It's not a fashion show. It's not for every bride. But it may be where you find the dress of your dreams. Here is what you need to know before you go.

What is a trunk show?

A trunk show is a limited time opportunity to view, select and purchase a bridal gown from a designer's collection.

"A lot of people want to know if they need tickets. A trunk show isn't a fashion show. In the old days, the designer would bring his or her most beautiful pieces in a trunk--literally. Now the dresses are shipped to the store, but the concept is the same. It gives the bride an opportunity to see more from the designer she wants to design her dress," says Cheryl VanDeWalle, manager of the Bridal Salon and Evening Gown Department at Saks Fifth Avenue in St. Louis.

Since shops can't carry every designer's entire line, trunk shows offer brides the chance to see a larger selection from a certain designer.

"We bring our newest dresses -- gowns that have not been shown in stores yet -- for brides to see," says wedding gown designer Janell Berté.

What should you expect?

Trunk shows offer one-on-one interaction with one of the designer's representatives; so expect that you will need an appointment. Call the store ahead of time to schedule a time.

"You will get to work closely with a representative. It's almost as if you are speaking directly with the designer," says Carolyn Arteaga from The Ultimate Bride. "If you find a gown you like but want to have minor changes made to it, you can talk with the rep and have the designer make the changes. Maybe you want a higher neckline or you need to adjust the waist slightly. This is the chance to take a dress and make it a more perfect gown for you."

"When you purchase your dress at a trunk show, the designer can help make changes to make the dress perfect," says Berté. "You don't have to keep looking for perfect dress A that you haven't been able to find. If dress B has the top and dress C has the bottom you can work with the designer to put B and C together and get perfect dress A."

You should expect to buy a dress. Trunk show gowns don't stay at the store. When the show is over, usually after two or three days, the dresses move on to another city and another show.

"There is no opportunity to come back and try on the dress. If your grandmother is paying for the dress and wants to be involved with the selection, bring her to the trunk show. You only have a limited amount of time and you need to be ready and willing to make a decision. You never know when you'll find the dress of your dreams," says Berté.

Expect to try on gowns. Don't roll out of bed and show up at the shop. You want to look radiant in your gown on your wedding day, so put a little effort into shopping. Do your hair and put on makeup. Wear appropriate undergarments. If you have a strapless bra, bring it along. More than likely you won't have the shoes you plan to wear with your gown, but bring shoes that reflect the heel height you plan to wear.

Who should go?

"A trunk show should never be your first time looking at gowns. Trunk shows are for the more serious bride who is interested in a particular designer," says VanDeWalle. "You need to know your budget, your style and the designer you like."

"Hitting every trunk show will drive you crazy," says Arteaga. "You are better off doing your research before you go to a trunk show. Find the designers you like and decide on a price range."

Trunk shows are for brides who are prepared to buy a wedding dress. If you already have taken the time to look at dresses and have identified designers who you like, then you should go to a trunk show. Be sure to make an appointment and be prepared with questions for the representative.

"You need to be serious about buying. It is an opportunity to see an entire collection that was not purchased by a bridal salon. When the trunk show closes the dresses leave and they aren't coming back. You need to be ready to buy," adds VanDeWalle.

Who shouldn't go?

"Don't come in if you haven't been looking at dresses yet. The trunk show will just be confusing," says VanDeWalle.

Don't go to a trunk show until you know your budget and match it with an appropriate designer.

"If you are on a $5000 budget you won't be happy with a trunk show featuring $500 gowns. And if you are on a $500 budget you are wasting your time going to see a designer whose dresses are $5000," says Berté.

Don't go just for fun with your friends. Appointments are limited, so don't take one from a bride who has her heart set on a gown from a particular designer.

Look through some bridal magazines, visit some local bridal shops and get a good idea of the type of dress you want. Then take a look at our schedule of area trunk shows. The dress of your dreams awaits.

This article was contributed by Saint Louis Bride Magazine. If you have questions or comments about this article, please email their editor at nancy.slade@wheremagazine.com.