When it comes to your wedding gown, there is such a vast range of styles, shapes and colour. Naturally, the wedding hairstyle has to come second to the dress, although the 2 must work together synonymously.

The best advice to take when choosing your wedding dress is to go to a shop with an open mind. It is all very well to have an idea of what you would like, but it's a known fact that 75% of brides come home with an unexpected choice of dress. It will be such a fun day out, and probably the only chance in your life you will get to 'play' with so many different types of wedding gown.

Choosing your bridal gown will be the most expensive shopping trip of your life! Most wedding dress specialists are only too helpful and will be quite happy for you to try on most of the shop, though you may have to pre-book an appointment at some places. If you are in a minority of places where the staff resemble those on Julia Robert's trip to Rodeo Drive in Pretty Woman then simply go elsewhere. No-one should hurry you into a decision about a wedding gown and no-one should make you feel like a nuisance.

Trying on wedding dresses of every style is essential; you really don't know what will suit you until you try it on. Experiment with bodice and skirt, all-in-one empire line, bias cut, strapless, spaghetti straps, off the shoulder, short sleeves, long sleeves, organza, silk, tulle, with a petticoat and without a petticoat. It would also be a good idea to take a few hair clips with you so that you can experiment with different wedding hairstyles as you are experimenting with different wedding dresses.

Before you go on your big shopping expedition, it would be a good idea to look through a range of bridal magazines. Look at different colours, styles, shapes, fabrics and designers so that you have a few ideas about what you like when you are trying on. It would also be a good idea to look at wedding hairstyles. Don't forget though, that bridal models usually look fantastic in everything they wear and all hairstyles suit them.

You would be better to look at a model with similar colourings and with a similar face shape to yourself. You should also look at certain combinations of wedding gowns and wedding hairstyles - chances are that particular dress styles lend themselves to particular hairstyles. For example, strapless gowns are often complemented by up-do's, whereas tall, slim brides wearing plain silk dresses look better with short, cropped hairstyles or loads of long unkempt tousled curls!

Once at a wedding gown shop, give your assistant some idea of what sort of dress you have in mind. Try your dream dress on and see how it makes you feel. But, don't be put off if an assistant suggests something completely different. Remember, they have kitted out hundreds of brides and probably have a good idea of what will suit you just by looking at you and talking to you. Go on, be daring! It is true what they say - "You will just know when you try on the right one!"

They may also have some good ideas about wedding hairstyles too, so don't be afraid to ask them.

Lastly, before choosing your dream wedding gown and a breathtaking wedding hairstyle to go with it, remember to choose something that suits the way you are now. Many brides plan to be 2 sizes smaller, have more defined arms, a longer neck or have longer hair by the big day, but you should always choose a wedding dress to suit how you are today. Look upon any weight loss or toning up as an added bonus - or the icing on the cake!