Many brides find it hard to decide the style of dress to wear. Unless they have done their homework, it can take considerable time to figure this out.

Brides need to understand that the vast majority of bridal gowns sold in the UK today are from big bridal dress manufacturers, most of whom manufacture out of the Far East. These dresses are usually ordered for the customer by the bridal stores in the closest standard size and then altered to fit the bride. This is not ideal fit wise, but it is the only way to keep prices down.

There are also a number of designers who mistakenly describe their dresses as couture when in fact they are really made to measure. These are all rather cynical attempts to take advantage of the bride's lack of understanding and to persuade her that she is getting more for her money than she actually is.

Brides can now understand why vintage wedding dress vary so much in price and also in terms of what you get for your money. For example, you can purchase a perfectly adequate off the peg dress, from the larger bridal chain stores, for as little as 300. But at this price, you have to accept that the dress will be mass produced in the Far East, and is unlikely to be in silk fabrics or particularly unique.

Dealing with designers who actually make their own dresses should give brides confidence that the dress will fit properly and be ready in time, which is not always the case with imported dresses, which often have to be altered to fit.Some brides decide to use a dress maker to copy a designer dress to save money. Dressmakers can often under cut designers on price, because they have much lower overheads. But brides considering this option would be well advised get references because this can often prove to be a disaster. Very few dressmakers have the necessary skills or experience to manufacture a comparable dress for less money.

Once the potential bride has decided which stores she should make appointments to visit, the next problem is working out what style of dress will suit her figure and the type of wedding she is having??
Looking through bridal magazines will help, but the quickest way is to go and try dresses on. It is also helpful if the bride is able to get some professional advice on what styles suit her figure, her budget and her venue.