10 questions to ask your bridal boutique

1 When do I need to start looking for my dress?

It's never too early to start looking, but ideally leave a minimum of between eight and twelve months. The trick is to not try on too many dresses – it gets very confusing!

2 Do I need to make appointments?

Yes. Not only is it nearly impossible to get into the dresses on your own, it's a good idea to have an assistant to give you expert advice to help find you the right dress. Some gowns have no hanger appeal, so left to your own devices, you might find the search more difficult.

3 Will it help to bring someone with me to the appointment?

Don't bring too many people. You will never please everybody, and the only person who needs to love your dress is you! To compromise, tell people you can take them to your fitting so that they can see your final selection.

4 Should I know what I want before I try on dresses?

The only way you can tell exactly what you want is by trying on dresses. You'll find it difficult to decide on details before you come in. Keep an open mind, and prepare to like something you didn't think you would.

5 What if I want to lose some weight before deciding on my dress?

It's always safer to order the dress to the size you are, just in case the weight loss doesn't go to plan. Dresses can be taken in.

6 Should I wear special underwear when trying on wedding dresses?

Not particularly. Lots of dresses have enough structure once fitted properly for you not to have to wear a bra, but this is a personal choice entirely. For trying the dresses on, a strapless bra might be a good idea, but if you forget and wear a pink stripy one, then just tuck down the straps.

7 How long will my dress take to come in?

Delivery times depend entirely on the designer. As a general rule, dresses take between 12 and 20 weeks. They can be rushed through on an express delivery, but that incurs extra charges, and ideally you'll want to avoid those!

8 Are alterations included in the price?

The alterations are costed separately, purely because every bride is very different. They are kept as low as possible, but the fit of the dress is the most important part. If it fits you like a glove, it looks and feels a million dollars!

9 When do I pay?

You pay a 50 percent deposit, then the balance is due when the dress arrives in the shop, before it's fitted to you.

10 Will you store the dress for me?

We keep the dress here until you choose to collect it, whether that's three weeks before the big day, or the day before. We press and triple-check it before it leaves.

Find out more about Mamfii Bridal at mamfiibridal.co.uk.