If you grew up like I did with a romantic vision of what my wedding should be like, then no matter how many questions there are to ask yourself, you're sure of one thing, it needs to be perfect. Nowadays not everyone appears as concerned about finding the perfect dress, but for most of us - deep inside - it really does matter.

As soon as you begin planning or the big day, choosing your wedding dress becomes an urgent need for most brides. Nobody wants to wait. While dealing with wedding stress and preparations, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to try on different styles and find the one who says "you".

The theme of your wedding will be an important point when selecting that special dress. Are you getting married on the beach? If so, you might choose a light airy style. Have you decided on a formal affair? Then by all means, go all out and wear a white dress covered in silk and lace. Whatever type of occasion your wedding will be, your dress will play one of the most important roles in it!

It's also important to think about the month and season you are getting married in. If you are having a middle of summer wedding, then you probably shouldn't wear a wedding dress with double layers or long sleeves. After all, this is supposed to be the most memorable day of your beginning together. You don't want the biggest memory to be how much you sweated through the whole ceremony!

When choosing a wedding dress, try on comfortable styles. Walk around in them, if kneeling is part of your ceremony, then kneel in the dress. You need to certain that you will be comfortable in your choice. The beauty of the dress is only half of your decision - the other half is looking beautiful, happy and elegant. And you won't look - or be - happy if you are holding your breath so seams do not pop or you're itchy from the lace on your arms.

One mistake that a lot of brides tend to make when choosing a wedding dress is with the size. If you are planning on losing weight before your big day, do not buy a dress the size you think you may be come the wedding day. Instead buy the size you are on the day you choose the dress. It will always be easier to take a dress in if it is too big. It's an awful job trying to add material for a dress that ended up being too small.

With the expense of weddings, some couples try and cut back by making their own flowers, having a family member bake the wedding cake or hiring a friend to take wedding photos. Although it is okay to cut back and still have your dream wedding, don't skimp when choosing your wedding dress. If you cannot afford to hit a wedding boutique and pay their prices, try wedding consignment shops, who offer 'like new' dresses at an affordable price. Remember too that there are many discount wedding dress shops.

Whatever style, color or price range you eventually decide on when choosing your wedding dress, don't forget that it's you your fianc fell in love with, not your dress. The dress adds to the ambiance of the day, but it isn't the real centerpiece.

After you have chosen your wedding dress hang it in the bag it comes in and don't show it to everybody. Give guests something to look forward to when they see you for the first time walking down the aisle. And unless it is truly unavoidable, don't let your future husband see your dress at all before the wedding. They say it's bad luck and even if that's just a superstition, it certainly does spoil his surprise!