They're not just urban myths or cleverly edited scenes from 'Don't Tell The Bride' designed purely for dramatic viewing. Dress disasters do happen. From internet purchase pitfalls and family bust-ups to budget blowouts - don't get dragged into a dress-buying debacle.
Terry Fox, The White Room
Out of the entire planning process - from the number crunching and menu-tasting to the table plan deliberating - the experience of buying your wedding dress should be a highlight; so don't let it spiral into a stressed-out shopping shambles.
We've enlisted the expert advice from some of Cornwall's finest bridal boutiques to help guide you on the quest for your dream dress with the excitement befitting a bride-to-be...
Mooshki, The Bridal House of Cornwall
"Start looking for your dress as early as possible and don't leave it too late to order." (Elaine Rawlings from County Cream)
Buying your dress isn't the fun bit at the end of a monstrously long to-do list.
Time really is of the essence and your quest should start as early as possible in the planning process.
Mooshki, The Bridal House of Cornwall
"We are increasingly finding that brides are unaware that dresses have to be ordered in for them and that the process can take four to six months," explains Elaine Rawlings of County Cream (countycreambridalhouse.co.uk). "In a culture of order today and deliver tomorrow, brides get a shock when they come in with only three months until their wedding and find their choices limited to possibly off-the-peg."
She expands on the general timings to follow. "Twelve months before your wedding date is a great time to start establishing styles and fabrics that you like and create a 'shape shortlist' i.e. fishtail, A-line, sweetheart neckline. Six months before the wedding is a perfect time to order your dress or even before if you've found the perfect gown."
Elizabeth Stuart, The White Room
If you think you may have already left it too late, don't fret. "Our stockists quite often carry a limited amount of stock and we can often get a dress quicker, but it's best not left to chance," says Elaine.
"Try on all styles - even the ones you think you don't like. You might just be surprised!" (Vicky Wood from The Wedding Company)
You may have a specific vision of how you want to look, but an open mind is vital. Until you sample a range of styles, you won't know for sure what will look good off the rail and catwalks - and on you.
Elizabeth Stuart, The White Room
Remember: you don't want to appear as if you've been playing a game of dress up. Bridal fashion isn't about mimicking your favourite film star or trend: it's self-expression. "Consider your own style," advises Ellen Morgan from Lavender Rose (lavender-rose.co.uk). "After all, you want to look like you on your wedding day, not somebody else!"
"Be open to suggestions and try lots of styles on to find the shape that suits you," she continues. "The boutique owner knows their collection and they will help you select the best gowns for you to try."
Ellis Bridals, County Cream
"Work out what your shortlist of dresses have in common," recommends Vicky from The Wedding Company (weddingcompanycornwall.co.uk). "There's usually a common thread, even if they all look different at first glance."
"Don't go for a pink princess dress if you would ordinarily wear a relaxed tomboy look of Converse and jeans," advises Amanda Kerrison from Amanda K Bridal (amandakbridal.co.uk). "A simple vintage-inspired piece with delicate beading may be just the amount of sparkle you need."
Sophia Tolli, Lavender Rose
"Also, don't be too swayed by trends," she warns. "Just because Kate Middleton wore lace doesn't mean you have to. You know your own personal sense of style as you have been carefully shaping and refining it for years. Ultimately, the most important thing is feeling like you at your best and when you are yourself, you can relax and enjoy the day."
"Don't bring too many people to an appointment with you," (Ellen Morgan from Lavender Rose)
"Too many opinions will just confuse you", explains Vicky. Your voice can become lost amongst the clutter of a dozen gal pals; so carefully select two or three confidantes whose opinion you completely trust.
Sophia Tolli, Lavender Rose
"Make sure you take a few key people with you who know your style and whose opinion you value," affirms Amanda. "We guarantee they will at some point disagree with your choices and you have brought them with you for a reason, but ultimately it's your decision, so stick to your guns: you will know the dress for you."
In short, listen to your audience but remain assertive, otherwise the search could remain an elusive and fruitless experience.
Bellice, Little Anne-Maids
"We recently had a bride who came in with two friends to look at dresses who was so excited to find 'the one'; she made an appointment to show her sisters and put her deposit down. The sisters came in with totally different ideas of what she should wear, said they didn't like her choice before even seeing her in it and so she left deflated with no gown and a wedding date looming!" reveals Amanda.
"Pear-shaped, boyish or hourglass...it doesn't matter! Make sure you love your shape and then find a style that suits it." (Amanda Kerrison from Amanda K Bridal)
"If you are pear-shaped, don't choose a dress with frills around the hips that would just accentuate this further," advises Amanda. "Don't know your shape yet? This is where we come in - we do this all day long and are experts in creating curves, reducing the ripples and making you feel taller and slimmer. We ensure the task becomes a whole lot less daunting and put the fun into the most special shopping spree of your life!"
Bellice, Little Anne-Maids
Ellen agrees. "You have to consider your body shape. A-line will suit everybody, fishtail will suit hourglass figures and sweetheart neckline suits brides with a fuller bust."
Every bridal shape can be dressed to dazzle, so consider your silhouette for maximum impact. Also take into consideration any anticipated weight loss (or gain such as through pregnancy), as well as skin tone, hairstyle and accessories to ensure you're creating an ensemble, not a disjointed mishmash.
Enzoani, Lavender Rose
"Set your budget and be realistic." (Ellen Morgan from Lavender Rose)
You don't want to have to take on extra shifts at work or overload your credit card just to afford your dress. "There is nothing worse than falling in love with a dress that is simply outside of what you can afford. Let the boutique owner know what your maximum is and they will work with you to find something that you can afford," advises Ellen.
"Budget is the dreaded word for any bride," says Amanda. "Don't be afraid to look at dresses a little over your budget; if it is the perfect dress it will be worth it as it's the most important dress you'll ever wear. Make sure you do this early so that you can cut a little off the budget elsewhere."
Enzoani, Lavender Rose
And don't forget to allocate some cash for those all-important finishing touches. "While it is all about the dress, the accessories can make or break it, so remember to consider these in your budget too," advises Amanda. "That sparkling headpiece or stunning chapel length lace edge veil may just be the perfect piece to show your dress at its best."
Many bridal boutiques have stepped up to offer options for brides on a very limited budget. "Don't worry if you are on a tight budget or you have left it a bit late as most shops have sample sales," says Vicky. "At The Wedding Company, we have a sale rail all year round and you can buy straight off the rail."
Alfred Angelo, The Wedding Company
"Consider the time of year in which you're getting married." (Amanda Kerrison from Amanda K Bridal)
The season can have a bearing on the style and fabric of your dress - and even the accessories you choose. "Make your clothes fit to the season," recommends Amanda. "If you're getting married in winter, don't be afraid to try on relevant accessories like fur stoles. For summer weddings, stay away from heavy material and opt for a fabric that lets you breathe. Burgundy and deep tones work well during the cold months, whereas champagne and pale pink can work brilliantly in the heat."
Ellis Bridals, County Cream
After you've considered when you're getting married, look at where. "It's really helpful if you already have your theme or venue in mind which can help you choose a dress that complements the style of wedding you are planning," advises Elaine. "Whether it be formal country house with a vintage twist or a laidback beach affair, it all helps to choose 'the one'."
If you're dreaming of barefoot frolics on the beach, avoid huge ball gowns and sweeping trains, and opt for a light, floaty design. A relaxed rustic wedding in the country also calls for a more laidback look. In contrast, getting wed in a castle or cathedral begs for a little drama, so avoid cocktail party-style frocks and more playful, relaxed styles - and indulge your inner princess.
Annais Bridal, Little Anne-Maids
"Be sure that this is the dress of your dreams when you sign on the dotted line." (Elaine Rawlings from County Cream)
Don't buy a dress if you like it - buy a dress if you love it. "We live in a society where we buy clothing and simply take it back if we change our mind. This is not the case with a bridal gown!" warns Elaine. "In most cases, the gown is being ordered specifically for you and you are not entitled to a refund if, for whatever reason, you no longer want the dress."
Maggie Sottero, Amanda K Bridal
So make sure you've done all your research, visited all the boutiques on your radar and tried on all the dresses you've been eyeing up before you sign a contract. If there's the slightest hint of doubt in your mind, do a little soul-searching - and a little more dress browsing - so you can be sure that you've found 'the one.'
Maggie Sottero, Amanda K Bridal
MADE TO MEASURE
A highly popular option, the made to measure route allows you to choose a wedding dress from the rails of a bridal boutique or collection, which is then made specifically to fit your individual shape.
Maggie Sottero, Amanda K Bridal
OFF-THE PEG
Brides seeking a bargain or running short on time may opt to purchase an off-the-peg dress straight from the rails of a bridal boutique. Bear in mind that it will probably need alterations and you'll need to address any imperfections.
Annais Bridal, Little Anne-Maids
BESPOKE
This is the perfect option for brides seeking a completely unique gown. A one-off dress will be designed and made according to your vision over a series of consultations. Cornwall based couturiers include Anna D'Souza (annadsouzadesigns.co.uk) and Annalise Harvey (annaliseharvey.com).
Essense, Sam Cox Bridalwear
INTERNET
Be warned about so-called 'unmissable' internet bargains. Unless you're buying from a reputable designer or online boutique, the dress may not be the fit, fabric or design you're envisioning - or may not arrive at all. "If the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is!" warns Vicky. What's more, there's a lot to be said for the guidance, support and memorable experience of buying your dress from a bridal boutique or designer.
Annais Bridal, Little Anne-Maids
True Bride, Lavender Rose
White Rose, The Wedding Company
words Hannah May
Copyright Wed magazine 2014
