Engaged actress Hayden Panettiere has kickstarted her search for the perfect wedding gown by modelling designer dresses for a Brides magazine cover shoot.

The Nashville star, who announced her engagement to Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko, 37, in October (13), recently admitted she had yet to start organising her big day, but she has geen given a head start on what to wear thanks to a new photo assignment.

The actress tried on a variety of gowns by designers like Oscar de la Renta, Marchesa and Monique Lhuillier as she posed for the April/May (14) issue of the top bridal publication.

In the accompanying interview, Panettiere revealed her fiance's proposal was "very sweet and simple and genuine", adding, "It wasn't about being overwhelmed by fireworks or a mariachi band. I think it's amazing when people do that, but I like that mine was simple and from the heart."

The actress, 24, also admitted she was already nervous about being the centre of attention at her nuptials: "When eyes have been on me in the past, it's been because of an event, where people see me as a persona, as Hayden Panettiere the actress.

"For the aisle, you're the purest, most emotionally stripped down version of yourself, sharing this raw moment with the most important people in your life. It seems very overwhelming!"