Weddingjournalonline.com, the online version of Irelands largest Wedding Magazine - Ireland's Wedding Journal.

*Start your search for dresses well in advance: You need to leave enough time for any alterations that may need to be done (usually one month, if not longer before your big day) and also, manufacturers are constantly adding and discontinuing styles and often increasing prices on more popular carry-over ranges.

*Compile a folder of ideas: Magazines (such as Wedding Journal, of course) and the internet (check out weddingjournalonline's dress finder) are wonderful sources of inspiration. Print-out, or take clippings of the styles you like and bring them along to wedding boutiques, so that the assistants can gauge exactly what you are after and provide relevant help and suggestions.

*Take your bridesmaids shopping: An unhappy bridesmaid could spoil your big day, so although the design, colour and style is ultimately your choice, make sure it is a dress you both agree on. There is no point forcing someone into an outfit they feel uncomfortable wearing. For example, you may love a low-cut style, but if one of your bridesmaids is very buxom, they may feel self-conscious.

*Make appointments: Even for bridesmaids, appointments with bridal shops and department stores are a must. You don't want to add to your stress levels by arriving only to find out they can't see you. You might also want to find out what manufacturers they carry and if they carry the ones you are interested in so far.

*Get your girls measured: It is vital to get this done professionally. You can often do this at your first bridal shop or department store. This way you can cross-reference them with the size chart for the manufacturer you have selected in order to ensure you order the size that is closest to your bridesmaids' figures. Most designers make their dresses in accordance with the measurements of their own size chart and not to each individual. As a result, you won't be able to assume that a size 8 from manufacturer ‘A' will fit the same way a size 8 does from manufacturer ‘B'. Also remember that your taller bridesmaids may need to add extra length to their dresses.

* Order all your dresses at the same time: Fabric dye-lots can vary, so unless you order all at once, your dresses could come from different dye-lots - this goes for dyed shoes as well.

SUMMER BRIDESMAID STYLES

*In the warmer weather, slip/sheath dresses are becoming increasingly popular as they flatter a wide variety of figure types, the lighter look matches the season and the style can be easily re-worn as a cocktail dress. These dress styles often come in silk or in sheer chiffon layers.

A-line dresses which look great on all different body shapes and sizes are also very popular. The hottest styles right now are two-tone, two-piece, floor-length styles, mostly sleeveless (strapless and spaghetti straps). Also very popular are column style dresses, floor length, halter-top, or straps criss-crossing over the back and sleeveless. Two-piece separates are also popular.

Sashes, bands and thin belts with small bows are also in style this year - both at the waist and at the midriff.

Another trend, carried over from last year is having a shawl accompany the dress, particularly the barer styles.

COLOURS

The mood of most bridesmaid colours this year is soft, feminine and ethereal. You'll find pastels (pale yellow, powder blue, lavender, soft pink, and pale green, peach), as well as bright, sorbet/sherbet type colours such as tangerine, coral, sea green and lime. Bright fluorescent colours, such as fuchsia and electric blue, are also popular choices. In fact, this summer, anything goes. One of the hottest colours right now for bridesmaid dresses is purple - lavender, violet, plum, etc.

FABRICS

Popular fabrics at the moment, include European satin, iridescent organza, silk, luminescent chiffon and iridescent taffeta.

ACCESSORIES

Accessories, such as shoes, gloves, shawls, purses and hair combs should also be decided upon once the bridesmaid dresses have been selected. Again shop around and browse websites and magazines for inspiration.

Also consider what colour hosiery you want everyone to wear, as well as bras and slips if applicable.