It is a good idea to practise putting on the dress and accessories in advance. The dress shop should advise on the correct order for dressing and fastening everything.

Never get the dress professionally steamed or try to iron it yourself. Instead, hang it up in the bathroom and the steam will force any creases to drop. Cotton gloves must be worn when handling the dress.

No one helping the bride to get ready should wear shoes until the last minute in case they step on the dress or veil. Keep make-up away from the wedding dress.

On the morning of the wedding, the dress is the last thing the bride puts on: she should be fully made-up and, normally, even have her shoes on before putting on her wedding gown.

The bridal bouquet should be held at hip-height or else the line of the dress can be spoilt.

See also Bridal Flowers

See also The Bridesmaids

See also The Bride's Wedding Morning

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