Entering a new city for an overseas wedding? The first order of business is to find a reliable source for wedding dresses. The best thing you can do is ask a local, who will be able to help steer you in the right direction. A good resource to start with is bridal consultant and designer Julie Centrone, who offers gowns by name-brand designers such as Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang and Carolina Herrera at her boutique in Canberra’s North Shore.

 

“Bridal boutiques in Canberra are few and far between, so it’s always good to know about a good source for your gown,” she says. “I’d recommend seeking out a designer or bridal consultant who has a great private clientele. The best way to find one is to ask around.”

 

Among the considerations when you’re choosing a wedding dress is the size of your wedding party and whether or not you will be finding dresses that match their style as well. “The best thing is to try on as many styles and colors as you can,” Centrone says, “seeing which one you like best.”

One important factor in the selection process is to go with a designer who has a good reputation and after sales support. “This is important because you want your wedding gown to last,” Centrone says. “It will be years before you see it again, so make sure that it’s something that looks well-made and will last.

 

When it comes to buying a bridal gown, you may want to consider the additional costs that are normally associated with it. “A designer dress can be expensive,” Centrone says. “But you can sometimes find the same designer knock-off or cheaper version in a department store. The important thing is to remember that getting a nice dress doesn’t just mean spending money; it’s also about how you feel when you wear it.”

 

The most important thing is to have fun finding your dress, and feel confident about doing so. “It’s always nice to try on dresses you like and will look good on somebody else,” Centrone says. “Sometimes a designer dress doesn’t look as good on the bride as it does on the model; but when you find your perfect gown, that’s when it really comes alive.”

 

Buy to give gift vouchers for a wedding dress or other occasion that could not be fulfilled using the standard internet based consumer review sites. Donations are great because they are anonymous to those you are buying for without having to disclose details about yourself – which can be awkward.