Everyone loves a wedding but there's always that worry about what to wear. Reporter Ushma Mistry gets some top advice from fashion expert Jackie Allen.

FINDING the perfect outfit for a wedding can be just as gruelling for the guests as it is for the happy couple but our top tips will hopefully help you with some common dilemmas.

With the wedding season in full swing many of us will be attending at least one ceremony this year and according to a recent survey, the average wedding outfit costs around £294.

Wedding fashion consultant Jackie Allen, of The B's Knees in Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, is willing to share her in-depth styling advice with all summer wedding guests.

She says: "Weddings are a time when everyone wants to look their best and can also be a time when you meet people you have not seen in a long time so everyone is out to impress.

"It's probably one of the only times each year when people can really dress up apart from formal work functions, Christmas and New Year."

Shopping for that perfect wedding outfit can often cost a lot of money so most people want a versatile outift they can wear more than once.

Here are Jackie's top tips for the perfect wedding outfit: Don't try to outshine the bride. The bride should definitely be the centre of attention at a wedding. Outlandish outfits are not appropriate and guests should keep it low key and tasteful.

Liz Hurley stole the show at a friend's wedding when she co-ordinated her underwear and bag in a dress slashed to the navel!

This example should not be followed.

If it is a church wedding the outfit should not be too revealing and should be modest and smart.

Hats are not essential but if you love wearing one, then this is the perfect opportunity.

The current trend is a fascinator which is an alternative to a hat and guests don't have to worry about their hair as these are to be worn all day or can simply be pulled out by the comb or hairband which they are attached to.

Some weddings tend to be dressier than others and, if in doubt, check with some of the other guests and find out what they will be wearing.

A wedding is the perfect opportunity to dress up and look your best. Casual clothes are definitely not appropriate, unless stated on the invitation.

An exception to the casual dress code rule is if it is a beach wedding with a barbecue reception or a special themed wedding when an indication of appropriate dress should appear on the invitations.

If you are unsure at all, contact the organiser of the wedding.

A wrap to complement an outfit is always a good option as British weather is so unpredictable!

A coat is not appropriate over a floaty dress but a wrap will keep out the cold as well as look elegant.

Be careful when choosing footwear.

A glamorous stiletto may look fantastic but after a full day of standing, talking to the other guests, the meal and then moving on to dancing at the reception, they may just be a little less comfortable.

If you love high heels, the best idea is to wear the shoes several times before the big day or use Party Feet (small gel insoles), now available to help alleviate that burning feeling.