LET'S face it, your wedding dress is THE centrepiece of the big day.

Choosing it has to be one of the most exciting elements in the build-up to any marriage. You get to try on a lot of frocks and find one that is just perfect for you.

But it's not always that simple, is it?

Every blushing bride has a clear image of the perfect wedding dress in her mind.

But choosing from the huge range of styles, shapes and shades on offer can seem like a daunting task.

On your special day, you have to do more than stand out.

It has to be the perfect outfit, along with just the right combination of everything else. The vast majority of brides-to-be go bridal dress shopping with a preconception of what they want to buy.

Some brides can end up really disappointed when the magazine pages they have in their hand don't look true to the picture when on their body. So how can you make sure you get it right?

Llinos Davies, buyer at Pleser bridal shop at St Teilo Street, Pontarddulais, has been in the business for 21 years.

Her top tip for brides-to-be is to try things you wouldn't normally consider.

"People can be reluctant to try on something different, but you never know when something will actually look great," she says.

"If you don't like it, that's fine. As for styles this year, vertical layers and feminine vintage dresses are in, but I think what the person likes matters more.

"Ivory will always be the most popular colour.

"Shopping for a wedding dress doesn't have to be stressful — people come in a little bit uptight because they don't know what to ask for, but we take over for them and handle everything."

A wedding dress is probably the most expensive dress you will ever wear. So are brides-to-be spending less on gowns for their big day due to the recession?

"Not really, no," Llinos tells me.

"A lot of people have saved for their dresses, and they come to us with no set budget in mind.

"Spending more doesn't necessarily mean you'll get a dress which suits you better. We have dresses here from £300 which look stunning on some people."

Pleser is one of 45 exhibitors which will be on hand with tips and advice at The Evening Post's Wedding Planner Live show at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday, February 28.

The event will feature everything you can think of to make the big day run smoothly — from men's formal hire, stationery, dresses and photographers, to flowers, chocolate fountains and venues.

It will also see the launch of our competition to win a dream wedding. The Evening Post has got together with The Towers Hotel & Spa to offer one lucky couple everything they'll need for their special day.

S4C's Huw Rees will compere two fashion shows at the event, which give visitors the chance to see how gowns and accessories work together.

Rhapsody Bridal, based in Swansea's Castle Street, will provide wedding gowns for the fashion shows, with Dyfed Menswear of Cross Hands handling the men's attire, Molly's Fashion on Carmarthen Road, Swansea, providing mother of the bride outfits, and fashion designer Helen Rhiannon offering outfits for guests.

The Wedding Planner Live show takes place between 10.30am and 4pm, with fashion shows at 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Related articles:

See the dresses featured with this Evening Post article, along with some Swarovski jewellery, and an article on the best dress for your figure.