For many the most important decision about the Wedding Day is quite simply The Dress! With so many styles and fashion trends available now, choosing the dress that is right for you can seem almost impossible!

Step Two - Keep your file of photographs of dresses you like from bridal magazines, advertisements and boutique promotions handy when you shop.

Step 3 - Choose a style appropriate for the ceremony. For a formal evening wedding, a floor-length dress in ivory, white, cream or champagne, often worn with gloves and a train, is an elegant choice. Semiformal dresses can be also be pastels, a floorbrushing (ballerina) length, with a short veil and no train. At a less-formal or second wedding, the bride may choose a long or short dress, or even a two-piece suit. A short veil may be very stylish paired with a classic pillbox hat.

Step 4 - Flatter your figure with a dress that suits you. Take a trusted, honest sister or friend who has your best interests at heart for feedback. Try one of each basic shape--princess, ball gown sheath and empire waist--to see which flatters you most. Check that you can walk, turn, sit and bend comfortably, as well as lift your arms and hug loved ones without splitting a seam. Comfort and confidence are vital on this day of days.

Step 5 - Shop at bridal boutiques or department stores for a wide array of styles. Try on a few designer gowns first so you recognize the quality, then choose a dress based on your budget.

Step 6 - Set a budget. Off-the-rack dresses can be found for 250 euros and up. A simple custom-made dress can be had for as little as 750 euros, and can go as high as 10,000 euros for a Vera Wang, with many dresses in the lower third of that range.

Step 7 - Ask when bridal stores are next having a sample sale. Be on the lookout for warehouse sales on discontinued styles, samples and overstocks.

Step 8 - Make the deposit with a credit card. Get an itemized receipt spelling out every detail (manufacturer's and design name, number, price, colour and size) and stating that the deal is canceled if your dress isn't ready by a specified date.

Step 9 - Budget for alterations, which can run 300 euros or more. Ask if pressing is included and if they'll store your dress until the big day. Also ask for recommendations for cleaning and storing the dress.