I haven’t written for a while, but now with my new website finally completed, I thought it was high time I started my blog again, so welcome!

Recently, I have been helping a friend find a wedding dress and I have realised something worth knowing, if you or a friend are embarking on bridal shopping in the near future…you do not have to go down the traditional route when looking for your dress. The wedding dress world has become wider and more affordable and anything goes.

Most wedding dress boutiques require enough time (sometimes 7 months) before your nuptials, for some brides they have less time before their wedding day or, they feel they just don’t want a traditional bridal gown.

So what are the options? Vintage wedding dresses have gained huge popularity over the last few years, you could try Oxfam or look at The Vintage Wedding Dress Company at the helm is Stylist Charlie Brear, who sells her own collection, as well as selected vintage dresses. You could also attend The National Vintage Wedding Fair these events happen up and down the country. We attended a bridal event, with bridal fashion show organised by Rock That Frock  they hold bridal designers such as Milamira, Saja and House of Mooshki.

House Of Mooshki

The high street offer some beautiful and affordable bridal collections Monsoon and Phase Eight have long established bridal collections, new kids on the block are Topshop launching in April. Whatever bride you choose to be, boho, vintage, understated, you will find something that fits the bill. Here are some important tips to remember.

• Don’t only look only at bridal stores or collections, try regular high street collections, for example Coast and Ted Baker have occasion wear that can pass for bridal. Look for white, ivory or blush outfits or dresses within these collections.
• Certain colours like light grey, champagne and gold are good options too, you don’t have to go for ivory or cream,  if they don’t suit your skin tone, (just make sure you send a note out to guests, if you don’t want them in the same colour)
• Think about styles, wedding dress styles should follow the same rules as what is already suits your shape. If you are a pear shape, empire lines are best, for apple shaped, soft drapes around the tummy and shifts, for curvy girls, mermaid or prom styles. And if you are really not comfortable in a dress, then look for a white or cream jumpsuit or trouser suit.
• Try on as many dresses as possible, you may have a few dresses that you like a lot, but you need to LOVE your dress!
• Look at celebrities with the same body shape as you, check out their wedding style.

Back to my friend… we tried Ted Baker, Coast and Debenhams on the high street. But we searched mostly for her wedding dress online, and tried Very, Monsoon, but mostly  ASOS they have great wedding dresses, but be prepared it’s a slower process, as you have to wait for delivery, then try on, then return and then wait for a refund. Also be prepared that the dresses look very different online to how they look in reality. It’s much easier to shop at a big department store or a high street store that holds a bridal collection.

And finally…I did help my friend find the one (not from ASOS in the end)

I will tell you…it’s gorgeous and it’s very her and she has added a twist to it. More will be revealed after the big day (Saturday) and in a later blog  x

ASOS Maya High Neck Midi Tulle Dress

ASOS Chi Chi London Premium Metallic Lace Midi Prom Dress 

ASOS Dobby Mesh Wrap Midi Prom Dress

Coast Dee Dee Dress

Jenny Packham no1 at Debenhams