North East Wedding Dress Shopping: the rules

We caught up with Bex Lombard-Earl from Darlington's Bex Brides to ask for essential advice…

"The wedding dress shopping process is supposed to be one of the most fun parts of your wedding. However, many brides find it extremely stressful.

"Luckily the whole ethos surrounding the wedding dress has changed dramatically over the last five years. Gone are the fixed parameters of what a wedding dress should be, or where you should buy it. The whole process is now both extremely liberating – and completely daunting. Now you can buy to order, choose off the peg, go vintage or preloved. Do you go to an independent boutique or a retail shed? Online from an eBay seller or a recognised brand website?

"For this article I'm concentrating on buying from a physical store – I'll talk about online buying another time…

THE RULES
"Spend time thinking about what styles of dress you like, whether you want something similar in sillhouette to your favourite go-to party dress, or something totally different.

"Think about colours and fabrics, and research and read some blogs. Once you have decided to go dress shopping have a think about an approximate budget. If unsure email a few reputable boutiques with some images of the type of style you like, and ask what price range you would be looking at.

"Decide which boutiques, retail shed or high street stores you wish to visit. Limit your list to six, then ideally whittle that down to three. Why? It is much better to spend time doing your research and visit the right shopping place for you than to risk overwhelming yourself.

"Decide who you wish to accompany you. I always advise groups smaller than six, as it can get very confusing with many opinions.

"Make your appointments and go wearing a nude strapless bra if possible. Take a pair of heels, too.

"Listen to the consultants – don't be shy telling them what you like and dislike on each dress! Having said that be open to their suggestions. Many brides buy the red herring the consultant throws into the mix. They spend every day with ladies in their underwear, so they know their stock and what suits who.

"Do not be pressurised to buy. If you are at all uncertain go and have a coffee. No shop wants a bride who has bought in haste and is repenting at leisure.

"You should also not be despondent if the shops don't have your size – most carry size 14s as they are more flexible. However, many do carry multiple sizes and offer off the peg purchases, so don't forget to do your research. Remember that you will probably be a dress size or two bigger in bridal gowns. Why? Imagine if your everyday clothes had up to seven layers of fabric and multiple boning!

"Finally, don't compromise on what you want for your vision. If you want tea length or boho or backless or full-on Disney princess - GO FOR IT! It's your wedding, so remember that. Everyone else gets their own wedding, so don't let anybody else own your choice of dress.

"Don't forget to smile and enjoy the process - it's fun!"

Find your perfect gown by visiting www.bexbrides.co.uk

Photo courtesy of www.kissthebride.biz