How Do I Decide On A Wedding Dress?
Most brides-to-be feel that the choice of their wedding dress is one of the most important aspects of the whole wedding. After all, she is the the focal point of the day.

The theme of the whole ceremony and reception should be considered when choosing a dress, so consider what your overall vision for the day will be. For example a flowing, fairytale gown may not best suit a modernistic style or registry office ceremony.

Think about things that will make you feel extra special. What will suit your body shape and minimize any problem areas? Do you want to wear white or a colour? Do you want a long or short veil, or no veil at all? Do you wish to honour a family member, such as a mother or grandmother, by wearing their wedding dress, or converting it into something especially for you?

What About Bridesmaids Dresses?
The bridesmaid’s dresses should not overshadow, but compliment or contrast, your wedding dress.

Bridesmaids dresses are often chosen to match the general colour scheme of the ceremony and reception. For example the dresses, flowers, decorations, tablecloths etc may all be the same, or similar, colour. Alternatively they may be a colour which will go together with another chosen colour to create a specially blended theme. It is advisable to consider your bridesmaids ideas, body types and ages in the choice of dresses.

If the bridemaids are to keep their dresses it is an idea to consider dresses which they may be able to use again at other formal occassions. For example something simple and elegant, rather than all frilly and lacy.

Where To Buy A Wedding Dress?
As there are a large number of bridal shops, looking on the internet is one of the fastest and easiest ways to narrow down which shops to visit. Many bridal boutiques have websites showing what they have available and if they might be the right place for you.

Bridal Boutiques vary widely in range and price. Some carry both bulk manufactured gowns, as well as one of a kind exclusive designs. Wedding gowns are usually a fairly expensive purchase and vary between a couple of hundred dollars and several thousand dollars, or even more! Most boutiques offer fitting and alteration services, which can be useful.

Bridal boutiques also usually have a range of bridesmaids dresses, mother of the bride outfits and other wedding attire.

What If I Can’t Find The Perfect Wedding Dress?
Then the answer may be to have a gown specially designed and made for you. This can be a fairly expensive option, but after all, you only get married once (hopefully), so your dress should be perfect for you.

Some bridal boutiques have their own seamstresses who can help with this, and there are many talented dressmakers who work from home or small shops. Once again, the internet can be a valuable tool in finding the ideal person.

It is best to have some idea of what your ideal gown might look like, so that the dressmaker knows how to proceed. Make sure you have ongoing input and approve the designs and creation every step of the way, or you may end up with what the dressmaker thought you wanted, rather than what you actually envisioned!

What If I Can’t Afford A Wedding Dress?
Sometimes the cost of a wedding gown can seem impractical when including all the other expenses involved – as it is a dress which is only worn once.

Check newspapers, and noticeboards for secondhand wedding dresses being sold after use at a much reduced price. They are usually in almost new condition.

Bridal hire shops often sell off surplus gowns at reasonable prices. These are usually in excellent condition.

Charity shops often have used wedding gowns at comparatively cheap prices, which have been donated by brides after their weddings. Some even have stores catering for specialist and evening wear . Buying your wedding dress from one of these places means you are not only finding a cheaper gown, but helping the charity help others.

Hiring is another good alternative if you don’t want the expense of buying a gown that you will wear only once. The range to choose from may not be as extensive as buying new, but it shouldn’t be too hard to find something to suit, even if you have to look around a bit. Look for bridal hire websites on the internet, to find suitable ones to visit.

It is also possible to hire bridesmaids dresses and formal wear for the male members of the wedding party. Hire shops often have good deals for bulk hires, especially if the arrangements are made well in advance of the event.