Christos' Desiree from the spring 2010 collection: Pearl Bridal House will host a Christos trunk show, February 27th.

With your valentines sent and received, and your first true love secure, you’ve got the time and energy to put into finding that other love of your life … your wedding dress.

Lucky for you, it’s this time of year when a lot of new collections are arriving in stores — those divine creations you’ve seen pictures of in the magazines over the last six months are finally on the rack and your local boutiques are excited to make some matches.

For those unfamiliar with the term, a trunk show used to refer to the travelling trunks designers used transport and display new designs. Buyers would dig through the trunks to find merchandise to order for the coming season.

Today, a trunk show is a civilized, service-oriented event; boutiques use the launch of new collections to provide their customers with a one-time opportunity to see an entire line from one designer. While a retailer might represent the Vera Wang bridesmaid line, they will never carry the entire collection for that season. Instead, they will pick and choose up to half the dresses available that they think will perform the best at their store. Trunk shows are held to offer clientel the entire collection for one or two days. Customers are encouraged to make appointments prior to a trunk show, because either a representative of, or the designer will be on-hand to help fit and discuss the range of merchandise available — a little like speed dating.

Andria Anastasiou of White, Toronto says designers will also often bring pieces that have been well received from previous seasons as well, this is another coup for brides who want something slightly different than what will become typically popular throughout the coming season.

Usually, when you attend a trunk show, you have up to one week after to order any item not stocked by the boutique directly from the designer. Boutiques often offer a slight discount when you place an order as a result of the trunk show.

Start your engines … and be prepared for love at first sight.