Find the perfect wedding dress

• MARILYN by Mori Lee from Bideford Brides.

• FAITH by Raylia, available from Dresses to Impress.

• One of the dresses available from Always and Forever.

CHOOSING your bridal dress and those of your bridesmaids are among the most important decisions of your wedding day. All eyes will be on you, and so you want to look your best, but how do you know what will suit your figure?

After all, we have all looked at dresses and thought how gorgeous until we put them on and realise that in fact they are not as flattering to our figure as we had first hoped. This is where it's imperative to have professional help and guidance in helping you choose and perhaps the assistance of a friend who can be relied ,upon to give an honest appraisal of what you look like from all angles. Remember it's your back view that will be on display during the first part of the service and then, once you have signed the register, of course at your face and the front of your dress.

Visit as many bridal shops as you can and try on several different styles until you find the one that shows off your figure to perfection. You will find the three stockists listed here will be more than happy to help and advise to make sure you look a million dollars on your wedding day.

Frilly Frocks has earned a well deserved reputation for providing an excellent service for brides and grooms (don't forget the men, they need outfits too). With more than 300 dresses to choose from, Frilly Frocks, based in Barnstaple, is able to offer a wide range of choice to help you find the dress of your dreams. Owner Julie Draper has a wealth of knowledge and is very adept at advising brides on the best style to suit their figure.

Across the water in Northam, just outside Bideford, you will find Bideford Brides. Stocking names such as Beverley Lister and Amanda Wyatt, Bideford Brides is an established and highly regarded name on the bridal scene. They also stock outfits for mother of the bride, as well as many accessories, including tiaras, jewellery and bridal shoes. This is a gem of a shop and well worth a visit, with parking close by.

A new face on the wedding dress scene is based in Braunton. Called Dress to Impress, it's run by Kim and Mark Mason, who bought all of Skents wedding dresses, including the fixtures and fittings, and then have added even more stock.

One name that Kim is excited about is an Australian designer, Raylia Designs. "Many younger people live a lifestyle that is based around the beach, and this designer is perfect to reflect that." Kim is also planning to stock prom dresses, and will be continually adding to the range she already has in stock.

Always & Forever in Market Place, Bideford, offer a wide range of bridal wear to cater for all budgets.

Brides are offered out-of-hours appointments seven days a week to fit in around their work and family commitments, with private fitting areas available so the final choice can be made in complete secrecy!

The business also caters for flower girls and bridesmaids and carries a range if prom dresses, bespoke fascinators, jewellery, handbags and shoes.