Shopping for a wedding dress is a little different to your typical shopping experience- a little preparation can go a long way to smoothing out some of the wrinkles and meaning you have a really lovely experience.

1. Wear whatever underwear you plan on wearing on the day

First of all, this will help you understand how the dress will hang on you on the day. Spanx have the ability to change a dress from making you feel a little lumpy to it fitting you perfectly. I would personally recommend Spanx over a boned corset, because you wear it for a long time on your wedding day and you want to be comfy. Make sure whatever you wear is nude so that it doesn't shine through the dress.

Secondly, since wedding dresses can be a little tricky to get into, you may need help from the woman in the shop (hi!). I have seen just about everything, from super sexy thongs to sponge bob square pants briefs. Both could be a little embarrassing in front of a woman you've just met.

2. Wear shoes a similar height to what you want to wear

This seems like a fairly obvious one. The height of your heels can have a big impact on how the dress looks, and is useful if you need to be measured that you know what height your shoes are. If they are too uncomfortable to go shopping in, they are too uncomfortable for your wedding! Wearing them to few fittings might also help wear them in, and save you blistered feet at the start of your honeymoon.

3. Tie your hair up

Most brides wear their hair up, so even just having it in a sleek pony tail gives you a better idea of what you might look like on the day. It is also much cooler, and trying on dresses can get quite warm.

4. No foundation

While people often say wear a little make up so you feel good about yourself, I have to say this is a dressmaker's worst nightmare. No matter how hard you try, you end up getting a little orange makeup on the clean white samples. It's the number one reason for me having to retire sample dresses from use. Mascara is enough!