5 classic movie wedding gowns for timeless dress inspiration

I don't want to make newly engaged women even more stressed than they probably are but the rumours you've heard are true; choosing your wedding dress is one of the hardest decisions you'll make.

If you graduated from secondary school more than ten years ago, you'll know what I mean. My debs dress was a shiny, light blue monstrosity that did nothing for me. Think Gwyneth Paltrow's pink Oscar gown, but one that cost €99. Now, for a moment there, I could look back on it and not cringe, because the 90s were back and my dress fit the bill in a West of Ireland in 2003 kind of way. But moments in time like that are few and far between, and you don't want to have to hide your wedding album away until your dress comes back into style.

I am also getting married - and soon - and I bought my dress last year on a total whim, with none of my maids around to advise whether or not it was a good idea. Purposefully, I don't have a photo of it  because I know I would convince myself I hate it, but from memory, I'm happy with my choice. I deliberately chose something that wasn't trendy, and I think it's a style that will stand the test of time. Also, it's very, very comfy.

The most important thing about your wedding dress is that it's you. It has to be a style you really like, but don't worry if it's one you've never worn before, that often happens. Don't worry if it's a style you would never have even thought of; like your engagement ring, you don't know what's right for you until you try it on. If it flatters you and if you love it, it's you. Also, trust the wedding shop attendants; in general, they know what they're talking about. Remember, they've seen countless women try on thousands of dresses.

It's well worth browsing for inspiration, though. Magazines, of course, are a brill resource, as are websites like One Fab Day, but so is the silver screen, for classic, timeless wedding style.

These five wedding dresses from the golden age of Hollywood are, as Maria Von Trapp would say, a very good place to start.

• Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music (1965)

• Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face (1957)

• Grace Kelly in High Society (1956)

• Lauren Bacall in How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)

• Mae Clarke in Frankenstein (1931)