoes and lingerie for comfort.

If you are having a religious ceremony it may be appropriate to select a style of dress which avoids too much exposed flesh! If you want a sleeveless or low cut dress, consider wearing a jacket or cape that can be easily removed following the ceremony.

Consider the time of year when you will be getting married. You may be choosing your dress in the heat of the summer but if your wedding is set for the winter months long sleeves may be more practical than a strapless gown. Crushed velvet and satin are warm fabrics and you may consider gloves as an elegant winter addition to your outfit.

If your wedding budget is tight consider buying a second hand gown - charity shops often feature wedding dresses as their main window display item.

There are also numerous internet sites selling second hand bridal wear and a bargain can sometimes be found on eBay.

Alternatively, dresses can be hired but check the contract carefully to see if it is your responsibility to have it cleaned before it's returned. Professional wedding dress cleaning can prove expensive.

If you are going to ask your bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses, consider a style they will be able to wear again. There are some beautiful gowns available, which can be worn after the wedding at a summer ball or formal dinner.

It's a good idea to leave your dress at the bridal boutique until as close to the big day as possible. The shop will be able to keep the dress fresh and well pressed. When you do take it home, consider screwing a cup hook into the ceiling of a spare room so the dress can hang freely. Hanging it in a wardrobe or on a door can easily crush it.

If you decide on a set colour for your wedding scheme, remember that florists can dye flowers - so you can cheat Mother Nature and have exactly what you want in your bouquet and table decorations.