FINDING YOUR DREAM wedding dress is like no other shopping experience and even if you have a vision of what you want, leave yourself enough time to enjoy looking around. The internet is a great source of inspiration and will give you a good idea of the styles, cuts, colours and designs available before you start shopping.
Searching
Most women love to shop and by planning ahead you will ensure the stress of the wedding will not lessen the enjoyment of finding your dream wedding outfit. Firstly, the web is a hassle-free starting point, but it's also wise to browse the salons yourself to get an overview of what's available. Many high street shops (such as Monsoon, M&S, Next, Debenhams and Frasers) sell bridal wear, and this is a good option if your budget is very limited. However, for the full bridal experience and the widest choice of styles, you can't beat the salons. Once you've seen the collections and narrowed down your choice a little, take along a trusted friend or relative to help make the final selection. Be openminded: you may have always envisaged yourself in a strapless dress but find that a halterneck is more flattering for your shape. Likewise with colour, white could be draining but a warm ivory may suit your complexion; basically, you can't be certain until you try a few dresses on.
Buying
Some salons operate on an appointment only basis and guarantee a one-to-one service; others welcome browsers and experienced staff are on hand should you need assistance. It's worthwhile travelling to salons and boutiques that are off the beaten track; very often they stock individual, beautiful dresses and have time to be more attentive. When you are trying on wedding dresses, you will be slipping into samples of the dresses on offer and once you have decided on the dress, your measurements are taken so that the correct size can be ordered. Most salons require a deposit of 20-50%– each salon has its own policy on credit arrangements and many now have credit payment facilities.
The arrival
A dress can take up to 16 weeks to be made and delivered, so don't leave it until the last minute if you can help it or you risk leaving yourself with a limited choice. Once the dress has arrived, you will be contacted and another fitting is made to ensure the dress fits; most salons provide in-house alterations and you may need two or three additional fittings to get these done. If you have ordered your dress and it has not arrived, contact the retailer to be updated on its progress.
Style
If you are looking for a much higher or lower size than average, try not to leave your choice of gown till the last few weeks. Call a salon first to check if you are unsure of what they stock. But remember, dresses aren't for everyone and there is nothing wrong with choosing something different. Why not channel your inner rock goddess, Bianca Jagger circa 1971, when she married Mick in that infamous white suit? Opt for trousers if that's what you are comfortable in.
Hiring
There are still a few salons that will hire out particular styles of dresses, though it's getting less common. This situation is largely due to the range of choice and affordability of high street dresses on offer now. Options include formal bridal gowns to more casual alternatives that can be worn again and again!
Once-worn
If you are working within a tight budget, once-worn is a fantastic option. In fact, it's a great option if you are looking for a good quality, perhaps even designer dress, at an affordable price. Most will have been worn for a day and then professionally cleaned, before being sold on. It's very important if you are buying a once-worn gown to be absolutely sure that it's what you want, as you are most likely to be buying over the internet.
Selling
The web is the easiest place to sell your wedding dress and aim to do it within a year, so that it is still fashionable for prospective buyers. Dresses which are in demand will fetch a higher resale price; in general, you can expect around a quarter of the original price. But expect to have people wishing to see the dress in person. There are a few shops who will buy and sell but remember, they will take a percentage of the sell-on price. Before selling have it professionally cleaned and after handing over your dress, obtain a written receipt. Oxfam also have a bridal department where you can give away your dress: 27 Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen (Tel: 01224 649 622).
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